Gap teeth can have many negative effects on our social life. Therefore, individuals experiencing such an issue often research gap tooth treatment. In this content, we will take a detailed look at teeth with spaces (diastema). After explaining what the problem is and its causes, we will describe step by step all the processes required for gap tooth treatment. If you are ready, let’s begin without further delay!
What Is a Gap Tooth?
Gap teeth are the condition where there is a space between two teeth. Also known as diastema. This situation, which creates a significant negative effect in terms of dental aesthetics, can be congenital or develop later. These gaps can occur between any teeth. However, when this space is between the front teeth, it is generally considered undesirable, as the front teeth are the most visible ones.
Who Gets Gap Teeth?
The problem of gap teeth can be seen equally in both adults and children. In children, this condition often appears with the shedding of baby teeth. If a space forms between the permanent teeth that replace baby teeth, it may become a permanent condition.
What Causes Gap Teeth?
To find a solution for spaced teeth, the factors triggering this issue must first be examined. There is not a single cause for this condition. Many different factors contribute to this type of oral problem. Therefore, when discussing the causes of gap teeth, it is not correct to specify just one reason.
Everyone’s jaw size and tooth size differ. Accordingly, in some people teeth may be spaced. In individuals whose teeth are smaller relative to their jaw bone, this problem is more common. In this case, spaces form between teeth. When teeth are positioned at a distance from each other, individuals may face this unwanted situation.
The sizes of the teeth and jaw bone cannot be adjusted in advance. These are determined genetically as baby teeth are replaced. Therefore, the first cause of spaced teeth may be heredity.
Diastema is the term given to the syndrome of spaced teeth. This condition can also occur due to excessive gum tissue growth between the two front teeth and the gum margin. Such growth creates a gap between the two front teeth, causing a space to form in that region.
It is also known that certain bad habits can lead to diastema issues. Thumb sucking is one of them. If a thumb is sucked for an excessively long period, some children may develop gaps in their teeth. As a result of sucking, excessive pressure is applied to the two front teeth. Thus, those teeth can be pushed apart from each other. To prevent this problem, children’s thumb-sucking habits should definitely be evaluated.
The issue of spacing between teeth is not only caused by thumb sucking. This condition can also be seen in older children and adults. Another cause is an incorrect swallowing reflex. Normally, when there is no problem, the tongue rests against the upper palate.
However, with an incorrect swallowing reflex, the tongue exerts pressure on the two front teeth. As a result of this pressure, an unwanted gap may form between the two front teeth. Among dentists, this is referred to as the “tongue thrust” process. Initially seen as a harmless reflex, if it continues, it can lead to unwanted tooth deformities.
It is also known that gum problems can cause diastema. Gum infection is one of these causes. When an infection occurs in a tooth, swelling develops in the affected area. This swelling not only harms the gums but also affects the gum tissue that supports the teeth. If untreated, this issue can lead not only to teeth moving apart but also to tooth loss.
It is also known that certain tooth extraction procedures can lead to this problem. Especially the extraction of a posterior tooth can cause this condition. This happens because the teeth in front of and behind the extracted tooth shift into the extraction space. For diastema treatment in such a case, a prosthetic treatment must be applied in place of the missing tooth. Otherwise, spaces may form between teeth.
How Is Gap Tooth Treatment Performed?
To achieve a successful result in gap tooth treatment, first the factors causing this condition must be identified. Once the cause is understood and diagnosed, many different treatment options can be applied.
Orthodontic Treatment for Gap Teeth (Braces Treatment)
If there is a space between teeth, the first treatment method that comes to mind is getting braces. In this method, known as orthodontics, braces can be metal or transparent. Depending on the patient’s oral and dental structure, transparent aligners or retainers may also be used. All these materials serve the same purpose. Acting to bring spaced teeth together, this appliance helps teeth move closer to each other over a certain period. Thus, the teeth reach their proper position and the spaced teeth are closed.
