Diastema (Gap Between Teeth)

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Diastema (Gap Between Teeth)
Simple Steps to Better Dental Health

What Is It?

A diastema is a space or gap between two teeth. It appears most often between the two upper front teeth. However, gaps can occur between any two teeth.

A mismatch between the size of the jaw bones and the size of the teeth can cause either extra space between teeth or crowding of teeth. If the teeth are too small for the jaw bone, spaces between the teeth will occur. If the teeth are too big for the jaw, teeth will be crowded.

Spaces develop for a few other reasons as well.

Sometimes some teeth are missing or undersized. This happens most often with the upper lateral incisors (the teeth next to the two upper front teeth).

A diastema also can be caused by an oversized labial frenum. The labial frenum is the piece of tissue that normally extends from the inside of your upper lip to the gum just above your two upper front teeth. In some situations, the labial frenum continues to grow and passes between the two front teeth. If this happens, it blocks the natural closing of the space between these teeth.

Children may have temporary gaps as their baby teeth fall out. Most of these spaces close as the permanent teeth reach their final positions.

Symptoms

A diastema does not cause symptoms.

Diagnosis

You may notice a space when brushing or flossing. Your dentist can see spaces during an examination.

Expected Duration

Once the adult teeth are in place, any spaces will tend to remain throughout life.
Prevention

Not all spaces can be prevented. The best way to reduce the chance of a diastema is to take good care of the primary (baby) teeth. The baby teeth hold the spaces for the permanent teeth. If they are lost too early, the adult teeth may not enter the mouth in the correct places.

Treatment

Sometimes, a diastema is part of a set of problems that require orthodontic treatment. In other cases, a diastema is the only problem. However, some people may seek treatment for reasons of appearance.

Some people get braces, which move the teeth together. Often, no matter where the diastema is, you must wear a full set of braces – on both your upper and lower teeth. That's because moving any teeth affects your entire mouth.

If your lateral incisors are too small, your dentist may suggest widening them using crowns, veneers or bonding.

If you have a space because you are missing teeth, you might need more extensive dental repair. This might include dental implants, a bridge, or a partial denture.

If a large labial frenum is causing the gap, the frenum can be reduced through surgery called a frenectomy. If a frenectomy is done in a younger child, the space may close on its own. If it is done in an older child or an adult, the space may need to be closed with braces.

When To Call a Professional

If you have a space between your teeth or see one in your child's mouth, talk with your dentist or orthodontist, a specialist in treatment with braces. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist by age 7, although treatment (if needed) may not begin right away.

Prognosis

If a diastema is closed through orthodontics or dental repair, the space will tend to stay closed. However, to help prevent the space from coming back, wear your retainers as directed by your orthodontist. Visit your dentist regularly to make sure your dental work is in good repair.
Additional Info

American Association of Orthodontists
401 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: 314-993-1700
Fax: 314-997-1745
http://www.aaortho.org/