Why gaps in teeth

A person may instead push their tongue against their front teeth when they swallow. Over time, this repetitive pressure against the front teeth pushes them forward, causing a gap to form. Thumb sucking, lip sucking, tongue thrusting, and similar habits can put pressure on the front teeth, pushing them forward. Children can develop temporary diastemas when their primary teeth, or baby teeth, fall out. When their permanent, or adult, teeth come in, these gaps typically close.

This type of gap is common enough that dentists consider it to be a normal developmental phenomenon in children. No treatment is usually necessary. A study reports older findings that these diastemas may be present in approximately two-thirds of children in whom only the central incisors have erupted.

The central incisors are the two flat teeth at the front of the upper jaw. If the teeth become loose because of gum disease, the person may experience pain and discomfort, especially while eating. Diagnosis of a diastema is straightforward — the dentist spots the gap while examining the teeth. Treatment for a diastema may not be necessary — especially if the gap arises from a mismatch between the size of the teeth and the jawbone, or if it results from the loss of primary teeth.

If treatment is not medically necessary, but the person wishes to close the gap for aesthetic reasons, a dentist can help determine the best approach. Dentists commonly treat diastemas with braces. The braces put pressure on the teeth, closing the gap over time. It may be necessary to wear a full set of braces, even if there is just one gap, because moving any teeth affects the entire mouth. Dental bonding involves applying resin to the surface of the teeth, then hardening the resin with a light source.

Invisible or removable braces may also fix some cases of diastema. Veneers or bonding is another option. This procedure uses a tooth-colored composite which can either fill gaps or fit over teeth to improve the appearance of your smile.

This procedure is also useful for fixing a cracked or chipped tooth. You may also be a candidate for a dental bridge, which can replace a missing tooth or correct a gap.

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

Treatment for gum disease varies, but may include scaling and root planing to remove hardened plaque tartar from above and below the gums.

This eliminates the bacteria causing the disease. Severe gum disease may require surgery to remove tartar that has accumulated deep within the gums. Surgery can also involve bone and tissue regeneration. For those who seek treatment for a diastema, the outlook is positive. Many procedures can successfully close a gap.

Additionally, treatments for gum disease can restore bone health and stop inflammation. In some cases of severe tongue-tie a condition caused by a restrictive fraenum that stops the tongue from poking out past the lips , the fraenum may cause a gap in the front teeth of the lower jaw. Gaps in teeth may close by themselves Gaps between baby teeth are very normal. Issues of gapped front teeth Some issues of gapped front teeth include: self-consciousness — some people may feel embarrassed and not want to smile crowded or crooked teeth — a large gap between the front teeth may not leave enough room for the teeth next to the front teeth to come through.

Treatment for gapped teeth An orthodontist is a dentist who has done additional study to specialise in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems in the alignment of teeth and jaws. Treatment options may include: veneers — a veneer is a type of tooth covering. If the gap is small; veneers that are just a little bit wider than the natural teeth could be used to cover the gap.

Veneers are permanently stuck to the tooth surface removable appliance — such as a plate. This helps to move the teeth closer together fixed appliance — such as braces.

Braces are fixed to the front teeth and rubber bands and wires are used to pull the teeth together fraenectomy — surgery to remove the fraenum that has caused the gap.

This is usually done before the gap is closed by orthodontic treatment. Where to get help Your dentist Dental Health Services Victoria provides public dental services through the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne and community dental clinics, for eligible people.

For information about public dental services call 03 or outside Melbourne metro Australian Dental Association 'Find a Dentist ' or Tel. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Veneers can widen your natural teeth to give you the even, wide teeth that close all the gaps.

Veneers can also reshape unattractive teeth, make your teeth taller, repair damage, and brighten teeth at the same time. Sometimes crooked teeth create gaps between your teeth.

You might even have gaps in some places and crowded teeth in others. However, sometimes veneers are a better choice. We recommend veneers if they will work well and you have other cosmetic problems you want to address at the same time. Veneers are also better if you want results quickly, although with accelerated orthodontics , we can achieve results faster than ever.

In either case, a dental implant is usually the best option.