When you have extra space between two teeth, dentists call it Diastema. Gaps between teeth are quite common in the upper front teeth (midline), but gaps can occur between any two teeth. People often don’t like their gapped teeth, but diastema creates oral health issues as well. If you’ve or your child has gaps between two or more teeth, read this blog to know how orthodontics treatment can help you.
What Causes Gap in Teeth?
The gaps between teeth never occur suddenly. They form gradually over a period of time. However, some common causes of the gap in front teeth are:
a. Small teeth for comparatively larger jaws
If a person’s teeth are too small, relative to the size of their jawbone, gaps may develop between the teeth.
b. Missing or undersized teeth
If a person has a missing tooth, a diastema can develop on either side of the two adjacent teeth. If the upper lateral incisors are relatively small, a gap can develop between the two front teeth.
c. Incorrect swallowing reflex
If a person has a habit of pushing his or her tongue against the front teeth when swallowing, a gap can form due to the repetitive pressure against the front teeth.
d. Poor Habits
In children, thumb sucking, lip sucking, tongue thrusting, and similar habits can put the front teeth forward, leading to diastemas.
e. Gum disease
Gum disease causes inflammation that results in damage to the bone that supports the teeth. As a result of that, teeth become loose and gaps can appear.
Problems with Gaps in Teeth
Teeth don’t function properly unless they are properly aligned. Teeth gaps can cause serious problems if left untreated. These problems include:
- Lack of confidence in appearance due to the aesthetic appearance
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Cracked and worn teeth as a result of misalignment
- Snoring and sleep apnea as abnormal bite makes nose breathing impossible
How to Fix Gaps in Teeth?
Some people have no aesthetic issues as a result of gaps between their teeth. Even if you don’t have any issue with diastema from an aesthetic point of view, it’s important to seek treatment from a reliable dental clinic.
The gaps in the teeth can be fixed with the help of orthodontics treatment. There are several orthodontics options available at our dental clinic in San Antonio.
- The most popular choice when it comes to orthodontic treatment for teeth gaps is Invisalign. Invisalign are custom-made aligners that can fit perfectly in your mouth. They are virtually unnoticeable. At South Flores Family Dental in San Antonio, we offer orthodontic treatment using Invisalign, an innovative option that uses transparent plastic aligners to nudge your teeth into their proper places.
- The most common orthodontic appliance to fix gaps in the teeth is traditional metal braces. Metal braces are the perfect option for individuals with moderate to several teeth gaps. Metal braces also come in several colors. Generally, people need to wear these metal braces from six months to a year based on the size of the gap. You need to consult with your orthodontist to discuss how long you need to wear metal braces to fix your diastema.
- Lingual braces are a discreet way of addressing gapped teeth. Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces but they’re fixed to the back of your teeth.
Conclusion
A gap between your teeth can cause tooth decay, gum diseases, and impact your aesthetic looks. The good news is that some teeth gaps can be treated easily with orthodontic options. The best way to find out which orthodontic treatment will work for you is to give us a call! Dr. Martin G. Garcia at South Flores Dental Clinic in San Antonio will discuss your long-term goals with you to determine whether orthodontic treatment is an appropriate course of action for your gapped teeth problem. Call (210) 225-3333 to book a consultation.
