Diastema Between Teeth

A diastema is an increased gap between the upper central incisors.

This aesthetic issue can cause speech difficulties. To identify the cause of the gap between the incisors, x-rays and panoramic radiographs are usually recommended. Treatment can involve therapeutic, surgical, orthopedic, or orthodontic methods.

The cost of treatment in our clinic with braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances is lower than the average cost in Odessa.

Complete list of services for diastema treatment:

• Bite determination using a face bow
• Ligature braces
• Metal braces (per month for two rows of teeth)
• Ceramic braces (per month for two rows of teeth)
• Simple treatment with aligners — up to 5 trays
• Medium-complexity aligner treatment — up to 10 trays

The gap between the incisors can be caused by several factors:

• Incorrectly attached or oversized frenulum This can cause teeth to shift, increasing the gap between them.
• Enlarged bone septum This anomaly is common in the upper jaw.
• Small incisors One of the frequent causes of diastema.
• Extra tooth buds Occasionally, extra tooth buds resembling spikes may form near the front teeth, creating gaps.
• Childhood habits Sucking the thumb (which pushes the front incisors forward, causing a gap), chewing pencils, etc.
• Problematic tooth replacement Deviations in the dental system, including increased spaces between teeth, may occur due to early or late loss of baby teeth.
• Partial adentia
• Hereditary factors In about half of the cases, the gap between the incisors is inherited.

It is recommended to consult a dentist if you have a diastema. After an oral examination and diagnostic tests, the appropriate treatment will be selected. Ignoring the defect can lead to complications such as dental diseases, speech problems, periodontitis, tooth loosening, or loss.

A diastema can interfere with the correct pronunciation of certain sounds.

Incorrect biteIf the teeth are misaligned, they need correction, as the jaw is subjected to uneven pressure daily. This can distort the shape of the jaw, affect the facial contour, cause clicking sounds when opening and closing the mouth, and disrupt breathing. It also increases the risk of cavities, periodontitis, and enamel wear. After diagnosis, the dentist will choose a personalized treatment method.

Psychological discomfortIn most cases, people consider a gap between teeth an aesthetic flaw. They tend to smile less, talk less, and become withdrawn. This can lead to neurological issues.

Speech defectsA diastema can affect the pronunciation of certain sounds.

Injury to mucous membranesA misaligned bite or large teeth can injure the gums, even during meals.

Bone tissue atrophyIf the gap exceeds 2 mm, insufficient pressure on the bone tissue may lead to atrophic processes.

Difficulty biting and chewing foodThis can negatively affect digestion and, in turn, the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment of a diastema is unnecessary if a child’s bite has not yet fully developed. The gap may naturally close as the baby teeth fall out, usually by ages 12-14.

For adults, treatment is also unnecessary if the bite is correct and the teeth are well-aligned. In such cases, the decision is left to the patient.

Teeth are often considered a signature feature for celebrities, so they are expected to be flawless. However, many stars see their tooth gap as a unique feature, part of their image. Celebrities like Brigitte Bardot, Ornella Muti, Lauren Hutton, and Vanessa Paradis are known for embracing their diastemas.

Dakota Johnson, the main character in Fifty Shades of Grey, chose to correct her diastema, as did Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Cruise, and Nicolas Cage. Meanwhile, director Oliver Stone, Eddie Murphy, Laurence Fishburne, and Woody Harrelson proudly smile without hiding their gaps.

For effective treatment, proper classification is essential. Diastemas can be:

• False diastema This occurs when a temporary bite is being replaced by a permanent one. It is a normal, natural process in childhood, and the gap usually disappears once the bite is fully formed.
• True diastema This defect persists and may even worsen after all the baby teeth have been replaced. It requires professional dental care.

Depending on tooth positioning:

• Symmetrical diastema The upper central incisors are evenly spaced apart along their entire height.
• Asymmetrical diastema One of the incisors shifts to the side.

A diastema is easily identified through visual examination. To determine the cause, additional diagnostics may be recommended:

• X-ray This helps assess the position of the tooth roots.
• Panoramic radiograph Evaluates the dental system and identifies abnormalities.
• Impression taking, used to create a plaster model of the jaw. This helps to classify the diastema and design suitable braces or appliances.

After diagnosing and identifying the cause and type of the problem, the dentist will develop an individual treatment plan. All available methods, their advantages, and costs are discussed with the patient.

There are several ways to close a tooth gap:

Therapeutic This method is suitable for closing small gaps. The dentist restores the tooth by adding composite material to the crown.

Braces A non-removable appliance designed to correct bite by moving teeth into their proper positions. Recommended for fully developed bites.

Braces treatment by the best orthodontists in Odessa.

Veneers Thin overlays used to mask the diastema. Veneers are ideal for small teeth or minimal gaps.

Getting veneers from the best prosthodontists.

Aligners Removable trays that close the gap between teeth. Aligners are more convenient, transparent, and discreet compared to braces, but are more expensive.

The following methods are preparatory steps for orthodontic treatment or veneer placement:

• Frenectomy Surgical correction is necessary if the frenulum is thickened or improperly attached. This is a quick, minimally invasive procedure with a short recovery period.
• Extraction of retained or extra teeth, which have caused the front teeth to shift.
• Prosthesis placement Missing molars, premolars, or lateral incisors can trigger diastema formation.

• Why might a gap form over time?

  A diastema may appear over time due to tooth loss, untreated bite issues, or hereditary factors. Regardless of the cause, it's recommended to consult with a dentist.

• What to do if a child has a gap?

  Parents often seek treatment for a child’s tooth gap. However, in adolescence, it's important to maintain proper oral hygiene and eliminate habits like thumb-sucking or pencil-biting, which can lead to gaps. If the bite has fully developed but the gap remains, a visit to the dentist is recommended.