What Causes Space Between Teeth? Can You Fix It?

Many people have gaps between teeth. And it is something that is quite common with upper front teeth. But is this a problem? Or is it just an aesthetic situation? There are several details you should know about this condition.

Firstly, it is something that happens to many people, but it can also be a sign of an underlying problem. In some cases, you will need tooth filling to eliminate the problem, but orthodontic treatment is not always necessary.

What Is Space Between Teeth

The space between teeth is known as diastema, and it is a gap between any two teeth. Needless to say, it can affect one’s self-esteem and have negative effects on their mental health.

In the majority of cases, diastema will appear between the first teeth on the upper jaw. However, it is possible for it to appear anywhere in the jaw. And most people with this condition believe that there is something wrong with their teeth.

This isn’t always the case. The gap can appear when there is a mismatch between the jaw size and teeth. The jaw might be too big for teeth, and they will have more space between them. But if the jaw is too small, teeth might get overcrowded.

And this is something that’s based on genetics. People can’t affect the size of their jaws and teeth, and the only thing they can do is try to solve the problem (if there is any) later on in life.

What Causes Gaps in Teeth?

The question on everyone’s mind is what causes diastema or small gaps between teeth. As mentioned earlier, the primary cause of tooth gaps is genetics. There is a difference in sizes, and the jaw will have more space than it’s needed.

Additionally, many doctors suggest that gaps can be caused by thumb sucking. If a child continues to suck their thumb or use a bottle or a pacifier, it will put unnecessary pressure on the teeth. And as a result, there might be a gap between them later on in life.

Needless to say, missing teeth can create a gap as well, but the same thing applies to extra teeth. They might prevent the tooth from growing, which will leave a gap in the jaw. So, undersized teeth are not the only cause, and there are plenty of other options.

Diastema can also be caused by outgrown labial frenum, periodontitis, improper swallowing reflex, wrong habits, bad oral hygiene, and so on. And the only way to know what the problem is is to talk to your dentist.

How To Fix Space Between Teeth

The next thing on the list is treatment. Is there a way to narrow the gaps? What are your options when it comes to fixing the gap between teeth? Well, the first thing you will need to know is what caused the problem in the first place.

It is also important to know how severe the situation is. With smaller gaps, Invisalign will be able to solve the problem. You can use clear retainers for a couple of months, and there is a high chance they will be able to fix the issue.

If not, traditional braces exist for a reason. Especially fixed ones. Removable braces and aligners can only do so much, and dentists will recommend them for smaller changes and fixes. But metal braces can be quite effective with larger gaps.

Another option is to go for porcelain veneers. These are small ceramic shells that are glued on top of your real teeth, and they will be able to cover small irregularities. For veneers, it is essential that the tooth is whole and that you don’t have any other issues (such as gum disease or cavities).

Furthermore, dental bonding is another great way to fix the issue, where the dentist will use bonding material to close the gap. The same applies to dental crowns, and the teeth will be fixed permanently.

Gaps caused by cavities and cracked teeth can be fixed with dental fillings, and it is a simple and quick procedure.

Potential Problems

The reason why addressing the problem is so important is that it can cause other dental issues and affect your health. Some people experience receding gums, bad breath, bleeding, and it can even lead to tooth loss.

To avoid all of these problems, the best course of action would be to visit your dentist. They will be able to suggest possible orthodontic treatments, and you will be able to solve the problem.

Furthermore, cracked teeth and cavities can only cause more problems, and if the gap is caused by dental caries, you will need to address it as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will experience gum disease, tooth loss, and many more.

The reason why you will need to talk to an expert is that diastema can be caused by many different things. And you probably won’t be able to discover the cause on your own.

What To Do?

The only way to know what caused the problem, and whether the gap between your teeth is a problem in the first place is to consult a professional. They will be able to recommend viable treatment options, and you can start working on improving your oral health.

If there is no problem at all, you can continue without worrying about dental implants, crowns, cavity fillings, veneers, and anything else. Naturally, you should still have regular checkups and visits to your dentist to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy.

The reason why this is crucial is that diastema might be caused by an underlying condition. Especially if it is something that appeared recently. Any change to your gums and surrounding teeth can be a sign of a problem.

So, it’s always best to focus on prevention and avoiding the worst-case scenario.