What is a Diastema and How is it Treated?

There’s a good chance you’ve met someone before who had a gap between their two front teeth. Perhaps that person is even you! It’s more common than you may think, but did you know there is an actual name for the condition? It’s called a diastema, and if you’re not a dentist, you’ve likely never heard that word before. Keep reading to learn what causes a diastema and how your dentist can treat it.

What Causes a Diastema?

Both children and adults alike experience diastemas, and while they are harmless, they can cause your smile to look less attractive. Many times, when a child’s adult teeth come in, the problem rectifies itself, however, this is not always the case. So, what exactly causes a diastema?

• The most common cause is the teeth being too small to fill the space created by the jawbone, thus a gap is left between the two front teeth.
• In some cases, individual teeth in the upper row are abnormally sized, which may result in a larger gap between the prominent incisors.
• If the labial frenum (or the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums) is too large, a diastema may also occur.
• Tooth loss is another potential cause of a diastema. When there is a gap left by a missing tooth, the remaining teeth will shift in an attempt to close that space, which can result in a larger space than normal between the middle teeth.

Now that you know the different causes of diastemas, it’s important to know what the treatment options are.

How Can Your Dentist Treat a Diastema?

While diastemas are common, the good news is that cosmetic dentistry has made it possible for dentists to correct them in an effective and simple way. In the “olden days” of cosmetic dentistry, the primary method of correcting gaps between the two front teeth was the application of braces. As if having a diastema isn’t frustrating enough, metal brackets and wires don’t exactly boost self-confidence. Thanks to advancements in the world of cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are now an extremely popular method when it comes to smile transformation.

In as little as two visits, your dentist can make a custom mold and design paper-thin shells made of porcelain that will be bonded to the front of your teeth, masking the gap between them. Over time, the veneers will need to be replaced, but if cared for properly, they can last decades.

If you’ve been living with a diastema, you don’t have to go on hiding your smile. Talk to your dentist about porcelain veneers. The smile you’ve always wanted is waiting for you!

About the Practice

When it comes to smile transformation, no one does it quite like Dr. Cooper Owens and Dr. Alex Salen. Their expertise and commitment to keeping their practice abreast of the latest technology make them your go-to dentists for the highest quality of cosmetic dental treatment. With combined years of experience and training, there’s no better place to receive your porcelain veneer procedure. You can schedule a consultation online or call (440) 466-4884.