If you have diastema — or a teeth gap, as it is commonly known — then you are one of many, many people. Madonna confidently flaunts the gap in her front teeth. Other people have their teeth gaps removed. Which category do you fall under?
Whether you want to get rid of your gap or just understand how it came to exist, read on.
Most gaps between the teeth usually happen between the middle upper teeth. Less often, they occur between the middle lower teeth. That said, they can happen between any two teeth.
Depending on the individual, gaps in the teeth are a result of one of the following causes:
Labial fraenula (singular: fraenum) are tissues in the middle of the inner lips that attach the lip to the gum. One connects the upper lip and upper gum, while another connects the lower lip and lower gum. When the fraenum grows toward the base of the teeth, it separates the middle teeth on the upper or lower jaw.
Some people have a minute sliver of gum tissue that grows between the teeth. Sometimes, the tissue grows so much that it separates the teeth. The overgrowth usually happens between the upper middle front teeth.
When the teeth are too small to fill up all the space in the jawbone, gaps form between the teeth. Orthodontic treatments are often used to close the gaps.
The jawbone may have extra teeth. These block the proper ones from growing out of the gum, thus creating a gap. In this case, the gap is caused by a tooth that should have erupted but never did. An orthodontist may recommend minor surgery to correct the gap.
Some people are born with a jawbone that lacks one or more teeth or tooth sockets.
Habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting may cause misalignment of the teeth, which may, in turn, cause teeth gaps.
Gum disease and tooth decay often result in missing teeth. Such gaps are corrected by replacing the missing teeth and removing the underlying cause of the problem (curing gum disease and maintaining oral health).
Generally, teeth gaps can be fixed in one of four ways:
1. In the case of misaligned jaws and teeth, orthodontic treatments like braces and retainers can be used to re-align the jaw or the teeth or to bring the teeth closer together.
2. In more severe cases of malocclusion, orthodontic surgery can be performed to correct problems in the jaw.
3. Tooth replacement is used to correct gaps caused by missing teeth.
4. Cosmetic dentistry treatments like veneers and bonding are used to correct smaller teeth gaps.
If you want to remove your teeth gap, consult your dentist. They will diagnose the cause of the gap and advise you on the best treatment options to remove the gap in your teeth.
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