Gapped teeth, also referred to as diastema, mean there’s a space between two teeth. These spaces are usually between the front teeth. However, they can be anywhere in the mouth. Some individuals choose to accept the gap in their teeth as natural beauty, while others seek ways to close these spaces to improve their aesthetics. Before moving towards different treatment options, it is important to understand tooth gaps and the underlying factors that cause them. So, this blog explores everything you need to know about gapped teeth, including causes and treatment options.
What are Gapped teeth?
Diastema means spaces between your teeth that can appear in any area of your mouth. These spaces are often more noticeable between the two upper front teeth.
In children, these gaps often close naturally when permanent teeth erupt. However, with the emergence of different orthodontic treatments, closing the gaps between teeth has become much easier for adults too.
What Causes Gapped Teeth?
Gapped teeth are a common dental misalignment that can occur in anyone. The following are the usual causes.
Genetics
One of the most common causes of having gaps between your teeth is genetics. For instance, if anyone in your family has gapped teeth, chances are that you will develop them as well.
Mismatched Jaw and Teeth Size
When your teeth are too small compared to your jawbone, spaces can form between them. It can also occur when some teeth are significantly smaller than others.
Thumb-Sucking or Tongue Thrusting
Children who suck their thumbs for an extended period may develop gapped teeth. The pressure from the thumb pushes the front teeth forward and creates gaps between them. Moreover, tongue thrusting can also lead to tooth gaps, where individuals push their tongue against their teeth while swallowing.
Gum Disease
Poor oral health leads to the development of gum disease. Once an individual develops gum disease, it can weaken the gums and bone structure, causing teeth to shift and creating spaces.
Enlarged Frenum
The labial frenum is a piece of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. If it is too large, it can push the two central incisors apart from each other and create a gap.
Missing Teeth
Sometimes individuals have missing teeth due to early tooth loss, dental injury, or trauma. Missing teeth means having a space between teeth, which could also cause the remaining ones to move and shift further, causing more gaps.
How to Fix Gapped Teeth
Gapped teeth can often impact your overall confidence, making you feel insecure about smiling whenever you want. However, since the advancements in orthodontics, you can now get your gapped teeth fixed with any of the following orthodontic treatments.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have revolutionized the entire teeth straightening process. They have emerged as a popular alternative to metal braces. Aligners are plastic trays that are customized to each individual’s dental structure for a snug fit. They are best known for treating mild or moderate dental issues. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional braces for offering an effective and comfortable smile transformation.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces, or commonly known as metal braces, are the most common and oldest known teeth straightening method. They are composed of metal brackets that are fixed on the surface of the teeth and tightened with the help of wires. Metal braces help to treat all types of misalignments, from mild to severe ones. The treatment duration depends on the severity of the case. But metal braces usually take more than a year to treat diastema.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are like metal braces, but tooth-colored, which makes them less visible. They are effective for all sorts of cases, from mild to even severe gaps, just like traditional braces. The treatment duration depends on the severity of the case.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic option for individuals who do not want to undergo lengthy orthodontic procedures. Your orthodontist will place a tooth-colored composite resin to conceal the gap between your teeth. It is a quick and effective procedure; however, it depends on the severity of the gap.
Veneers
Veneers are porcelain, customized shells that are permanently fixed to the front tooth surface. They help to close the gaps between teeth and uniformly align teeth. It is also a quick and effective approach to conceal gapped teeth.
Treatment Options for Gapped Teeth
Here is a tabular representation of some of the treatment options for gapped teeth. By understanding each of the options, you can make an informed decision to fix your dental misalignment.
| Treatment Options | Composition | Ideal for | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Metal brackets with wires | Treats mild to severe cases. | 12 - 24 months |
| Clear Aligners | Invisible plastic trays | Mild to moderate cases | 4 - 6 months |
| Veneers | Thin porcelain shells cover gaps | Treat moderate gaps with aesthetic concerns. | 2 - 3 visits |
| Dental Bonding | Tooth-colored resin | For small aesthetic concerns | Single visit |
| Ceramic Braces | Tooth-colored brackets and wires | Mild to severe cases | 12 - 24 months |
How to Reduce Gap Between Teeth Naturally At Home
Some people prefer non-invasive methods to close gaps in teeth. While results may vary, the following are some of the options to fix teeth gaps naturally at home. However, care must be taken, and you must consult with your orthodontist.
