Diastema Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Diastema Overview Diastema refers to the presence of an unusual gap between teeth, most commonly occurring between the front two teeth. Diastema affects both children and adults; however, gaps between the milk teeth of children are normal and usually close once their permanent (adult) teeth erupt. Causes and risk factors Diastema is reported to be hereditary; several people are genetically prone to this condition. Sometimes, family history serves as a risk factor for this condition. The other causes of diastema are as follows:Missing teeth or reduced tooth sizeOversized frenum (the connective tissue band that connects the gums and lips).In some cases, an abnormal swallow reflex has been linked to the development of diastema. Under normal circumstances, while swallowing, the tongue presses against the roof of the mouth. However, repeated pressure resulting from the tongue being pressed against the front teeth may result in the gradual formation of a gap between teeth.In some people, advanced gum disease causes the formation of gaps between the teeth. In such cases, the infection in the gums erodes the bone underneath, thus loosening the teeth and eventually, causing the formation of a gap.Patients with the aforementioned conditions are at a risk for developing diastema. Symptoms A gap between the teeth is the only sign of diastema, provided the teeth and gums are healthy. If the gap is caused by a gum disease, patients may notice inflammation, redness, pain, or other gum disease-specific symptoms. Given that diastema does negatively impact the oral health, it is not a matter of concern, unless it is a consequence of gum disease. Plenty of corrective cosmetic treatments are available for patients that prefer to close the gaps between their teeth. Diagnosis Diastema is often diagnosed by dentists during a routine dental exam, without the need for further testing.Patients that are bothered by gaps between their teeth are advised to schedule a dental consultation. Dentists discuss the treatment options with the patients in detail. Nonetheless, an increasing gap between teeth would require prompt action. Treatment There are several methods to correct and/or treat diastema. The cause and nature of diastema (whether it is a result of gum disease or merely of cosmetic concern) determines the course of treatment.Cosmetic treatments for diastema: Several cosmetic dental treatments are available for patients with otherwise healthy teeth simply wish to close the gaps:Dental bonding: To conceal the gaps, the dentist will apply a tooth-coloured composite resin onto the tooth/teeth. Thereafter, to ensure that the teeth have a natural look/appearance, they are shaped and polished.Application of porcelain veneers: Custom-made ceramic shells (veneers), when attached (often permanently) onto the front teeth, close the gaps between the teeth, offering a more uniform look.Application of braces: If the gaps are large, the teeth may need to be physically moved together via the use of orthodontic treatments, i.e., clear orthodontic aligners or braces. In mild cases, diastema can usually be fixed without braces.Frenectomy: The presence of an oversized/thick oral frenum causes the teeth to be pushed apart, resulting in the formation of a gap. A frenectomy serves to either remove or loosen the frenum. In many cases, frenectomy is performed along with other cosmetic procedures, such as veneer application or dental bonding.Application of dental bridges: Dental bridges are often recommended by dentists if a missing tooth is the cause of diastema; the bridges serve to replace the tooth. To place a bridge, the presence of two healthy teeth on either side of the gap is necessary; these teeth are altered to serve as anchors that hold the bridge in place.Application of dental implants: Similar to a dental bridge, an implant serves as a replacement for a missing tooth. However, the application of a dental implant does not necessitate the reshaping of the neighbouring teeth. Implant application involves the placement of a threaded titanium post to replace a missing tooth root; once the tissues around the implant heal, a dental crown is fixed to close the gaps between the teeth.Gum disease treatment for diastema: If gum disease is cause of diastema, the dentist would need to first perform periodontal treatment to eliminate the harmful bacteria. After the infection is treated, patients can choose to get rid of the gap between the teeth using one or more of the aforementioned cosmetic treatments. Common methods for gum treatments include the following:Teeth cleaning: For cases for mild gum disease, deep dental cleaning, i.e., scaling and root planing, is recommended by dental experts. This process is similar to a regular cleaning procedure; however, during deep cleaning, the gums will be numbed to provide relief from pain or discomfort while the dentist attempts to clear the bacteria present in the deeper crevices under the gums.Gingival flap surgery: For cases of moderate to advanced gum disease, gum surgery may be needed. During this procedure, an incision is created along the gum line, so that the gums may be moved back temporarily and the tooth roots are visible. After the roots are thoroughly cleaned, the gums are repositioned and sutured back into place. If bone loss is observed around a tooth, a dental bone graft may also be used to aid the regeneration of bone tissues.