What in the World is Diastema?

Madonna, Mike Tyson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. On the surface, these individuals may not seem to have much in common, but did you know they all have something called diastema? That’s right – these icons all sport a gap between their front teeth that became a signature part of their look. Maybe you share this trait but don’t want it to define your smile. Learn more about the term here and available options to fix it.

What is Diastema?

Diastema is simply a noticeable gap in the teeth, most commonly between the two front ones. Diastemas are not harmful to your oral health, but they can be a symptom of gum disease.

Though not usually a health concern, diastema can cause aesthetic problems for some patients who want an attractive smile with no spaces in between their teeth. Luckily, there are solutions for patients with this condition.

 What Causes Diastema?

Diastema is often passed along genetically and can stem from missing teeth, teeth that are too small, or an oversized connective tissue between the lips and gums.

Tooth gaps are also more common in children and often disappear when a child’s permanent adult teeth come in.

 Is Diastema Harmful?

Diastema is only an oral health issue if it is a sign of gum disease. If gum disease is present, there are periodontal treatment options available like scaling and root planing.  

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment that addresses mild gum disease. It is similar to a regular tooth cleaning, but a numbing agent is applied so a hygienist can easily reach and remove bacteria hiding deep beneath the gums.

How Can I Close the Gap Caused by Diastema?

Maybe you don’t have gum disease, but you’d like to give your smile an aesthetic improvement by getting rid of a gap. There are several options available:

• Invisalign: If the gap is large enough, Invisalign can physically close the space between the teeth. This solution involves wearing clear plastic aligners to gradually solve misalignment or spatial issues.
• Porcelain veneers: A dentist can create a uniform look in your teeth by permanently adhering veneers to the surface. Veneers are custom-made shells that fit over the surface of your teeth and one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures.
• Bonding: Bonding consists of the application of a tooth-colored composite resin material to hide the gap, then a polishing and reshaping of the material to match the surrounding teeth for an all-natural look.
• Bridge: Gaps can be caused by missing teeth. If that’s the case, a dental bridge can fill the space by anchoring itself to the neighboring healthy teeth.
• Implant: Like a bridge, an implant replaces a missing tooth, but there’s no alteration to the neighboring teeth. After the implant is done, a crown tops it and closes the gap.

Whether it’s a symptom of gum disease or a hindrance to your smile, diastema is an issue with plenty of choices to address it!

About the Author

Whether it’s cosmetic enhancements because of diastema, or something more routine like a biannual cleaning, Dr. Jason Aptaker at Shore Points General and Implant Dentistry has you covered with a range of services offered. If you’re ready to get rid of the gap, you can schedule an appointment by calling Shore Points today at (732) 223-9199. or visiting their website.