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Teeth Gaps: Why They Happen and How to Fix Them
Teeth gaps, also referred to as diastema, are a very common dental issue that most people face. Such spaces can appear between any two teeth but are most commonly visible in the front teeth. Though some embrace the gaps as a part of their unique smile, others may consider treatments for aesthetic or functional purposes.
What Are Teeth Gaps?
A teeth gap refers to a noticeable space between two teeth. It can vary in size and location, affecting one’s smile or oral health depending on its cause and severity. While gaps are often harmless, they can sometimes impact chewing, speech, or overall dental alignment.
Causes of Teeth Gaps
Several factors can lead to the formation of teeth gaps, including:
- Genetics: If gaps run in your family, you may inherit them.
- Mismatch in size of jaw or teeth: more space is developed when the jaws are large than the teeth size.
- Habit: thumb-sucking or pushing of the tongue forward can expand the space where the teeth touch each other as in children
- Missing or miniature teeth: lacking teeth or undersized teeth give room for this gap
- Long labial frenum: that tissue connecting lip to gum interrupts the alignment.
- Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth shifting and gaps due to bone loss.
Types of Teeth Gaps
- Midline Diastema: A gap between the two upper front teeth.
- Generalized Diastema: Gaps scattered across multiple teeth due to jaw-tooth size mismatch.
- Localized Diastema: Gaps caused by missing teeth or other specific issues in a certain area.
Before and After debtal Implants
Treatments for Teeth Gaps
We can treat you in Dr. Gowd’s Dental Clinic to close or reduce the gap between your teeth based on your preferences and needs for oral health:
- Braces and Aligners: Orthodontic solutions that gradually move your teeth closer to each other, either with braces or Invisalign.
- Dental Bonding: A tooth-colored resin filling the gaps.
- Veneers: Thin custom-made porcelain cover reshaping and closing the gap.
- Frenectomy: The surgical removal or repositioning of the frenum, typically indicated in instances that result from an oversized labial frenum.
- Dental Implants or Bridges: Fill gaps due to missing teeth effectively using implants or bridges.
Why Choose Dr. Gowd's Dental Clinic?
Teeth gaps can affect your confidence and oral health, but they’re treatable. At Dr. Gowd’s Dental Clinic, Hyderabad, our expert team is here to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile tailored to your needs.
Medically Reviewed
Last Reviewed on 28/01/2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most common question that raised in patientsÂ
Are teeth gaps harmful?
Most gaps are harmless, but large gaps can trap food, affect chewing, or increase the risk of gum disease.
Can teeth gaps close naturally?
In children, gaps may be closed by erupting permanent teeth; in adults, they should be treated.
How long do teeth gaps take to fix?
It depends upon the treatment that may take even months to years in case of braces or aligners, but in case of bonding or veneers, can be done on a single visit.
Are teeth gaps genetic?
Yes, dental gaps can also be hereditary as they usually occur due to inherited jaw size or tooth-size discrepancies.
Can braces permanently cure teeth gaps?
Yes, braces or aligners can permanently close gaps, but retainers are often needed to prevent them from opening up again.
Can teeth gaps be fixed without braces?
Of course, non-orthodontic options such as dental bonding, veneers or implants can nicely fill in gaps.
Dr. Gowds
S.B.R’s, C.V Towers, Flat No. 402, Above Karachi Bakery, Opp. Pizza Hut, Hi-tech City, Madhapur, Hyderabad-500081. Official Website: https://drgowd.in/
