Diastema Teeth: What Causes Diastema and How to Treat Tooth Gaps

A diastema is a dental term referring to a gap between teeth. Diastemas are very common in both children and adults, with most occurring between the upper front teeth. A dental gap can have some implications for everyday life and oral health. Gaps can cause speech issues and allow food debris and bacterial plaque to easily accumulate and cause harm to teeth and gums. Many patients also seek cosmetic dental treatment for dental gaps to improve the appearance. Consult with our team of dental experts at Great Lakes Family Dental to evaluate tooth gaps and develop a personalized treatment plan catered to your needs and smile goals.

What is Diastema?

Have you been told that you have a diastema and wonder, ‘What is a diastema?’ The Diastema definition or gap teeth definition are interchangeable and described as the space or gap that appears between two teeth. Many children and adults have dental gaps. Diastema teeth are most commonly noticed between the two upper front teeth. Space between teeth may be caused by poor dental habits like thumb-sucking, gum disease, irregular jaw/tooth sizes, or other dental issues. A dental gap can be more than just a cosmetic concern, which is why evaluation from a dental professional is important.

Causes of Diastema

There are many possible causes of diastema, including:

Genetic Factors: A genetic diastema is common and may be present and inherited in families. Traits that cause diastemas, such as tooth and jaw size, missing teeth, and frenulum attachment (tissue that connects the lip to the gums) can be influenced by genetics.
Size of Teeth and Jaw: Differences in tooth size and diastema development are linked. Smaller-sized teeth or jawbone size discrepancies can create extra space in the mouth, leading to gaps.
Tooth Loss: When teeth are lost or removed, often from trauma or extraction due to decay or infection, tooth gaps will be present. Teeth should be replaced promptly to prevent issues like functional issues (i.e., difficulty chewing or speaking), teeth misalignment, bone loss, and teeth shifting.
Gum Disease: A gum disease gap can occur in severe cases if untreated due to bone and gum loss. This causes teeth to become unstable and shift over time.
Frenulum: The size and attachment of the frenulum, which is the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum, can cause diastemas. Thicker frenula, when attached lower on the gumline, increase the risk of diastemas.

How Diastema Affects Your Smile?

There are many examples of how diastema affects the smile, including both functional and cosmetic dental issues. To some, a diastema and confidence issues may be linked. A diastema may result in decreased self-esteem and a negative impact on professional and social relationships. The functional effects of diastema include difficulty maintaining oral health and trouble with chewing or speech.

Treatment Options for Diastema

Luckily, there are many diastema treatment options available, including:

Braces: Closing the gap with braces offers long-term stable results. Traditional metal braces can improve teeth that have shifted due to crowding or bite problems.
Invisalign: Invisalign for diastema closure is discreet and comfortable. Custom-made clear trays are designed to straighten teeth and close teeth gaps.
Veneers: Custom-made thin restorations, often made of porcelain, can hide gaps. Dental veneers are a common diastema treatment alternative to braces and Invisalign to improve minor alignment issues, tooth shape and size abnormalities, and gaps.
Bonding: A tooth-colored resin is directly bonded to teeth to close gaps. Using bonding for the gap is a minimally invasive procedure that is often completed in a single office visit.
Frenectomy: A frenectomy for gap closure may be recommended to release tension from a frenulum causing the gap. This minimally invasive procedure involves the removal of excess frenulum tissue.

Treatment	Pros	Cons
Braces	Long-term results Ideal for large gaps and complex bite/teeth misalignment Improves bite issues and tooth misalignment Reduced compliance issues	Lengthy treatment time Appearance and feel of metal Difficult to clean High treatment cost
Invisalign (Clear aligners)	Long-term results Discreet appearance Improves bite issues and tooth misalignment Removable trays Enhanced comfort Improved oral hygiene Treatment time may be less for minor cases	May have higher treatment cost than traditional braces Requires high compliance May not be ideal for severe cases
Veneers	Highly stain-resistant Durable long-term results Natural appearance Covers stained teeth, irregularly shaped teeth, small teeth, and gaps	Irreversible tooth enamel removal for preparation High costs Requires multiple visits for placement Not ideal for large gaps/complex cosmetic issues
Bonding	Completed in one office visit Minimally invasive Affordable Natural tooth-colored results	Irreversible tooth enamel removal for preparation Prone to staining Reduced durability and lifespan Not ideal for large gaps/complex cosmetic issues
Frenectomy	Ideal for allowing long-term gap closure when a frenulum is the underlying cause Quick and painless procedure Minimal recovery	Often requires additional treatment for gap closure (i.e., orthodontics, veneers, bonding) Surgical procedure Potential regrowth or reattachment of the frenulum

How Long Does it Take to Close a Gap with Braces or Invisalign?

Closing the gap with braces or Invisalign is highly effective and a beneficial lifelong investment. In general, braces or Invisalign treatment duration takes a few months to over a year. However, the exact diastema treatment time in braces or Invisalign can vary based on several factors. The main influencing factors of treatment time include the size and complexity of gaps and bite misalignment, patient compliance, age, and bone density. The time to close the gap with aligners may be slightly faster than traditional braces for minor gaps when proper compliance is maintained. For accurate diagnosis and treatment time, consult with a dental professional.

