Diastema Correction
A gap between two front teeth is called a diastema. It's primarily an aesthetic problem, as people with this problem feel embarrassed to smile and sometimes even develop speech impediments. Another potential problem is that this condition makes it difficult to chew food, which can affect the gastrointestinal tract. Today, this problem is solvable, and orthodontists, general dentists, orthopedists, and surgeons specialize in treating the gap.
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Types of diastema
There are several types of diastema.
True and False Diastema
A false diastema is typical during the transition from primary to permanent teeth. The condition resolves spontaneously after the canines erupt. A true diastema develops in the permanent teeth and does not disappear without medical intervention.
Symmetrical and Asymmetrical
With symmetry, both front teeth are tilted equally from the center. With asymmetry, things are different: one tooth is in place, while the adjacent one is displaced or rotated.
Diastema by Interdental Space Size
If the distance between teeth is less than three millimeters, the problem is resolved quickly. If it is more than six, the work will take longer, but modern methods can correct even such wide gaps.
When correction is required
When should you seek correction:
- The gap between the teeth widens
- Insecurities develop
- Bite and diction deteriorate
- Difficulty brushing teeth
- There are problems with the size of the frenulum
Aesthetic discomfort
A visual defect forces a person to hide their smile. Psychological complexes arise. A pronounced diastema interferes with social adaptation.
Bite and function disorders
Displacement of the frontal group interferes with biting food. Articulation suffers, and a lisp develops.
Difficulties with hygiene and risks to the gums
A gap appears between the teeth. Food gets stuck in it, constantly pressing on the gums and causing injury. Cleaning these spaces is more difficult—plaque quickly accumulates there, causing gum inflammation and significantly increasing the risk of cavities on the side walls of the teeth.
Diastema in children and adults
The patient's age directly influences the choice of treatment protocol.
When is this a normal variant?
The presence of open spaces between teeth in children until the permanent canines emerge is considered normal. During this period, the jaw rapidly increases in size.
General information
Patient Assessment
This is necessary to determine the true cause of the problem and select the appropriate treatment path. Therefore, diagnosing a diastema involves collecting a patient's medical history and calculating the treatment plan.
Examination and Assessment of Occlusion
The dentist assesses the jaw closure, examines and evaluates the enamel condition, and pays attention to the health of the periodontium. The range of joint motion is also assessed.
Photographic Protocol and Analysis of Teeth Position
Microscopic images are taken, and the initial oral situation is recorded. The photographic protocol allows for the development of an appropriate treatment plan. Facial photographs also document the patient's condition before and after treatment. This way, the patient will be able to evaluate the results of the treatment.
X-ray diagnostics if necessary
During diagnostic examinations, both a panoramic x-ray and a CT scan are prescribed. These examinations show the location of the roots, the presence of tooth buds, and the volume of bone tissue. This type of diagnosis is the most informative.
Determining the cause of the diastema
After making a diagnosis, the doctor suggests solutions.
Diastema correction is a surgical procedure that, in some cases, requires two stages.
Bite Control
To maintain the results, regular visits to the orthodontist are necessary.
Retention Measures After Orthodontic Treatment
Proper relapse prevention ensures the maintenance of the results. A permanent wire retainer is bonded to the inner surface of the enamel. The patient wears night guards.
Regular Hygiene and Examinations
After surgery, professional teeth cleanings are required twice a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a diastema and why is it necessary to close it?
Why does a gap appear between the front teeth?
Can a diastema be closed without braces?
Can the problem recur after treatment?
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Reasons for occurrence
The doctor's task is to identify the causes of the diastema, as this determines the treatment strategy.
Hereditary and anatomical features
Genetics is the main cause of the pathology. A person inherits the shape of the jaw and the size of the crowns. The structure of the bone tissue is determined in utero.
Malocclusion and tooth displacement
Occlusion disorders lead to an uneven distribution of the chewing load. The dental arch shifts, creating a gap between the teeth. The anterior incisors fan out due to pressure from the antagonists.
Short or low-lying frenulum of the upper lip
The interdental papilla is woven into the massive intermucosal band. Thus, the tight frenulum of the upper lip pushes the central teeth apart, preventing them from closing. Furthermore, the tissues are constantly stretched when speaking or eating.
Microdontia, missing teeth, tremas
Teeth that are naturally too small are physically unable to fill the entire jaw arch. The loss of even one tooth causes adjacent crowns to gradually shift into the vacant space. As a result, multiple voids, called tremas, appear throughout the entire arch. Often, the clinical picture demonstrates a situation in which a patient simultaneously exhibits tremas and a diastema.