If you have a gap between your teeth, it is known as a diastema. It can happen anywhere in your smile, but it’s most common on your two front teeth. Many people enjoy how it gives them a unique smile, but just as many look toward dentistry to close the space. Continue reading to learn what you should know about diastemas and ways your dentist can help with cosmetic dental treatments.
Are Diastemas Bad for My Oral Health?
The good news is that this common dental trait usually doesn’t have any negative impact on your oral health! It can happen from genetics, missing or undersized teeth, or from gum tissue overgrowth. Bad habits like tongue thrusting or thumb-sucking can also develop a gap over time. Gum disease can even be a culprit, as, when left untreated, it can cause bone loss around the teeth, causing them to shift from their alignment and create gaps.
That being said, it can also increase your risk of tooth decay or gum disease, as more of your teeth are exposed and susceptible to bacterial buildup. Diastemas can cause some issues for people, such as feeling self-conscious about the look of their smile. Others can find it difficult to eat or speak, leading them to want to find a fix.
What Can My Dentist Do to Treat My Diastema?
When it comes to fixing this dental trait, you may immediately think about orthodontic treatment. They are designed to shift your teeth into healthy alignment, so they are a great solution, but there are other ones you can consider as well!
Veneers may be an option available to you. These are thin porcelain shells that are crafted based on the shape and size you want them to be. They blend in seamlessly with your other teeth, as they are bonded to the front of an individual tooth, giving it a renewed look and covering your diastema. They can even last over a decade with the proper care.
If you want a non-invasive choice, then you can consider dental bonding! In this treatment, your dentist uses a tooth-colored composite resin that is applied to your tooth and molded to fill in gaps. It gets cured with a special light that hardens it, giving you a filled smile.
Having a space between your teeth is completely normal, but you may feel self-conscious about it. Your dentist can help you find and choose the right treatment for you!
About the Practice
Here at Grateful Dentists, we are happy to help the Billerica community have grins they feel proud of. We can provide a wide range of services, like veneers to treat your diastemas. Our team of compassionate dentists will create a personalized plan that’s tailored to your needs, so you get results you love. If you have gaps in between your teeth you want to fix, schedule an appointment or call us at (978) 667-5807.