Diastema Causes and Treatments

Diastema is a gap between teeth, often caused by size mismatches between teeth and jawbone or habits like thumb sucking.

Diastema is a term for a gap, or space, between two teeth, and is most frequently noticed when it occurs in the upper front teeth. The condition can be present in both children and adults, and the size of the gap can differ. The various causes of diastema include some of the following:

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  • Natural Growth: Among children, diastema is typically a by-product of the process of jaw growth and is likely to close as the permanent teeth come in.
  • Size of Teeth and Jaw: Unequal proportions between the teeth and the jawbone can result in extra space between the teeth, leading to spaces.
  • Gum Tissue Overgrowth: A large or overly fleshy labial frenum (the tissue that attaches the lip to the gum above the upper front teeth) can cause a gap.
  • Habits: Keeping habits such as thumb sucking or having an abnormal swallowing reflex (tongue thrusting) can also contribute to the gap between them. The teeth may be forced to go forward due to these habits, creating diastemata.
  • Tooth Loss or Shift: When teeth are moved due to loss or being undersized, adjacent teeth move, and consequently, gap spaces occur.
  • Periodontal Disease: On the other hand, the shifting of teeth to gaps is through weakening of the teeth’s support structure, which is caused by movement as a sign of the presence of advanced gum disease.

Generally, diastema is not a serious dental problem apart from being a source of beauty. However, if it was initially triggered by gum disease or any other oral health problems, then it is important to see a professional dentist for treatment. The methods of treatment are different depending on the cause and might include the use of braces, dental bonding, dental veneers, a procedure such as a large labial frenum (frenectomy), or surgery. The most important step is to consult with an expert in the field of oral health to get a prescription that suits the patient’s situation best.

Ways to Effectually Keep Diastema at Bay

The factor of diastema, which is synonymous with the separation of teeth gaps, takes various methods that can be used to reduce the likelihood of its development. Though not all cases of diastema can be completely prevented, especially the cases related to genetics or natural development, some strategies can be applied so that the possibility can be reduced:

  • Oral Hygiene Practices: The practice of cleaning your teeth and gums every day and flossing of your teeth regularly will help remove dental plaque and prevent oral diseases, which are caused by bacteria that irritate the gums, result in the formation of the cavities, lead to bad breath, or maybe even worse the shifting of teeth and the development of gaps.
  • Dental Care from a Young Age: Going for a dental check-up during your childhood years is the best. When young, as parents, your children will get an excellent opportunity for their teeth to grow perfectly and without spaces in between them because every three months they will pay a visit to a pediatric dentist who is a child dental specialist and the one who will tabulate everything there is to know regarding their dentition and especially be in a position to immediately initiate the required interventions whenever the situation asks for it.
  • Elimination of the Causes of Diastema: Kids while wearing a pacifier or the bad habit of thumb sucking are both bad practices which adverse the alignment of the child’s teeth, causing the spaces that we are now referring to. The use of aesthetic or behavioral means to stop the habit quickly has the potential to eliminate diastema before it becomes a big problem.
  • Consultation with an Orthodontist: If the individual has already begun attaining new teeth but certain parts or areas are rather longer or shorter in appearance or have displaced teeth, he/she can resort to the 0rth0dontics/orthodontic doctor for an examination of it/ that/ the teeth and future advice of its/ their movement.
  • Controlling Your Behaviors Through the Dentist: Adults could also have the problem, with their teeth still aligning properly, of creating spaces in between their teeth due to habits such as sticking their tongue forward during the swallowing process. The local dentist is competent enough to cure the malocclusion by making suggestions or starting treatments that you will adhere to to rid you of the ailments that are becoming severe regularly.
  • Dental Preservation: To preserve their role as a mortar that maintains the teeth’s structures (other teeth) in their places, dental restorations should be properly done. Therefore, it is of great importance on the part of the dentist to be well conversant with the replacement materials to use just in case you misplace your teeth and have to replace them in the future, and for communication with your dentist to be quite effective.
  • After orthodontic treatment to close a gap, wearing retainers exactly as the dentist described has been a very important aspect in stopping teeth from moving back.
diastema
diastema

Nevertheless, it should be remembered that some instances of diastema might not be in need of any prevention or treatment, in particular, if they do not have any implications for oral health or function. However, those who are worried about their appearance or the possibility of oral health issues should talk to a dentist. A professional dentist can offer tailored guidance and treatments depending on one’s personal needs and conditions.

