Why Is There A Gap Between My Front Teeth?
Below is a list of some common causes of gapped teeth or gap teeth, also known as diastema, that we regularly see at our Dentist Neutral Bay:
- Sometimes a gap will show as the front adult teeth first come through. Then, as the back or canine teeth arrive, they close the front teeth together. This doesn’t happen for everyone, though, and some people are left with gapped teeth.
- Missing teeth that simply never arrived or which were lost through dental trauma can create excessive space in the gums, allowing the teeth to develop in a spread-out manner.
- Occasionally, a person has more teeth than they should have, which usually would result in crowded teeth but can also result in gaps if teeth are unable to come through or are forced to erupt in different directions.
- Those with jaws of above average size may experience gaps if their teeth are not also bigger.
- An overly restrictive fraenum may also be the cause. This refers to the part of flesh that attaches the underside of the tongue to the mouth, and is usually responsible for gaps on the lower row of teeth.
- Advanced gum disease can reveal gaps in teeth as well.
How can I close the gap between my front teeth?
It is more standard for gaps to occur while teeth are growing during the teenage years. However, if the gap is extreme at his age, it can impact on how the rear teeth come through, resulting in bite issues and misaligned rear teeth.
As an adult with fully developed adult teeth, a gap in the front teeth can have a major impact on self-confidence and make a person self-conscious. It can also make it unpleasant to eat and chew, and act as a food trap.
Your North Sydney dentist may be able to provide multiple cosmetic and orthodontic solutions to gap teeth, including:
- Dental veneers. This refers to a thin porcelain tooth-shaped shell that is bonded to the front of your teeth. For some individuals, dental veneers may be able to close the gap in front teeth if they are made to be slightly wider than natural teeth.
- Invisible aligners such as the highly popular Invisalign North Sydney orthodontic solution. This is a cost-effective and non-invasive solution that allows you to bring your teeth closer together. You simply wear a see-through thermoplastic aligner that fits over your teeth. Every two weeks, you progress to a new aligner set as your teeth move closer and closer.
- Braces remain an effective and common solution at our Neutral Bay dental surgery. Though they are most used by adolescents, adult braces are also available. Our team here at our Neutral Bay dental surgery have supported many adults to close their front teeth using braces.
What you can do?
Gum disease treatment, dental implants or dental crowns may also be appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Alternatively, you can focus on improving the appearance of teeth. To discover a solution that works for you, contact our dental implants dentist near me, Dental Sanctuary, to arrange an appointment on 02 9157 9009 or by booking online.
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