Gaps between Teeth: Causes, Effects, and How to Fix Them

A gap in the teeth can either be a distinctive feature or a cause of concern. While some people love their gap, others want to close it. This blog will give you an insight into what causes a space between your teeth, how it can affect your life, and how to close the gap. Either out of curiosity or for a solution, this guide will surely help.

What Are Gaps between Teeth?

In dental terminology, gaps between teeth are referred to as diastema. Diastema occurs when there is a spacing between two or more teeth. The sizes of the gaps vary depending on their location. Although they can occur anywhere within the mouth, the most common is usually between the two upper incisors. Some tooth gaps can be small and barely noticeable, while others are larger and more obvious.

Causes of Gaps between Teeth

Knowing the causes of gaps allows you to determine if treatment is needed. The most common causes include:

1. Genetics

Genes play a key role in determining the size of teeth and jaws. Gaps can form when the teeth are too small for the jaw, often a condition inherited through generations.

2. Missing Tooth

When a tooth is lost or does not develop, the surrounding teeth may shift, creating gaps in the smile.

3. Thumb sucking or Pacifier

Habitual thumb sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier might cause some teeth to drift forward. Thus, forming spaces or gaps in a child's smile.

4. Gum Disease

Gum disease can damage the bone that supports your teeth. When the bone becomes weak, the teeth may loosen and shift, leading to gaps.

5. Tongue Thrusting

Some people use their tongue to push their teeth forward while swallowing or speaking. This may apply pressure on those teeth and with time, may create a gap.

6. Oversized Labial Frenum

The labial frenum is a piece of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. If it is too large, it can push the two central incisors apart from each other and create a gap.

Effects of Gaps between Teeth

When it comes to tooth gaps, there can be some physical and emotional consequences. Here’s what to know:

1) Self-Esteem Issues

For several people, gaps are a major source of embarrassment, especially if they are large or noticeable. This can affect their confidence during inter-human interaction.

2) Speech Issues

Gaps can impede the patient’s ability to articulate certain sounds with clarity. In some instances, words may be spoken in a lisping manner due to air escaping during speech through a gap in the teeth, which alters the way certain sounds are pronounced.

3) Food Entrapment

The gaps can trap food between the teeth, causing discomfort and bad breath. They also create a hindrance in cleaning the teeth through brushing and flossing.

4) Gum Problem

These gaps increase the risk of gum disease. Food particles and bacteria may accumulate in the spaces, causing gum irritation.

5) Tooth Misalignment

In the event of gaps, the adjacent teeth may shift over time. Subsequently, this can cause bite problems and unbalanced wear of your teeth.

How to Fill Gaps between Teeth?

If you’re unhappy with your gap, there are various methods to fix it. The best option depends on the cause and size of the gap. Some of the most common choices are:

1. Braces

This is quite an outdated choice for closing the gap. Braces apply pressure on the tooth that needs to be moved in the right position. Traditional metal braces are efficient; clear braces are also available and are less visible.

2. Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, like ALIGNERCO, are a discreet option. They are removable and practically invisible, which is great for adolescents and adults.

3. Dental Bonding

Such a technique involves filling the gap with a tooth-like resin, an affordable solution for small gaps. The resin is applied and shaped to match your natural teeth.

4. Veneers

Veneers are thin shells placed over the front of your teeth. This can be used to hide gaps and enhance the beauty of the smile. The veneer is custom-designed for a good fit over your teeth.

5. Dental Implants or Bridges

If gaps result from a missing tooth, dental implants or bridges can fill the space. Dental implants are permanent, while bridges are removable. Either option restores your smile and prevents tooth movement.

6. Frenectomy

If an enlarged labial frenum is responsible for the gap, a frenectomy may be done. Frenectomy is a simple procedure that removes or modifies the tissue, allowing the teeth to move closer together.

Preventing Gaps between Teeth

Prevention is better than cure. Here is a list of things you can do to avoid future occurrence of likely gaps:

1. Break Bad Habits

Stop thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting early enough to avoid pushing the teeth apart. Encourage children to use pacifiers for a limited time only.

2. Good Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss daily to prevent gum disease. Healthy gums and teeth are less likely to develop gaps.

3. Regular Visits to the Dentist

These regular visits catch the issue early on. Your dentist will assess your teeth's alignment and recommend solutions if gaps begin to form.

Should You Fix Your Gap?

This is an entirely personal decision. Some embrace the character of their unique smile, and others prefer a more conventional appearance. In either case, consider the following:

1. Your Own Comfort Level

If you find that your gap bothers you, fixing it may boost your confidence. If your smile already makes you happy, then there is no need to change it.

2. Health Issues

If the gap creates any difficulties, such as speech issues, gum irritation, or uneven teeth alignment, then it may need to be treated. Your dentist can help you with that decision.

3. Cost and Time

Some treatments, like braces, can take a long time and be expensive. Think about both sides before making a decision.

Famous People with Gaps

It is said that many famous people have preferred to keep their diastemas. Here are a few of the well-known faces with diastema:

• Madonna- This Queen of Pop has always been known for her iconic gap.
• Michael Strahan- The TV host and former NFL player proudly sports his gap.
• Elijah Wood- The gap enhances the uniqueness of the actor.

ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners for Teeth Gap Treatment

If you are looking for an option that discreetly fixes your gaps, consider ALIGNERCO clear aligners. Today, clear aligners are becoming increasingly popular over conventional braces. They offer a way for teeth shifting without anyone realizing you’re wearing them.

How Do ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners Work?

ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners use gentle pressure that shifts your teeth gradually. The following is a breakdown of the approach:

1. Online Assessment

You can begin by completing the online assessment. This helps ALIGNERCO to determine your eligibility for clear aligners.

2. Custom Treatment Plan

If you’re eligible, ALIGNERCO creates a custom treatment plan. It includes a 3D image of your teeth and a step-by-step plan to close the gap.

3. Wearing the Aligners

You will receive a series of clear aligners engineered to move your teeth slightly. Each aligner is worn for about 10 days before you can move to the next set.

4. Monitoring Progress

With ALIGNERCO, you can track your progress conveniently through the app. You also get to speak with one of the dental team if you have any questions or concerns.

5. Final Results

You will have a gap-free, much straighter, and more confident smile once you've completed the treatment.

How Does ALIGNERCO Compare to Other Clear Aligner Brands?

ALIGNERCO is one of the best overall clear aligner brands on the market. Here are the comparisons:

1. Price

Usually cheaper than brands offering in-office clear aligners. This makes it a strong choice for the budget-conscious.

2. Convenience

ALIGNERCO offers the at-home impression kit and allows remote monitoring, making it the best choice for busy working adults.

3. Efficiency

ALIGNERCO is effective for mild to moderate gaps. For complex cases, in-office aligners may be more suitable.

Recap

ALIGNERCO clear aligners offer a discreet and affordable way to fix gaps. They are also removable, easy to wear, and almost invisible. They can do well for mild to moderate gaps if used regularly because the best results are accompanied by discipline. ALIGNERCO is an easy and inexpensive way to change your current smile into your best smile. Begin today to take the first step toward your beautiful gap-free smile!