Gap between teeth. Causes and symptoms of diastema

Every person dreams of having a beautiful smile. Today there are many ways to correct the shortcomings of the dentition. So, among the shortcomings of the dentition, which can spoil the aesthetic appearance of a smile, diastema is known. A diastema is a gap between the teeth that separates the central incisors of the upper or lower row. More often, the diastema is present on the upper dentition.

What is a diastema. Prevalence of dental problems

The diastema is an aesthetic defect and contributes to speech impairment, which is manifested by the appearance of communication difficulties.

In diastema, the central incisors take an abnormal position, in which a gap forms between them. The size of the gap with diastema can sometimes reach up to 10 mm, more often it ranges from 2 to 6 mm. Diastema is one of the most common dentoalveolar deformities that occurs in one fifth of the population.

Diastema is often combined with other anomalies in the position of the teeth, which requires an integrated approach to the aesthetic restoration of the dentition.

Why is there a gap between the teeth?

Clinical practice shows that the appearance of a gap between the teeth is a hereditary defect. In families with a genetic predisposition to diastema, half of the relatives have a defect in the dentition.

Predisposing factors are required for a gap between the teeth, eg tongue short frenulum, low attachment of the frenulum of the upper lip. Bad habits in childhood – biting hands in class, onychophagia, prolonged nipple sucking, the habit of chewing seeds - can cause diastema and turn the central incisors along the vertical axis.

Diasthema can be true or false. A false diastema appears during the formation of a permanent bite after a temporary one. This is normal for children. Also diastema can be symmetrical and asymmetric.

Symptoms of diastema. Feature or lack of a smile?

Many diastema owners consider it their "highlight" in appearance and do not want to correct it. Diastema can provoke mechanical dyslalia, which manifests itself in lisping, whistling, which requires the help of not only a dentist, but also a speech therapist. This significantly affects speech communication, the choice of profession and creates discomfort during communication. In addition, the diastema contributes to the  development of periodontitis in the area of ​​the anterior teeth.

To clarify the type of diastema, additional procedures are required – determination of bite, taking casts, study of diagnostic models of the jaws, orthopantomography, targeted radiography. The analysis of the diastema takes into account the symmetry, slope, location and shape of the diastema.

Diagnostics and treatment of diastema. Diastema Prevention

Treatment can be carried out with the help of orthopedic, surgical, orthodontic, therapeutic methods, as well as their combinations.

Defect repair with cosmetic restoration is the closure of the gap between the teeth with composite veneers, which are made from a light-cured composite. This procedure is done in one visit to the dentist.

The use of a prosthetic correction method is based on the use of ceramic veneers or fixed dentures to close the gap between the teeth.

If the diastema is due to anomalies of the frenulums of the tongue – surgical treatment is carried out – plasty of the tongue or frenulum of the lips.

 In some cases, removal of dystopic and impacted teeth and compact osteotomy with orthodontic correction are required. The orthodontic method of correcting getting rid of the diastema involves moving the position of the incisors with the help of removable devices or fixed equipment (bracket systems).

Clinical forms of diastema are very individual, so the elimination of defects in the dentition requires an individual treatment plan for each patient. To prevent the appearance of a diastema, it is necessary to eliminate bad habits of an oral nature, eliminate jaw defects and visit the dentist regularly.