Diastema in Children vs. Adults

In general, a diastema in children occurs as a natural result of tooth eruption. As baby teeth fall out and the new adult teeth erupt into the mouth, closing the gap in children happens naturally without treatment. If gaps persist after the eruption of adult teeth and into adulthood, professional treatment is often recommended. A diastema in adults may be due to factors like genetics, differences in tooth size and jaw structure, gum disease, thumb-sucking history, excess frenulum tissue, or tooth loss. Diastema treatment for adults may require cosmetic or restorative dental treatment, such as braces, clear aligners, dental bonding, veneers, crowns, implants, or frenectomy.

Is Diastema a Sign of Underlying Oral Health Problems?

Is diastema a dental problem? A diastema and oral health can be tricky to understand. In some cases, a diastema can be linked to dental issues depending on the underlying causes of gap teeth. There is a common link between gum disease and diastema, as gaps can make food particles and plaque accumulation easier. Plaque accumulation is a common cause of gum disease, which can cause serious issues like tooth mobility, gum recession, bone loss, teeth shifting, and tooth loss if untreated. Other dental issues, like tooth misalignment and missing teeth, can cause diastemas and long-term oral health issues. You should visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to monitor underlying causes like gum disease and ensure optimal oral health.

Diastema and Your Confidence: How Treatment Can Improve Your Smile

Looking to improve your diastema and confidence? A Great Lakes Family Dental smile transformation is life-changing and just a phone call away. Our team of dental specialists provides state-of-the-art dental treatment for confidence, including a diastema smile makeover. Diastema treatment can boost self-esteem and have a positive impact on appearance by creating a balanced and symmetrical smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Preventing Diastema and Maintaining Oral Health

Preventing diastema development relies on consistent excellent lifestyle and oral hygiene habits and professional dental care. Oral hygiene for gap teeth involves brushing twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Flossing daily and using an antibacterial mouthwash can help control harmful bacterial plaque accumulation, which can lead to gum disease and other health issues. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can cause gum and bone loss, leading to tooth mobility, shifting, and eventual tooth loss. Be sure to maintain a nutritious and healthy diet, avoid harmful habits (i.e., teeth grinding, thumb sucking, nail biting, opening items with teeth, smoking), and wear a mouth guard when participating in contact sports. If you have had orthodontic treatment, it is crucial to wear your retainers as instructed to prevent your teeth from shifting and creating diastemas.

Professional dental care to prevent gaps is essential for maintaining oral health. Regular dental check-ups allow for early detection and treatment of oral health issues before they progress and cause irreversible consequences. Any teeth that are missing should be replaced promptly with dental restorations like implants or bridges to prevent teeth from shifting and causing other issues. If you notice a gap starting to form, tooth mobility, gum inflammation, gum recession, dental abscess, or other concerning signs or symptoms, it is important to inform your dental professional right away.

What to Expect During a Diastema Treatment at Great Lakes Family Dental?

Diastema treatment at Great Lakes Family Dental is comfortable, personalized, safe, and effective. Our skilled dental professionals ensure a smooth treatment process for diastema care, beginning with a comprehensive initial consultation. Using advanced technology, our dental experts will diagnose and develop a customized treatment plan, considering your goals, budget, and desired treatment timeline. With countless diastema solutions at Great Lakes Family Dental, you can choose the right treatment for your exact needs. For personalized dental care for diastema, contact one of our many convenient Great Lakes Family Dental locations today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a diastema go away on its own?

Whether or not a diastema, or gap between teeth, can go away on its own depends on various factors (i.e., age, frenulum tissue connection, size of teeth, and missing teeth). In general, diastemas in children typically close naturally during jaw development and when permanent teeth erupt into the mouth. However, diastemas in adults usually do not close naturally and require professional dental treatment. Missing teeth, teeth naturally smaller in size, and teeth pulled apart by a tight tissue connection (frenulum) often will not close naturally without professional treatment.

How much does it cost to treat a diastema?

Treatment for a diastema can vary in cost depending on factors such as the method chosen, the number of teeth requiring treatment, insurance coverage, and your dentist’s expertise and geographical location. Common diastema treatment costs range between $100 to $600 per tooth for dental bonding, $900 to $2,500 per tooth for porcelain veneers, $800 to $3,000 per tooth for dental crowns, $3,000 to $8,000 for orthodontic braces or clear aligners, and $250 to $1,500 for a dental frenectomy procedure.

Is it safe to close a gap with braces or Invisalign?

Yes, closing gaps (diastemas) with braces or Invisalign is safe and effective. Orthodontic treatment can improve oral health, function, and smile appearance. Your dentist or orthodontist can determine if you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual case and unique dental needs. Braces and Invisalign are designed to improve tooth and bite alignment, including closing gaps, which can prevent food impaction and other oral health issues.

Can veneers be used to close large gaps?

Veneers are often indicated for closing minor gaps. Oversized veneers can cause an unnatural tooth appearance and create tooth structural support issues and bite problems. Large gaps may require other treatment options to close the space, such as orthodontic treatment. Your dentist can determine the best treatment option based on factors like the size of your gap.

Will the gap reappear after treatment?

Gaps can reappear without proper care and adherence to your dentist’s post-treatment instructions. Proper retention protocol can depend on the type of treatment provided. Orthodontic relapse commonly occurs due to a lack of retainer use, allowing teeth to shift back to their original positions. Other underlying issues may cause a gap to come back after treatment, which can be identified and addressed by your dentist. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice a gap reappearing.