A diastema is a gap between the upper and lower front teeth. The size of the teeth in relation to the size of the jawbone is the most common cause of diastema. Simply put, if the teeth are too small for the mouth, gaps between them may emerge because both the size of the teeth and the size of the jaw are usually inherited. Orthodontics or restorative dentistry are used to close diastemas. The incorporation of composite is a really successful procedure.
A diastema happens due to the mismatch of the teeth and the jaw. It does not have symptoms. However, spaces caused by a tongue thrust habit or periodontal disease will tend to expand or grow with time. The teeth may become loose, and discomfort or pain may occur, particularly during biting or chewing.
Every situation is different. Using braces or Invisalign, a single small gap can be healed in 6-9 months; numerous gaps can take anywhere from 12 months to 2 years to properly close in a safe, effective, and long-lasting manner.
Diastemas can be treated with orthodontics or restorative dentistry. Orthodontists can relocate teeth within an arch to close space by using brackets, detachable appliances, or transparent matrixes. When a diastema is caused by an enormous labial frenum, the dentist may suggest a frenectomy, which involves removing the extra tissue. Patients could use a temporary filling material, but this won’t look good or be durable. A straightening kit is a better solution if you don’t want to visit a dentist and treat yourself at home. It’s still a better idea to have regular dental checkups to ensure good overall oral health.
It’s common for newborn teeth to have gaps between them. As more adult teeth emerge, gaps between adult front teeth frequently fill on their own. Braces or another therapy may be required for older children and adults to close the gap. It really depends on what is defined by the term ‘naturally.’ Braces, veneers, and bonding may not be considered natural, but they are safe and effective and deliver natural-looking results.
There is a trend in social media for people to use elastic bands around their gappy teeth to try and pull them together. The American Association of Orthodontists reported on the trend in 2017, saying that it is harmful and causes more damage than it is trying to fix.
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