- Dental Exercises - Certain oral exercises may help shift your teeth slightly over time.
- Orthodontic Bands - Small rubber bands designed to bring teeth closer together.
- Maintain Good Oral Health - Strong gums & teeth prevent unnecessary shifting.
- Use Retainers: A retainer can help keep teeth aligned after orthodontic treatment.
Smilepath to the Rescue
Smilepath is one of the leading clear aligner brands offering hassle-free teeth straightening. If you have gaps between your teeth and are looking forward to a discreet solution, our clear aligners can be the right fit for you. They are composed of BPA-free plastic that helps to ensure a smooth and safe straightening journey.
How Do Smilepath Clear Aligners Work?
​Smilepath Clear Aligners offer a convenient and discreet way to straighten your teeth remotely. Here's a brief overview of how our at-home process works:​
Initial Assessment
Take an online initial assessment to check whether you are eligible for a clear aligner treatment. Our smile expert will check your case and suggest a treatment plan accordingly.
Impression Taking
After the assessment survey, if you are eligible, you'll receive an impression kit to create molds of your teeth. Our aligners are customized according to each individual’s dental structure for a perfect fit. Send your impressions back to us with the help of the included prepaid shipping label.
Customized Aligners
Get a 3D smile projection of your expected outcome. On approval, our experts will curate your aligners according to the impressions you sent.
Wearing the Aligners
You'll wear each set of aligners for 10 days, 20-22 hours daily. You can only remove them for eating and oral hygiene. You must ensure to adhere to the wear time of your aligners to achieve optimal results within the given time.
Why Choose Smilepath?
- Offers you at-home dental treatment services.
- Quick noticeable results within just a few months.
- Expert craftsmanship offers you affordable treatment without compromising the quality.
- Customized treatment plan to fit your needs.
Gapped Teeth: A round up
Gapped teeth may be charming for some and a cosmetic concern for others. Whether you choose to embrace your gap or fix it, it’s important to understand the causes and available treatments. From dental bonding to clear aligners, modern solutions make it easy to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Smilepath offers at-home clear aligner treatment for those looking forward to a discreet and comfortable teeth straightening journey.
FAQs
The gap between teeth, depending on their sizes, can be fixed by braces, clear aligners, bonding, veneers, and teeth implants.
Many factors can cause sudden gaps in your teeth, including tongue thrusting, gum disease, or teeth movement due to a missing tooth.
Some natural methods, such as dental exercises, orthodontic bands, and good oral hygiene, can help you fix these spaces. However, Smilepath aligners are the best option for effective and quick at-home solutions.
Diastema or gaps between teeth symbolize different things in different cultures; some cultures see them as beauty and uniqueness in aesthetics or as luck.
Yes, braces can fix the gap between the teeth. It is a common and effective method. But it is also a costly method.
A lack of vitamin D and calcium can weaken bones and teeth, resulting in teeth moving out of their proper positions or spaces.
Citations:
Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Teeth - gapped teeth. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-gapped-teeth
Cirino, E. (2019, August 30). What is a frenum? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/frenum
Abraham R, Kamath G. Midline diastema and its aetiology-a review (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25073229/). Dent Update. 2014 Jun;41(5):457-60, 462-4. Accessed 7/15/2022.
Kabbach W, Sampaio CS, Hirata R. Diastema closures: A novel technique to ensure dental proportion (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30367823/). J Esthet Restor Dent. 2018 Jul;30(4):275-280. Accessed 7/15/2022.
Wheeler B, Carrico CK, Shroff B, et al. Management of the Maxillary Diastema by Various Dental Specialties (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29245001/). J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018 Apr;76(4):709-715. Accessed 7/15/2022.
Leonard, J. (2023d, September 24). What is a diastema? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diastema
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