Diastema Causes

Diastema is the medical term for a gap or space between teeth. The majority of those with this condition might get it from their ancestors, as it may indeed be a genetic problem caused by the family history. In such a case, teeth gap genes passed to offspring from one of their parents would play a significant role in diastema formation in children.

diastema before and after
diastema before and after

When a person has teeth that are smaller than the area available in the jaw for the mouth, these gaps between the teeth may appear. That is, the resultant phenomena might be that of the critical differences between the size of teeth and the mouth space, which thus give birth to the problem of diastema. One more reason for getting a diastema is the loss of teeth. A well-known fact is that if one or more teeth are missing, this vacuum will drive other teeth from their position and produce gaps between adjacent teeth.

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Superior Diastema Treatment and Exclusive Client Solutions at Lema Clinic

It is the foremost for patient care, technology, and extra measures put into effect that Lema Dental Clinic Istanbul offers its redefined mode of treating diastema. The success that Lema Dental Clinic has seen in diastema treatment can be attributed to the effective use of new technologies, an experienced and well-qualified dental team, and custom-made treatment plans that cater to the unique needs of each patient. 

Modern dental technologies are introduced at Lema Dental Clinic to detect and treat diastema. With various tools available, like digital imaging for precise gap measurement and the use of the latest orthodontic techniques for gap closure, we make it our goal that the treatments are done with maximum effect and efficiency. Our dentists’ skill set is diverse, as we are experts in the most effective techniques, including braces, clear aligners, and other cosmetic solutions such as veneers, to suit the unique needs and preferences of each patient.

what is diestema
what is diestema

In addition, Lema Dental Clinic is commendable for being a customer-oriented health facility, which has demonstrated the provision of exceptional VIP services made to benefit dental patients only. The listed services are the following:

Private Consultation Suites: Providing a secure and quiet place free from interruptions for open conversations and treatments.Flexible Scheduling: We organize appointments of our patients in such a way that they suit the daily routine of our patients, thus offering very flexible schedules, including after-hours services.Concierge Services: Our concierge service is one that redistributes the roles so that we have someone to attend to matters like transportation and accommodations beyond the medical care we provide, which eases the stress our patients face related to their busy schedules and/or those who have come for treatment from out of town.Post-Treatment Care: We have detailed individualized follow-up care, which consists of personalized preservation programs and efficient feedback on all concerns.

Our philosophy of excelling not only in dental care but in patient care as well has made Lema Dental Clinic Istanbul a leader in the diastema treatment and luxury dental services industry. Through our clinic, you can access state-of-the-art treatment to close tooth gaps or superior dental care in a luxury setting that will certainly address your every requirement and more.

FAQ: Diastema Causes and Treatments

What is diastema?

Diastema refers to a gap or space between two teeth, commonly seen between the upper front teeth. This condition can be natural or caused by factors like genetics, thumb-sucking, or gum disease.

What causes diastema?

Diastema can be caused by several factors, including the size of your teeth and jaw, missing teeth, or an oversized frenulum (the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums). It can also develop due to habits like thumb-sucking or due to periodontal issues.

How can diastema be treated?

Diastema can be treated using several methods, including dental bonding, veneers, or braces to close the gap. The treatment choice depends on the size of the gap and the underlying cause of the diastema.

Are braces necessary for diastema?

Braces can effectively close gaps between teeth by gradually shifting them into proper alignment. However, for smaller gaps, options like bonding or veneers may be sufficient without the need for braces.

Is diastema harmful to oral health?

In most cases, diastema is not harmful and does not affect oral health, although it may cause cosmetic concerns. However, in some instances, it can lead to difficulties with speech or an increased risk of gum disease if not properly cared for.


Dt. Polen Akkılıç

Dentist and Lema Dental Clinic founder Nisa Polen Akkılıç shares valuable information on dental health and care, providing readers with practical tips they can apply in their daily lives. Additionally, her articles aim to convey innovations and current developments in the field of dentistry, making it easier to follow industry advancements.

6 Comments

  1. I’ve always had a gap between my front teeth. What typically causes this, and should I be worried?

    1. Hello Amelia,

      Diastema can be caused by factors such as a mismatch between tooth and jaw size, overgrowth of gum tissue, habits like thumb sucking, or periodontal disease. While often a cosmetic concern, it should be evaluated by a dentist to rule out any underlying health issues.

    1. Hello Mason,

      Treatment options include braces, dental bonding, veneers, or surgery (like a frenectomy). The best option depends on the cause of the diastema and your specific dental needs, so a consultation with a dental professional is recommended.

    1. Hello Harper,

      Prevention strategies include maintaining good oral hygiene, addressing harmful habits early (like thumb sucking), regular dental check-ups, orthodontic evaluations for children, and proper dental restorations after tooth loss.

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