Your Orthodontist in Spring, TX, Explains Everything You Need to Know about Gapped Teeth
Dental misalignment can take many different forms, ranging from mild to severe. Gapped teeth, or diastema, is usually one of the mildest orthodontic issues. Still, though it is typically less problematic, it can sometimes cause dental health problems. Equally important, gapped teeth can have a dramatic effect on your self-esteem. Fortunately, an orthodontist in Spring, TX, can provide a variety of treatment options to give you a smile you are proud to share!
At Harmony Orthodontics, Dr. Wint Tun offers traditional braces, as well as Invisalign® and other orthodontic appliances. During a complete consultation, she can determine whether your gapped teeth are causing health problems. Then, if needed, she will recommend the most effective treatment for you. Dr. Tun respects the unique beauty of everyone’s smile and will never pressure you into unnecessary treatment.
Contact us to schedule your consultation.
What causes gapped teeth?
Diastema is defined as a space between teeth greater than 0.5 mm. Although gaps can appear anywhere in your dental arch, they are especially common between the two upper front teeth. Causes of diastema include:
- Age: Children are more likely to have spaces between their teeth, which will close when the larger adult teeth come in.
- Genetics: If your parents had gapped teeth, you are more likely to have them, too.
- Tooth size: If your teeth are small compared to your jawbone, spaces may appear between individual teeth.
- Gum tissue: Your labial frenum is the tissue that runs between your upper lip and your gums. If this tissue is too large, it can cause a space to develop between your teeth.
- Gum disease: Periodontitis can lead to gum recession, which, in turn, may cause your teeth to shift in your mouth.
- Poor oral habits: Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can cause the front teeth to shift. Similarly, a tongue thrust, in which the tongue pushes forward when swallowing, can result in diastema.
When are gapped teeth a problem?
In many cases, gapped teeth aren’t a problem from a medical standpoint. But if your gapped teeth are crowding the nearby teeth, you will likely require treatment. And, of course, if diastema is caused by gum disease, you will need periodontal care to prevent tooth loss and significant discomfort.
Most patients who choose to treat gapped teeth do so for cosmetic reasons. For them, orthodontic treatment makes them feel more confident in social and professional situations. Many people, however, are proud to rock their gapped teeth. Celebrities like Eddie Murphy, Willem Defoe, Madonna, and Michael Strahan consider their diastema to be a part of their signature look.
What are my treatment options?
If you decide you would like to treat your diastema, your orthodontist in Spring, TX, may recommend one of the following:
You could also visit a cosmetic dentist for veneers or bonding, but these treatments won’t close larger gaps or correct any other alignment issues.
Contact an Orthodontist in Spring, TX
To schedule your orthodontic consultation, contact Harmony Orthodontics today. Send us a message online or call 832-699-3683.