Tooth gaps or spacing between teeth are very common. A diastema is a medical term that refers to the teeth gap and spacing. These tooth gaps can be present because of multiple causes and would require correction for functional and aesthetic reasons.
What Causes Teeth Gaps?
The various reasons for teeth gaps are:-
Genetics
The jaw size and tooth size are individually inherited from each parent. The inheritance of a large jaw and small teeth size leads to a spaced out dentition.The teeth spread out to accommodate the entire jaw thus creating tooth gaps.
Missing Teeth
Tooth loss due to decay or tooth mobility/loosening leads to spacing between two teeth. If the missing tooth is not replaced for a long time then the adjacent and opposite tooth will shift into the empty space thus changing the overall bite and teeth alignment.Â
Thumb Sucking or Tongue ThrustingÂ
Childhood habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are natural infant reflexes and serve as important developmental and self-soothing features. These habits though important at the early stage, it requires cessation before the age of 3 or 4 years. Prolonged thumb sucking or tongue thrusting leads to dental complicationsÂ
Gum ProblemsÂ
In cases of gum problems like periodontitis leads to bone loss around teeth. This severe bone loss around teeth increases tooth mobility and creates spacing between two teeth.
Presence of Thick Frenulum
A labial frenum or frenulum is a tissue band that connects the inner surface of the lip to the gums of the front teeth. Each jaw has a frenum in the region of the front teeth. In some cases this tissue is thick or has a low attachment because of which a gap is created in the front teeth. A consultation with experienced dentists in Lokhandwala Andheri West can help determine the underlying cause and suitable treatment option.
Should You Consider Gap Teeth Filling for Every Tooth Gap?
Even though teeth spacing might not be a part of an ideal smile, not every tooth gap needs to be treated. Teeth gaps require treatment in the following cases:-
- Tooth gaps causing food retention and are difficult to cleanÂ
- Aesthetic or cosmetic reasons
- If the spacing affects speech, bite,chewing functions or any other issues associated with teeth spacing
What Are the Options for Gap Teeth Filling?
The various options for closing teeth gaps are:-
Dental Bonding for Gap Teeth Filling
Composite bonding also known simply as tooth colored fillings can be done to close teeth gaps. Composite bonding can be done in specific cases where minor tooth gaps are present. Bonding helps to give you a natural-looking, polished smile.
Braces
Braces are a great option to treat larger and multiple teeth gaps. Orthodontic movement with the help of braces effectively brings the teeth closer. It corrects the teeth gaps and stabilizes the bite to prove aesthetics and overall function. Different treatment options are available based on the patient’s dental condition, including different types of braces.
Clear Aligners for Gap Teeth Filling
A discreet way to treat multiple teeth with gaps and unstable bite. Clear aligners successfully correct your teeth position while being invisible over your smile. Clear aligners require discipline for regular and consistent wear time. The overall treatment cost can vary, with clear aligners cost in Andheri West depending on the complexity and duration of treatment.
Veneers for Gap Teeth Filling
While braces and clear aligners treat the teeth gaps by correcting the teeth position and alignment, Venners correct the teeth shape and size to close the minor gaps in between teeth. Venners can overall optimize your teeth shape,size and color thus making it a good cosmetic option for your smile.
Crowns for Gap Teeth Filling
Crowns are usually not the first choice for treating tooth gaps, but in cases where teeth gaps are associated with heavily decayed or damaged tooth structure then crowns become unavoidable. Find out more about dental crown cost in Andheri West and the factors that can influence the cost.
Bridge or Implant for Missing Tooth Gaps
In case of gaps caused by missing teeth, a bridge or an implant such placed to replace the missing teeth. A dental bridge can be an option for replacing a missing tooth, and the bridge dental cost in Mumbai depends on factors such as the type of bridge and number of teeth involved
Frenectomy for Gap Teeth
This is a small surgical procedure done in special cases where the midline gap or diastema of teeth is caused because of a thick frenulum or low attachment of the frenum.
How to Choose the Right Gap Teeth Filling Option?
Gap type | Treatment |
Small gaps | Composite bonding, Veneers or minor orthodontic correction |
Moderate gaps | Orthodontic correction with aligners or braces |
Large gaps or multiple spacing issues | Orthodontic correction |
Missing tooth gaps | Bridge or implant |
Cosmetic concerns | Smile designing that might involve orthodontic correction with aligners/braces and veneers |
Benefits Of Treatment
Getting your teeth gaps treated can help you in several ways.It can:-
- Improve smile aestheticsÂ
- Give better confidenceÂ
- Help improve speech or chewing efficiency in some case
- Reduce food trapping and therefore help maintain good oral hygiene
