Diastema is a medical term that refers to a gap or space between teeth. This can occur anywhere within the teeth, but is most noticeable between the two upper front teeth. This condition can occur in both children and adults; however, for children, the gap may disappear once their permanent teeth come in.

Some patients have gaps that are so small, they are barely noticeable. However, some other patients have gaps that are larger and more noticeable, which can be an issue for some people. Of all cosmetic dental issues, diastema is one of the most common dental issues that patients wish to fix. If you dislike how a gap looks, then it is important to seek help from an orthodontist. At Rawle Orthodontics, we specialize in methods that effectively close gaps. Feel free to contact our team to learn more about how we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!

What Causes Diastema?

There isn’t one particular cause of diastema, as there can be several contributing factors. Gaps may form due to the following reasons:

• A person’s teeth are too small for the jawbone
• Genetics
• Overgrowth of tissue that borders your gum line and your two upper front teeth
• Excessive use of pacifier or thumb sucking as a child
• Tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue forward against the front teeth when swallowing)
• Gum disease

It is important to note that for some people, diastema is nothing more than a cosmetic issue and doesn’t always indicate a more serious problem, like gum disease. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you achieve a straight, healthy smile, contact us today!

What is the Best Treatment for Diastema?

At Rawle Orthodontics, we offer many different treatment methods for diastema, such as:

• Traditional metal braces
• Partial braces
• Mini braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Ceramic braces
• Invisalign

If the gums above your two upper front teeth overextend and cause a gap, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue and correct the gap. However, you may still need braces to fully close larger gaps. If your doctor diagnoses you with gum disease, then you must receive treatment to stop the infection before you seek treatment to close a gap.

Contact our team today at Rawle Orthodontics to learn more about how we can help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Our skilled team will provide you with the best advice and guidance to treat diastema.