diastema It is the technical name that dentists give to what we colloquially call separated teeth. In addition, having teeth with some degree of separation is a very common situation and does not really represent any dental disease.
However, if the degree of separation is very large, it can have psychological implications that affect the patient’s self-esteem. For this reason, it is considered an aesthetic type affectation and there are several procedures that can be used to correct the separation of the teeth or improve their appearance.
We tell you a little more about separated teeth and what is the solution.
When to consider treatment for gaps?
The location of the gap between the teeth is something that is determined depending on how serious the situation is. Normally it is the upper centrals. Although in some cases this condition also affects the sides and the group of lower teeth.
In general, gaps appear during childhood and tend to correct themselves, to a greater or lesser extent, when the change to permanent teeth is made.
In some cases, in which the separation is very pronounced, it is maintained throughout adulthood and it is at this time that many people decide to solve the situation in order to have a better smile on their faces.
However, before proceeding to correct this condition, it is necessary to establish its cause. Among the most common we find the following:
1. A upper jaw bone that has a disproportionate size in relation to the teeth, these are very small and do not cover the area of the maxilla creating the dental spaces.
2. The labial frenulum It is a fold of skin that is located in the center of the lips and that joins them to the gums. When this fold is very thick or fibrous, it may tend to occupy the space between the central teeth.
3. When the first dental pieces, or milk teeth, are very small, it is normal to see that children have this separation. It is usually corrected with the permanent teeth.
4. Habits of hyperactivity with the tongue. Some people develop the bad habit of mechanically pulling their tongue between their teeth causing separation.
As you can see, depending on the cause of the separation of the teeth, an appropriate corrective must be taken.
Treatments for gapped teeth
In the cases of milk teeth, it is best to wait for the process of growth and change of the teeth. Only when it comes to permanent teeth is it advisable to take corrective.
When the problem is the malposition of the teeth due to traction with the tongue or due to genetic causes, the most recommended treatment is the use of orthodontics to bring the teeth to the position you want.
In those cases where the cause of the separation is a fibrous frenulumthis must be surgically removed before performing orthodontic treatment to avoid receiving the problem.
However, if the problem is that the size of your teeth is very small, the most recommended treatment is to use Porcelain veneers, or the closure of the diastema with the use of resins. Expanding and slightly modifying the anatomy of the tooth.