How To Close A Gap In Your Front Teeth: 7 Effective Ways

Having a gap between your front teeth can be a difficult experience to overcome. On top of having an impact on your appearance and self-confidence, this orthodontic issue can be devastating to your overall oral health.

In this article, we will guide you through how you can close or narrow the gap between your front teeth.

What is Midline Diastema?

Diastema is the medical term for when you have a gap between two or more teeth. The condition exists in both young and old and can develop between any of your teeth.

A midline diastema is the most common type and refers specifically to the gap between your two upper front teeth.

What Causes Diastema?

Gaps can form for a variety of different reasons. Below you will find the main reasons you might have a gap in between your front teeth:

• Your teeth are too small for your jawbone – When a person’s teeth are too small for their jawbone, gaps can develop between them. Genetics are in charge of the size of your teeth in relation to your jawbone, which means diastemas can be passed down from generation to generation.
• You have missing or undersized teeth – By having missing or smaller teeth, your chances of developing diastema are very high. A common cause of this is when the upper lateral incisors, the teeth beside your front two teeth, are missing or are too small. To compensate for this, a gap can develop between the front two teeth.
• Your labial frenum is too large – Your labial frenum is the soft tissue that attaches the upper lip to the anterior surface of the maxillary gingiva, also known as your gums. If this piece of connecting tissue is too big for your gums, a gap can be created as a result.
• You have gum disease – Gum disease can result in a complication known as tooth migration. This is when inflammation happens in your gums, which then damages the bones and tissue supporting your teeth. If left unchecked, this damage will cause your teeth to become loose, and eventually drift apart.
• You are swallowing incorrectly – When people swallow, they tend to push their tongue to the roof of their mouth. Unfortunately, there are some who have troubles swallowing correctly, which results in their tongue pushing against their front teeth. This repeated pressure can lead to the teeth being gradually pushed forward, allowing for a gap to appear.
• Your bad habits – From thumb sucking to tongue thrusting and grinding teeth, all these habits gradually force teeth out of their natural position, which can lead to diastema.

How Do You Treat Diastema?

If you wish to close the gap in your front teeth for aesthetic or medical reasons, your dentist or orthodontist can help determine the best approach.

Treatments for treating midline diastema include:

1. Braces

Braces are the most common way of treating midline and other types of diastemas. They work by gradually applying pressure to your teeth to close the gap over time. You might find that a full set of braces will be necessary to correct the gap in your teeth. This is down to the fact that if you move any of your teeth, the rest of your mouth will be affected.

Braces are a classic and effective solution for closing gaps, including those caused by diastema. Traditional metal braces consist of metal brackets and wires that gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions. They are highly effective for complex cases but can be more noticeable and may cause some initial discomfort. Ceramic braces offer a more discreet alternative; they function similarly to metal braces but use clear or tooth-coloured brackets that blend with your teeth, making them less visible. Ceramic braces are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal, though they may be slightly more prone to staining and can be a bit more fragile than metal braces.

2. Surgery

If you have an oversized labial frenum that has resulted in a gap in your front teeth, then your dentist might suggest a procedure known as a frenectomy. It’s a fairly basic oral surgical procedure that removes any excess tissue from your mouth’s frenulum.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect:

1. Preparation: The dentist will apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the frenulum. You may feel a slight pinch or pressure, but you shouldn’t experience pain.
2. Incision: The dentist will make a small incision to remove the excess frenulum tissue. This can be done using a scalpel, laser, or electrocautery (a tool that uses heat to cut tissue). The choice of method depends on the dentist’s preference and the specific case.
3. Removal: The excess tissue is carefully removed. In some cases, stitches may be required to close the incision. In other cases, the tissue may heal on its own without stitches.
4. Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, you’ll receive instructions on how to care for the area to promote healing and minimise discomfort.

Following this type of surgery, you may require braces or similar treatments to close the gap left by your oversized frenulum. Risks are minimal but can include temporary discomfort and a slight risk of infection.

3. Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease can lead to tooth migration, where inflammation and infection cause the supporting tissue and bone around your teeth to deteriorate. This can result in gaps between teeth. By getting treatment for gum disease, you can stop infections and complications that can result in tooth loss or migration.

Treatments for gum disease may include:

• Scaling to remove tartar and bacteria from your gums.
• Applying topical or oral antibiotics.
• Surgery to remove deep tartar from beneath the gums (severe scenarios)

Once your gums are healthy again, your dentist will suggest one of the techniques mentioned in this article to correct your diastema.

4. Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They are an excellent choice for closing gaps quickly and effectively. Veneers are made from porcelain or composite materials and can be designed to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth. They provide a seamless look and are resistant to staining. However, they require the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel, and while they offer immediate aesthetic results, they are not a solution for underlying structural issues.

5. Bonding

Dental bonding is a cost-effective and quick fix for small gaps. This procedure involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the gap, which is then sculpted and hardened with a special light. Bonding is less invasive than veneers and can be completed in a single visit. It’s ideal for minor gaps and imperfections, but it may need touch-ups over time as the resin can chip or stain more easily compared to veneers.

6. Dental Bridge

If the gap is due to a missing tooth, a dental bridge might be recommended. A bridge involves creating a false tooth (pontic) that is anchored in place by modifying the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. This restoration effectively closes the gap and restores functionality and appearance. The process involves preparing the adjacent teeth to serve as supports for the bridge, which requires some alteration to these teeth. Bridges are durable and provide a solid, functional solution but may require replacement or adjustment over time.

7. Dental Implant

A dental implant offers a permanent solution for missing teeth without altering neighbouring teeth. An implant consists of a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, which acts as a replacement root. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a dental crown is attached to complete the restoration and close the gap. Implants provide a natural look and feel and are a long-term solution, but the procedure involves a more extended healing period and higher cost compared to other options.

How Can You Prevent Diastema?

Unfortunately, you can’t prevent hereditary types of diastemas such as having teeth that are too small for your jawbone. However, there are methods for preventing diastema in less severe cases. These are:

• Maintaining proper oral hygiene to prevent gum disease.
• Regularly brushing and flossing.
• Learning proper swallowing reflexes.
• See a dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and examinations.
• Break unhealthy habits such as thumb-sucking.

Seek Treatment for Diastema

For those of you who want to seek treatment for a gap in your front teeth, the outlook is positive. Many diastema–correcting procedures can successfully close the gap.

If you want to find out more about correcting a gap in your teeth, contact the clinic today for a consultation with our orthodontic specialist.

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