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⁉️ What is a diastema?
In short, diastema is a space between separated teeth , which most frequently appears in the front teeth of the upper dental arch, but can occur in any other part of the mouth.
This is a mismatch between the size of the jawbones and the size of the teeth, and this can cause extra space between the teeth or crowding of the teeth. In other words, if the teeth are too small in relation to the jawbone, spaces called diastemas may appear between them.
If you are bothered by that gap between your teeth, which spoils your smile, know that there are several treatments to close the diastema with resin, porcelain and dental contact lenses, which can be simple and do not require surgery for correction.
🔢 What causes a diastema?
The appearance of a diastema can be explained by several different reasons. The main ones include the following:
- Loss of baby teeth: Many children have diastema as a result of their baby teeth falling out, but in most cases the gaps close when the permanent teeth start growing in.
- Missing teeth and disproportionate teeth: Sometimes teeth are missing or asymmetrical and this can cause a slight gap to develop between the remaining teeth. This situation occurs most frequently with missing or poorly formed upper lateral incisors, which cause the upper central incisors to develop a slight gap between them.
- Abnormal labial frenum: The labial frenum is the piece of tissue that extends from the inside of the upper lip to the gums and is above the two front teeth. In some situations, the labial frenum continues to grow and passes between the two upper central incisors, which blocks the natural closing of the space between these two teeth.
- Thumb sucking: Bad habits are also responsible for the formation of gaps between teeth. For example, thumb sucking tends to pull the front teeth forward and this causes gaps and spaces between them.
- Tongue thrust: Gaps or gaps between teeth can develop as a result of an incorrect swallowing reflex. For most people, the tongue presses against the top of the mouth (palate) when swallowing food or saliva. However, some people develop a different reflex, known as tongue thrust. When swallowing, the tongue presses against the front teeth and over time the pressure will cause the front teeth to be pushed forward. This can cause gaps between teeth.
- Gum disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis are bacterial infections that result in the loss of the bone that supports the teeth. In people who have lost a lot of bone, the teeth tend to become weak and loose, which causes gaps to appear between them.
❤️🩹 Diastema Treatments (+ video)
Learn about the different types of treatment used to correct the space between teeth. Let’s start with the most well-known treatment worldwide: resin filling.
1. Diastema closure with resin :
Composite resin is an ideal material for restoring diastema closure. It is a highly polishable, long-lasting material that mimics the natural structure of teeth.
Considered a minimally invasive and economical procedure, bonding composite resin to teeth is a constant demand in cosmetic dentistry.
“Direct closure with composite resin generates high quality treatment, with positive results in the following aspects: social, psychological, functional and aesthetic.” comments Dentist Guilherme Rothier.
One of the advantages of closing a diastema with resin over a porcelain restoration is that the dentist is able to maintain full control of the aesthetic treatment and customize the materials throughout the procedure. With porcelain, however, any modification means having to return to the office for correction.
Video: diastema closure with resin in 5 minutes:
2. Closing Diastema with Dental Contact Lenses
Diastema can be corrected quickly and easily, WITHOUT surgery, by applying dental contact lenses .
Dental veneers are ultra-thin veneers (0.2 mm) made of porcelain, a highly resistant material that looks very similar to natural teeth. The veneers are designed with a personalized shape for each patient, who can also choose the shade together with the dentist. The treatment is simple, and in some cases it can be completed in just one day.
The application consists of gluing the lens to the natural tooth, closing the extra spaces between the teeth. The patient’s teeth are not worn down to receive the application and this technique poses no risk to the patient or the natural teeth.
Dental veneers are a thinner variation of porcelain dental veneers .
It is the technique with the least risk to your teeth because most treatments are performed without wearing down the surface of the tooth enamel.
Dental contact lenses do not need to cover the entire surface of the tooth for correction.
The most modern smile transformation treatments use dental contact lenses, veneers and porcelain veneers – all at the same time.
The average treatment time with porcelain dental contact lenses, from the initial consultation, planning and simulations, until the final bonding of the pieces is 14 days.