The pressure applied by the retainer, aligner, or braces shows its effect in a few months. Consequently, teeth are brought back to their original alignment. Many technological developments now exist in dentistry. Invisible braces treatment applied for spaced tooth aesthetics is one of these. A specialist dentist will decide which type of braces is most suitable for you after examination.
Bonding Method
The bonding method is another treatment option applied to fill the space between teeth. This method is especially suitable for patients who do not wish to use braces or retainers. It also offers a faster solution compared to braces. It is frequently preferred for treating the gap in the front teeth. With gap tooth filling, the teeth are widened laterally. Thus, filling spaced teeth without using braces becomes possible. The application time is also quite short, taking only about 30–60 minutes to achieve results.
Veneer Application (Porcelain Teeth)
Covering spaced teeth with porcelain veneers is another treatment method. Using porcelain laminate veneers, it is also possible to correct discoloration in the teeth. Veneer application is one of the most advantageous methods to achieve a flawless appearance in teeth. The size of the porcelain pieces is measured according to the space to be closed in the patient’s teeth and produced custom-made.
With this method, minimal intervention is made on the teeth. Porcelain veneers are applied directly to the teeth without requiring additional procedures. Thus, the gap between teeth is perfectly closed. As a result of the procedure, the teeth have a natural appearance.
Post-Treatment Process for Gap Teeth
The length of the healing period after treatment varies depending on which method was used. If braces treatment is required for the individual, the treatment period may last months. If veneer application is chosen, the entire treatment is completed within a few days. With the bonding method, the entire procedure takes only a few hours. Which method will be used depends on the patient’s budget, the condition of the gap between teeth, and the doctor’s decision.
In the early period after treatment, consuming certain foods and drinks may be harmful. Your doctor will explain in detail everything you need to pay attention to in this regard. Also, compared to other dental treatments, pain and discomfort after the procedure are generally minimal. It is possible to alleviate any pain with the painkillers your dentist prescribes.
Gap Tooth Treatment Prices 2024
Having gaps in teeth, especially when located between the two front teeth, is an undesirable situation. This issue not only spoils the appearance of the smile but also negatively affects the person’s self-confidence. First, it must be determined which type of application is needed for treatment.
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be required, while in others veneer application may be necessary. The bonding application, which easily closes the space between teeth, is another treatment option. Which of these treatments will be chosen depends on the patient’s expectations and the dentist’s opinion.
Gap tooth treatment prices vary depending on which of the relevant methods needs to be applied. Also, how many teeth require treatment is another factor that determines the price of the treatment. Prices for the bonding method and porcelain veneer application differ.
If orthodontic treatment is necessary to treat the space between teeth, the treatment fee will be very different. Therefore, to get precise information, you can contact us and make an appointment at our clinic. After the examination, this matter will become clear.
Also see: Types of Diastema, Causes & Treatment Fees
Frequently Asked Questions About Gap and Spaced Teeth
How are spaced teeth brought together?
If the spacing is only between the front teeth, aesthetic treatment methods will be sufficient to resolve the issue. However, in some patients, the gaps between teeth are spread over a wide area. For this situation, the most effective treatment method is braces or orthodontic treatment methods. Thus, the spaces between teeth can be permanently closed. However, applying veneers over the gap also suffices to eliminate this problem. Which application is better depends on you and your dentist’s opinion.
How is a gap tooth closed?
Our teeth are one of the most attention-grabbing features at first glance. They affect both our appearance and our smile. Everyone seeks ways to have a beautiful smile. Having a space between teeth is an unwanted condition for most people. With many developing treatment methods today, you can achieve a beautiful smile.
If the space between teeth is only between the front teeth, different aesthetic applications can be used. Most of these are treatment types requiring a dentist’s intervention. Some people resort to solutions like gap-closing strips to fill the space in their teeth. In addition, it is possible to permanently eliminate this issue through orthodontic treatment methods.
Patients who do not want to use braces can resolve this problem with fillings applied to the gap. Porcelain laminates are another treatment option. One of these methods will usually give you the desired smile. However, in some cases, the gaps between teeth may be large. In such cases, combined treatment methods may also be applied.
