How to Fix Diastema

A diastema is a common dental malady in which a space between two teeth measures more than 0.5 millimeters. They are not harmful to the health of your teeth and are relatively easy to fix.

A diastema can be caused by any number of things including tongue thrusting or poor oral hygiene. These things can be avoided so if you begin to notice a gap between your teeth and are guilty of poor oral hygiene or tongue thrusting, try to fix these habits before seeking correct treatment or else your treatment could be wasted time and money.

If you have noticed a gap in your teeth, speak with your dentist so they can review your options with you and determine which one will best suit your lifestyle and financial needs. Below are some options that you may be presented.

Orthodontic Treatment

Braces: Depending on your individual case, a set of braces can be worn from six months up to two years to correct spacing issues. Braces use tension to pull the teeth in and rotate when necessary to give you a straight, beautiful smile. After braces come off, your other dentist will fit you with a retainer that you will sleep in to keep your teeth straight and prevent spaces from returning.

Clear Aligner Therapy: This is another orthodontic treatment that is ideal for patients who cannot tolerate metal braces or perhaps are adults in the workforce and do not want a mouth full of metal in corporate meetings! The most commonly known brand for clear aligners therapy is Invisalign. Your treatment will consist of a series of clear plastic trays that are worn over the entire surface of your teeth and slowly pull and rotate your teeth into position, eliminating all spaces. You will also need to wear a retainer after treatment to keep your teeth straight and prevent spaces from returning.

Restorative Treatment Options

If the thought of months in treatment is enough to make you forget about fixing your diastema, you are in luck because there are several non-ortho options available!

Composite Bonding: Dental bonding can be used to close the gap by widening each tooth just a little bit. Bonding is quick and easy but it is susceptible to staining and shipping. It can last up to 10 years but every case is different and some people can only make it last a couple of months.

Veneers: Dental veneers are very thin wafers that fit over the front surface of your teeth. Veneers can be made a little bit larger than your natural teeth to close the gap. Veneers are fabricated using porcelain and are significantly stronger than bonding and can easily last up to 20 years. Veneers also do not stain and are not quick to chip!

Crowns: Crowns are usually only used if there is also decay in the teeth of the gap. Crowns fit over the entire surface of the tooth and like veneers, can be fabricated a little bit larger than your natural teeth to close the gap. Crowns do you require a more significant loss of tooth structure than veneers so if you don’t need a crown for medical reasons, it is best to stick with veneers. Crowns are also made using porcelain and can also last up to 20 years.

In extreme cases, dental implants may also be used to close a diastema. Speak with your dentist to determine if any of these options are right for you or if a simple retainer would solve all your problems!

More on Diastema : What Causes Diastema?