An 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.
Dealing with a large space between your teeth? Here are the answers to some of the questions you might have:
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.
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.
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:
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Diastema can ruin the way your smile looks, regardless of how healthy your teeth are. Call or visit our Irving clinic to set up an appointment with our orthodontist.
Request an appointment or call Valley Ranch Orthodontics at 972-200-1016 for an appointment in our Irving office.
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