What are some of the causes of the gap between teeth?

1. The discrepancy between the size of the teeth and the jawbone
2. Overgrowth of the tissue that separates the two front teeth
3. Habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
4. Medical conditions like gum disease and cleft lip or palate

The gap between our teeth can tend to make us feel self-conscious about ourselves and our smile, but don’t worry you’re not alone. This dental issue also known as diastema is actually experienced by many adults and children.

Here at Elevate Dental, we’re ready to help you improve your beautiful smile with the help of our cosmetic dental services. But before we jump into that, it’s important to understand why your teeth turned out like that in the first place. Here are some of the most common causes of the gap between your teeth.

The Discrepancy Between the Size of the Teeth and the Jawbone

Unfortunately, genetics plays a role when it comes to the size of our teeth and our jawbone. There can sometimes be a mismatch between the two. This leads to your jawbone being too small, and your teeth may not fit properly. This situation leads to the formation of gaps tween your teeth.

Overgrowth of the Tissue that Separates the Two Front Teeth

If you have a gap between your two teeth, you may sometimes notice what looks like a gum lump between them. That is actually an overgrowth of tissue called the frenulum that causes your front teeth to separate.

When this becomes too long or too thick, it can pull the teeth apart and create a gap.

Habits Like Thumb Sucking and Tongue Thrusting

Genetics isn’t the only reason for tooth gaps. You may actually have daily habits that can cause this! Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are the usual culprits to why a gap forms between your pearly whites.
How does this happen? Both thumb sucking and tongue thrusting create pressure that pushes your teeth forward, creating a space between them.

Breaking these habits is crucial to prevent further worsening of the gaps. However, it can be particularly challenging for children who have been doing this for a while. You can seek the help of their dentist to help you intervene and break these bad habits.

Medical Conditions Like Gum Disease and Cleft Lip or Palate

There are certain medical contributions that also cause gaps between teeth. Here is a list of some of them:

1. Gum disease can cause the infected gum to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets or gaps.
2. Cleft lip or palate, which is a congenital disability, can also result in gaps in the upper jaw.

Depending on the specific medical condition, treatment may vary.

The Best Solution for Gap Between Teeth

Don’t let the gaps get you down because there are many things that we at Elevate Dental can provide for you. Treatments can vary by person, but here are some of the solutions we can offer you so that you can feel happier and more confident with your smile.

Braces or Invisalign

Orthodontic treatment, which includes braces or Invisalign, is one of the most popular methods for closing gaps between teeth. Braces use brackets and wires to shift the teeth into the correct position over time, while Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to achieve the same results.

This treatment option can be effective for fixing gaps caused by a difference in the size of the teeth and jawbone, as well as gaps created by habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.

Veneers

Veneers are a cosmetic treatment that involves thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin, which are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. They can help to close gaps between teeth, as well as to enhance the appearance of crooked, misshapen, or discolored teeth.

Veneers are a popular choice for patients who desire a significant improvement in their smile’s appearance. They are individually crafted to fit each patient’s teeth perfectly and can last for many years with proper maintenance.

Surgery

In some cases, dental surgery may be the first step to take in order to close gaps between teeth. This is particularly true for patients who have a large overgrowth of the frenulum or who have a cleft lip or palate.

The surgical procedures for closing gaps between teeth may include frenectomy, which removes the excess tissue causing the gap, or bone grafting, which adds bone to the jaw to provide support to the teeth.

Key Takeaway

Before diving into the solutions for your teeth, it’s best to first understand the different causes of the gap between your teeth. This can help you understand the different solutions your dentist can present to you.

It’s worth noting that in some instances, a combination of treatments may be necessary to close the gap between teeth like in a smile makeover. For instance, a patient with a small jaw and an overgrown frenulum may require both orthodontic treatment and a frenectomy to achieve the desired outcome.

If you’re searching for the best dental clinic in Greenhills San Juan that provides top-quality cosmetic dentistry services in the Philippines, Elevate Dental is the right place for you! We are a reputable dental clinic that offers a wide range of services, including dental implants, veneers, teeth whitening, and more.

Get in touch with us today to arrange a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more confident smile.