An Orthodontist Answers Gaps in Teeth FAQs

An Orthodontist Answers Gaps in Teeth FAQs from Price Family Orthodontics in Frisco, TXAn orthodontist can help you to close up abnormal spaces between your teeth. The condition is termed diastema, and it ruins the appearance of your smile. Large spaces between teeth are normal for children, but these spaces normally close up as their remaining teeth erupt.

Spaces between an adult’s teeth can be the result of an orthodontic problem. Some people choose to leave them unaddressed, particularly if it only affects their front teeth. An orthodontist can help those who would rather have the gap closed.

Our orthodontist answers FAQs about gaps between teeth

Dealing with a large space between your teeth? Here are the answers to some of the questions you might have:

1. What causes diastema?

There are various reasons why a person might develop an abnormal space between their teeth. In some cases, it might result from their jaw being too big, while others develop the condition due to their teeth being too small. Genetics often plays a role in the size of a person’s jaw and teeth, so the condition might be hereditary. Gum disease can also lead to spaces forming between teeth since it damages bone and gum structures in the mouth. Habits like tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking can also lead to diastema.

2. What occurs if I don’t get the gap between my teeth fixed?

For the most part, nothing. Spaces between a child’s teeth typically close up by the time all their adult teeth emerge. Most people who seek treatment for diastema that affects their front teeth typically do so for cosmetic reasons. However, gaps between posterior teeth can turn into a food trap, making the teeth surrounding them more vulnerable to decay.

3. How does an orthodontist treat diastema?

There are a variety of treatment options that can lead to diastema. Treatments are usually recommended based on the root cause of the patient’s condition. Some of the ways a dentist might opt to address a large space between a patient’s teeth include:

  • Orthodontic appliances: Diastema caused by poor teeth alignment can be fixed with orthodontic devices like braces. These devices exert pressure on the patient’s teeth, slowly pushing them into a better position and closing up abnormal spaces between them. Treatment times with these devices can be anywhere from 12 to 36 months
  • Composite bonding: Gaps between teeth can be closed up by applying composite resin to the area. The composite can be used to increase the bulk of the two teeth closest to the gap, closing it up. It is a non-invasive procedure that is completed during a single dental visit
  • Crowns: Dental crowns can be used to provide a more permanent cosmetic fix for diastema. The two teeth closest to the gap have oversized crowns placed on them, closing up the space between them. It provides a long-term solution that can last for up to 25 years

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontist in Frisco, TX

We can fix your smile

Diastema can ruin the way your smile looks, regardless of how healthy your teeth are. Call or visit our Frisco clinic to set up an appointment with our orthodontist.

Request an appointment or call Price Family Orthodontics at 972-528-5519 for an appointment in our Frisco office.

Related Posts

3 Things To Look For When Trying To Find An Orthodontist

Trying to find an orthodontist can be a long process, but there are certain points patients can look for to make the search easier. While it is up to individual patients to decide what qualities matter most, it can help to keep several aspects of an orthodontic office in mind to help narrow down choices.…

4 Tips To Find An Orthodontist When Moving To A New City

Moving to a new city can be an exciting adventure but also a stressful and overwhelming experience. One of the challenges of moving to a new city is finding a new orthodontist for yourself or your family, whether for first-time or continued treatment. Depending on the size of the new community, there may be a…

Find An Orthodontist In Your City

Finding an orthodontist in your city can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area or have never needed orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatments are a significant investment in oral health and overall well-being, so choosing an experienced, knowledgeable, and trustworthy orthodontist is important. This article will share tips and strategies to help you…