It is important to ask your doctor about gaps in your smile.ĭuring your appointment, the doctor will examine your smile to assess the health of your teeth and gums. Leaving large gaps untreated can cause other teeth to shift or increase your risk of gum disease. What should I do if I have gaps in my smile? Your Doctor Can Tell You If Your Gaps Need Treatment or Notįor many patients, gaps are simply a cosmetic concern but some diastema can affect your oral health. * According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Most childhood gaps will close on their own as permanent teeth erupt. However, this percentage decreases dramatically with age. Are gaps between teeth normal? Diastema Are Very Common in Young Children You may have been born without certain teeth, which leaves a space behind in the jaw. In some cases, the jaw is relatively large compared to the size of the teeth. Smaller than average teeth or extra teeth that block others from coming in can leave gaps in your smile. If the tissue is longer than normal, it can cause gaps between the front teeth, either in the top or bottom jaw. What causes gapped teeth? There Are Many Reasons You May Develop Gaps in Your SmileĪ frenulum or frenum refers to the band of tissue under the top lip, underneath the tongue, and inside the cheeks. Often, gapped teeth run in families.Ĭertain bad habits which are common in childhood can also lead to the development of gaps, including thumbsucking. Many of the factors which cause gaps and other types of misalignment are genetic, including the size of your teeth and jaw. Are certain people more likely to develop permanent gaps? Genetics and Childhood Habits Can Increase the Chance of Diastema Let’s take a look at some different types of diastema…ĭifferent Types of Gaps Require Different TreatmentsĪ gap left by an extracted tooth will involve a different treatment process – such as a dental bridge – than gaps caused by natural jaw development or childhood habits. These types of gaps require prompt treatment to prevent serious side effects, such as shifting teeth. If gaps remain after all the adult teeth erupt, they become permanent and will require professional diastema treatment.Īnother common type of gap is caused when teeth fall out or require extraction. As children grow up, these spaces tend to close naturally when the adult teeth erupt. Known as diastema, gaps between teeth are especially common in kids. Do I need to worry about gaps? Gaps Are Common for Children and Usually Harmless, but Sometimes Require Treatment If you are self-conscious about gapped teeth or need treatment to improve your oral health, your dentist can recommend a solution. While some gaps in your smile are a harmless cosmetic quirk, larger spaces can cause issues such as inefficient chewing.
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