By Dr. Mahmoud Abu Zainah
Diastema is a term that simply describes a gap between teeth. Diastema can be the result of a wide range of causes, from hereditary reasons to tooth damage.
Regardless of the cause, there are various treatment options available for those who suffer from diastema.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR DIASTEMA
While many simply learn to live with diastema and the gaps do not pose an oral health concern in any way, many others may choose to seek treatment for diastema.
The following are the four most common treatment options for diastema.
DENTAL BONDING
One of the most popular treatment options for diastema is what is known as dental bonding, which is the process of applying a bonding material to existing teeth to fill in space in between each tooth. The material used in dental bonding is tooth colored and indistinguishable from natural enamel.
Dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure that can be completed within several hours and on the same day as the initial visit in many instances. It is often a much less expensive diastema treatment option when compared against other forms of treatment, although it may not last quite as long as dental veneers.
DENTAL VENEERS
Dental veneers are another popular form of treatment for diastema. Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells applied to the surface of a tooth in order to fill in gaps.
Dental veneers are durable and can last for decades without needing to be replaced. Since they are tooth-colored, they provide patients with a natural look and a full smile of beautiful teeth.
Dental veneers are much more of a permanent solution than dental bonding, which means they last longer but are not intended to be removed after placement.
BRACES AND ALIGNERS
Braces and aligners are capable of treating a specific type of diastema. In some cases, diastema is caused by a misalignment of teeth or a missing tooth that may not be necessary for a full smile.
Braces and aligners work to pull teeth into a straighter position, closing the gap between teeth and giving patients a full smile without additional space between each tooth.
However, braces and aligners do not solve all instances of diastema, and it is important to consult with an orthodontist before choosing braces or aligners as a treatment option for diastema.
DENTAL CROWNS
In more rare instances of diastema, dental crowns may work to fill in the gaps between a tooth, especially if the diastema is caused by damaged or eroded teeth.
Dental crowns work to restore the size and shape of natural teeth, which means they can widen the surface of each tooth, providing a smile that does not contain gaps between teeth.
However, dental crowns may not work well for natural cases of diastema in which the gaps occur between every tooth and the teeth are healthy.
