Gapped teeth, commonly known as diastema, generate noticeable gaps between the teeth. Usually, diastema refers to the space between the front two upper teeth, which is the most common gap in the mouth. This affects 50% to 60% of children under the age of 5, and it normally closes on its own by the age of 8 or 9. The gap may not close on its own if it has not closed after the adult canine and incisor teeth have come in. If the gaps in your teeth do not resolve on their own, you can seek cosmetic dental treatment for teeth gaps.
Causes of Gaps
A lower-than-normal fraenum is the most prevalent cause of gapped front teeth. The fraenum is a fold of skin inside the upper lip that connects the top lip to the upper gum. You should be able to feel it readily if you elevate your top lip. When the fraenum is lower than normal, it is anchored so far down on the gum that it keeps the two front teeth apart.
There are other causes of gapped teeth as well. These can include:
- The natural development of teeth is a common cause of having gaps. When your teeth first come in, it is quite normal to see gaps between them. However, when the canine teeth develop, these help to fill gaps in teeth. If the gaps still do not go away, then you can seek a dental treatment
- Some people are born without one or two teeth — either baby or adult teeth — in their jawbones. The missing teeth leave the gaps
- On the contrary, some are born with extra teeth in the bone. These additional teeth prevent other teeth from coming through — leading to gapped teeth
- Some people naturally have small teeth, which can also be the reason for gaps between them. On the other hand, for some people, the teeth may be of normal size, but their jaws are larger. This way the teeth are unable to fill the space in the entire jaw
- The lingual fraenum can also be the reason for gaps between the teeth. In this case, the fraenum attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. If the person has a severe condition of tongue-tie, which is caused by a restrictive fraenum not allowing the tongue to poke out past the lips, it can lead to a gap in the front teeth of the lower jaw
How to Close Teeth Gaps?
In some cases of gapped teeth, the issue resolves on its own with time. If it does not, cosmetic dental treatments can be helpful. Depending on your oral health, the dentist may recommend dental veneers, teeth bonding for gaps, braces, etc.
Dentist in Chula Vista
Dr. Nick Addario is a dentist in Chula Vista who can fix gaps in teeth through quality and affordable treatments. After careful examination of individual cases, Dr. Addario will recommend a cosmetic dental treatment for teeth gaps. Call or visit to book your appointment.