The final quality of aesthetic treatments with porcelain dental contact lenses , as well as veneers or veneers, depends directly on the quality of the work of laboratory prosthetics technicians and the porcelains used. It is essential to ensure the quality of the work of these professionals, since the smallest details in these delicate porcelain pieces make all the difference.
3. Other treatments for diastema correction
- Installing braces : Braces are used to correct the gap between teeth. Most of the time, regardless of where the gap is, a set of orthodontic braces will be needed on both the upper and lower teeth. This is because moving one tooth can affect the entire mouth.
- The use of crowns, aesthetic veneers and adhesive restorations: if the incisors are very small, the dentist may suggest hiding them and, in this sense, the use of crowns, aesthetic veneers and adhesive restorations offer the best results.
- Placing dental implants or bridges: If you have a gap due to missing teeth, you may need more extensive dental repair, which may include placing dental implants or bridges.
- Oral surgery: If the labial frenum is causing the gap, the frenum can be reduced through oral surgery, called a frenectomy. If a frenectomy is performed on a young child, the gap may close on its own. If, on the other hand, it is performed on older children and adults, the gap may require dental appliances to close.
Therefore, if you have a gap between your teeth or if you see one in your child’s mouth, you should speak to your dentist immediately. He or she will determine the reason for the gap and may be able to suggest a good orthodontist, a specialist in treating teeth with braces, or a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum disease.
FAQ: 10 frequently asked questions about diastema closure
Is it possible to prevent the formation of a diastema?
The formation of a diastema cannot, in most cases, be prevented, as it requires the help of appropriate treatment. In any case, it is essential to brush your teeth regularly and use dental floss correctly. By doing so, you will be preventing the appearance of gum disease and subsequent bone loss. On the other hand, people who have the habit of pushing their teeth with their tongue should relearn how to swallow by pressing their tongue against the palate. By breaking the old habit, you can prevent the appearance of spaces between the teeth. It should be noted that a 7-year-old child should see an orthodontist to check that their teeth are growing correctly.
What is the appropriate age to correct a diastema?
There is no specific age, but many dentists prefer to wait until the permanent teeth are fully developed, usually in the late teens. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate to treat diastemas in younger children, especially if they are causing functional or psychological problems.
Is diastema closure painful?
The procedure itself is usually painless. However, there may be some temporary discomfort or sensitivity after certain procedures, such as bonding. Orthodontics can cause some discomfort as the teeth move.
Can the diastema reappear after treatment?
It depends on the treatment method and the cause of the diastema. For example, if the diastema was caused by an overly large labial frenum and this was left untreated, the gap may reappear. Following your dentist’s recommendations after treatment is crucial to ensuring long-lasting results.
How long does it take for a diastema to close?
The time may vary depending on the method chosen and the width of the diastema. With orthodontics, it can take several months to two years. With procedures such as bonding or veneers, the closure is practically immediate.
Are there any risks associated with diastema closure?
As with any dental procedure, there are minimal risks, such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or problems with tooth alignment. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your dentist before the procedure.
Does closing the diastema affect speech?
In general, no. However, if the diastema was significantly large and affected speech, closing it may actually improve the articulation of certain sounds.
Does diastema correction affect masticatory function?
Answer: No. Diastema correction is primarily aimed at aesthetics and oral health, but should not interfere with chewing function. If performed correctly, the correction can even improve the bite and oral function in some cases.
Is the treatment permanent?
The durability of diastema closure treatment varies depending on the method used and the post-treatment care. For example, bonding can last for several years but may require touch-ups, while porcelain veneers and orthodontics have a longer lifespan.
How much does diastema closure cost?
The cost varies depending on the technique used, the severity of the diastema, the geographic location and the clinic or dentist chosen. It is always advisable to obtain quotes from several professionals and discuss the payment and financing options available.
👨⚕️ Want to close a diastema? Schedule a Dental Appointment in Ipanema
Come and visit the Guilherme Rothier Clinic and learn more about this modern technique for correcting diastemas and other aesthetic dental problems. Contact us and schedule an appointment.
Fill out the form below to pre-book your appointment with the team of dentists in Ipanema at Clínica Guilherme Rothier or call:
