Diastema:
The Causes and Solutions to Close the Gap.
How To Fix Diastema
There are many types of teeth and jaw misalignments. Some more serious malocclusions may cause pain, problems chewing, and or speech impediments. Others, like diastema, are less serious and don’t always require treatment unless you want to alter your features for cosmetic reasons.1 If you’ve been diagnosed with diastema and you want to learn more about diastema causes and potential solutions, the experts at Spark Aligners can help. Read on here to learn more!
What Is Diastema?
Diastema is a gap between your teeth.1 It can affect both children and adults, but it isn’t harmful, and it typically closes once permanent teeth grow in. To be called a diastema, the gap must be larger than 0.5 millimeters, but it can develop between any two teeth.1
A gap is the only indication of diastema. If you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to a gap between your teeth, like swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, you may have gum disease and need to seek a different type of treatment.1
Main Diastema Causes
There are many conditions that may cause diastema. Here are some of the most common:
Missing Or Small Teeth
If your teeth are particularly small or you have extra room along your jaw, your teeth may shift to fill up the empty space. You may also have extra space in your mouth because some of your teeth are missing. The most commonly missing teeth are usually the upper incisors.1
Large Labial Frenum
Another cause of diastema is the size of your labial frenum — the bit of tissue that connects the inside of your upper lip to your gum. If you have a very large labial frenum, it can get in the way of your front teeth and create a gap.1
Bad Habits
Whether it’s a child sucking their thumb or an adult sucking their lips, any habit that puts pressure on your teeth can lead to diastemas. This pressure tends to push the teeth forward and results in a gap.1
Sometimes, the bad habits that cause diastema aren’t voluntary! There are people who have an incorrect swallowing reflex that presses their tongue against their front teeth instead of the roof of their mouth. The repetitive pressure has the same effects as other bad habits and can create a gap.1
Diastema Solutions
If you’re wondering how to fix diastemas, you have several treatment options, including braces or clear aligners, veneers, dental implants, surgery, or a bridge.1 Because each instance of diastema is unique, your orthodontist can help you choose the appropriate treatment plan according to your case.
If you decide that clear aligners are the best choice for you, explore Spark Aligners and their benefits when compared to other leading brands. Spark Aligners are designed to be a faster and more efficient solution to fixing your diastema concerns.* Check out our results and ask your provider if Spark is right for you.
