Do you have gaps between the teeth and does that hold you back from smiling confidently? In dental terms this problem is called diastema. Leading dental professionals in London explain there can be several factors behind the problem of diastema. It could be because of your negative dental habits, disproportionate size of your teeth or the jaw and even genetics for which you may suffer from diastema. Modern dentistry has evolved sufficiently to address this problem convincingly which is certainly the best thing that people like to hear about the problem of gapped teeth. The treatment options include lengthy and time consuming orthodontic procedures which gradually bring your teeth into correct alignment as well as cosmetic dentistry treatments that simply mask your flaws and enhance your smile. It is crucial to select your treatment option correctly to cater to your unique requirements and preferences.
In this post we will discuss how gaps between the teeth can be closed. A the end of this post you will hopefully be in a position to take an informed decision about the treatment that suits you the best – whether lengthy orthodontic procedures like aligner trays and braces or quick fixes like veneers. But first let us start from scratch – let us understand how or why gaps occur between the teeth.
The condition of diastema – understanding the basics
In simple words you can say diastema is presence of gap or space between two adjacent teeth, says a leading expert in orthodontics in Chelsea. A gap or space may come up between any two teeth in the mouth but the condition becomes more prominent and noticeable when the two front teeth in the upper arch are concerned. This can be an annoying condition for both children and adults. However children have an advantage over adults, once their permanent teeth come in there is a high possibility that the gap may fill up on its own.
The gaps usually vary in size, some are so small that are hardly noticeable while others could be broad enough to create aesthetic issues. Modern dentistry offers several treatment options to resolve the issue of gapped teeth. if you have the problem and the gap between the teeth are large and noticeable enough then you can take corrective measures to overcome the problem. Such gaps can be closed and if the gaps are large enough then those can be reduced in size to appear much less noticeable.
Usually the condition of gapped teeth is not harmful. But still it is worth discussing it with your dentist and get it resolved, the earlier the better. The problem dents one’s self reliance and as such there could even be an underlying problem which needs to be uncovered and treated if required.
Reasons behind gaps between the teeth
Fraenula is a type of connective tissue which affects both formation and positioning of the tooth. In simple words you can imagine these tissues have strings which connect various areas of the mouth like your cheeks, tongue, the inner lips and so forth. A prominent emergency orthodontist in London explains Fraenula also plays a major role in growth of our oral structure as well as positioning of the teeth. Two types of fraenula are known to cause gaps between the teethn namely –
- Linguam Fraenum and
- Maxillary Labial Fraenum
Lingual fraenum – This fraenum keeps your tongue attached to the bottom of your mouth. The condition of restrictive lingual fraenum can prevent your tongue from sticking out beyond the lips. This condition is called tongue-tie, explains the orthodontist, in several cases it leads to formation of a gap between the front teeth in the lower arch.
Maxillary Labial Fraenum – This fraenum is responsible for the inner part of the upper lip to remain attached to the front upper gum. You can even feel this attachment between the upper lip and teeth in the upper arch. In certain cases the fraenum could be positioned excessively low down the gum and as a result a gap may appear between the teeth at the front on the upper arch.
Apart from the conditions mentioned above there can be other factors too to lead to the issue of gap between the adjacent teeth explain trained and qualified professionals who handle cases of orthodontics in London. Some of these causes include the following –
- Lost or missing tooth in the jaw – There could be tooth or two missing in the jaw leaving space between the teeth. In course of time these gaps keep lengthening.
- Teeth development – AS the teeth first start coming in through the jaw they maintain spaces between them. But as the canines come in those gaps become closed.
- Disproportionate size of the tooth or the jaw – A child may have a large jaw disproportionate to the size of his or her teeth. Alternatively, some people may have disproportionately small teeth with respect to their jaw. In both cases that leaves space between the teeth.
- Teeth crowding or eruption of extra teeth – Some people develop extra or additional teeth in their jawbone which prevent other teeth from coming in. These extra teeth need to be extracted to avoid complexities and thus gaps may form between the teeth.
Typical symptoms of diastema
The prime symptom of diastema is presence of noticeable gap between the teeth. The gap may occur naturally as well as due to external factors like gum disease. If gum disease is your cause then your teeth will also become loose, explains a renowned orthodontist near me in London. Moreover you will also experience pain and discomfort. Eating will become problematic because every time you eat there will be intensified pain as well as discomfort. As such gum disease is likely to show several other symptoms as well which include the following –
- Instead of appearing normal pinkish, your gums turn bright red
- Moreover the gums are likely to be sensitive, swollen and tender
- Every time you brush or floss the teeth you experience bleeding from the gums
- People also suffer from persistent bad breath at the same time
- The gums will start receding or pulling away from the teeth
- Receding gums lead to the teeth getting loose or unstable
If you ever come across any of the symptoms mentioned above, do not waste time and book an appointment with your dentist. One of the most assured places in London to get treated for your gapped teeth is the Dental Clinic Chelsea. We possess an excellent track record in handling these cases. Please go through our patient reviews and feel free to book your appointment with us now!