What is Diastema or Gap Between Teeth?
Diastema is a dental term used to describe the spaces in between the teeth in both adults and children. Children with milk teeth also have this condition but are corrected during the growth of permanent teeth. Diastema in India is very common and is sometimes not considered as a serious dental condition.
Causes of Diastema:
1. Increased size of frenum(tissue connecting lip and gums)
2. Overgrowth of the gum tissue in between or adjacent to the gum lining of the teeth can cause gaps.
3. Teeth size proportionate to the size of the jaw is also a factor contributing to spaces in between the teeth.
4. Paranormal activities such as thumb sucking; abnormal tongue placement during swallowing can also alter normal teeth position.
5. Loss of a tooth or few teeth may result in repositioning of surrounding teeth.
Diastema may be caused due to trauma to the teeth or adjacent gums. In some cases infections to gum or other periodontal tissues can also be the cause of diastema. So, visit the best dentist in India to check your oral condition and take precautions to prevent this condition.
Types of Diastema:
1. Midline diastema: This is the gap between the upper front teeth and is the most common diastema. Mostly caused due to genetic factors or the difference in the size of teeth in proportion with the jaw bone.
2. Mandibular diastema: The gaps present in any portion of the lower jaw can be categorized as mandibular diastema. Mostly seen cases include overgrowth of frenum causing a gap between two center teeth. This is less commonly seen compared to midline diastema.
Treatment:
Diastema can be treated by treating the root cause of the condition. If it is caused as a result of any gum condition, then the treating of the condition comes first followed by treating diastema.
Treatment options include:
1. Scaling and root planing are indicated in case of mild gingivitis. This includes deep cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove bacteria.
2. Gingival flap surgery is suggested in case of severe gum infection. This method includes incising of gum layer cleaning all the infection and suturing back the gum tissue.
3. Frenectomy in India is suggested in case of severe overgrowth of frenum causing gap between the teeth which is generally followed by any cosmetic procedure such as teeth veneers or teeth braces.
4. In case of missing teeth, they can be replaced by dental implants or dental bridges to prevent movement of adjacent teeth.
5. After the root cause of diastema is removed cosmetic procedures can be performed to correct this condition. Cosmetic procedures include composite bonding, veneers, braces etc.
We recommend you to visit the best dental clinic in Delhi having all the advanced technology and expert specialists to handle all your dental needs.
FAQs about Gap Between Teeth
1. How long does it take to recover from diastema?
Time of recovery depends on the type of treatment received. It usually lasts from a couple of weeks in case of gum surgeries to one year in case of braces.
2. Can diastema cause other oral problems if untreated?
Having gaps in between the teeth can cause accumulation of food debris and plaque. This can lead to other conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
3. Can I prevent diastema?
Diastema caused due to inheritance or tissue overgrowth cannot be prevented. But diastema due to gum infections or trauma can be prevented by taking proper dental care.
