Teeth Spacing And Gap Treatments.
Having gaps between your teeth doesn’t just affect your smile. Known medically as diastemas, gaps in teeth can lead to several issues that can impact your daily life. They can affect your confidence, social life, and even oral health. While some people embrace their tooth spacing as a unique feature to be celebrated, others might seek orthodontic or cosmetic treatments to close the gaps. Understanding the causes, implications, and solutions for teeth spacing can help you make an informed decision about your dental care moving forward.
What Causes Gaps in Front Teeth?
Diastemas, spaces between teeth, can occur for several reasons. Understanding the root cause of your dental spacing is a crucial first step before choosing an effective treatment option.
As you can see, there are a slew of reasons for irregular tooth spacing. Consult a qualified orthodontist at Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists to determine the cause of your tooth gaps.
Genetics
Tooth gaps are often inherited from your parents. If they had gaps, there’s a good chance you’ll develop them as well. Your genetics determine your tooth size and jaw size. A mismatch between the two can lead to spacing issues.
Habits
Your habits, either developed in childhood or persisting through adulthood, can directly cause a gap in your teeth. Unhealthy habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged pacifier use can push your teeth forward, creating irregular spacing.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can lead to bone loss around your teeth, causing them to loosen and shift.
Tooth Loss
Losing teeth, either from trauma, disease, or poor oral hygiene, can cause the adjacent teeth to shift, creating larger gaps over time.
Developmental Issues
Gaps can be caused by developmental issues like an oversized frenulum, where the tissue connecting your upper lip to your gums extends too far down and causes a gap in front teeth.
Problems Caused by Gap Teeth.
While your tooth gaps may be harmless, they might not be. Diastemas can lead to a variety of dental and psychological concerns. While you might be comfortable with the gap in your smile, it’s important to address it professionally to understand if it’s causing other, more serious issues.
If you’re exploring your teeth spacing treatment options in the Atlanta area, give Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists a call. Our team has in-depth experience using advanced technology like SureSmile and other aligners to treat spacing between teeth just like yours!
Aesthetic Issues
Noticeable gaps, especially between your front teeth, may cause you to be self-conscious of your smile. A confident smile can be the key to a fruitful social life!
Functional Problems
Teeth gaps can impact your speech. They can cause lisps or other pronunciation difficulties. Plus, gaps can cause food to get stuck in your teeth and other chewing issues as well.
Oral Health Concerns
Food particles in teeth can lead to increased plaque, cavities, and gum disease. Additionally, uneven spacing can affect your teeth and bite alignment, potentially causing jaw discomfort or wear down specific teeth over time.
How to Fix Gaps in Teeth:
Treatment Options.
There’s never a one-size-fits-all treatment plan for gap teeth. Everyone’s tooth spacing presents differently, and the root causes can determine the specific method of treatment. Depending on the size of your gap, the cause, your age, and your preferences, one of the following may be the best teeth spacing treatment for you:
Braces and Clear Aligners
Traditional braces are highly effective for correcting spacing issues, especially when there are multiple gaps or bite issues present. Clear aligners are a popular and modernized version, providing more discreet and comfortable treatment.
SureSmile Technology
An advanced orthodontic technology providing pioneering treatment since 2004, SureSmile uses 3D imaging, treatment planning software, and robotic wire-bending to create highly precise braces and aligner treatments. Through in-depth customization, SureSmile reduces treatment times and improves comfort compared to traditional braces.
Veneers or Bonding
Bonding teeth with resin to close gaps is a quick, minimally invasive, and relatively inexpensive procedure. Placing porcelain or composite veneers over the front teeth can also be faster compared to braces. However, both only address cosmetic concerns, not the underlying issues causing the spacing between teeth.
Frenectomy
If an oversized labial frenulum is the cause of the gap, Atlanta Ortho can perform a minor surgical procedure known as a frenectomy to remove overgrown tissue.
Why Choose Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists?
Wondering why Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists keeps coming up for gap teeth treatment? Simple — we’re the best at it.
With over 1,000 patients treated using advanced SureSmile technology, our team knows how to get real results. Dr. Rathburn has helped dozens of patients transform their smiles, boost their confidence, and improve their quality of life.
From the moment you walk in, you’ll experience friendly, high-tech care focused on your comfort and results. Ask for Dr. Starling and see the difference for yourself.
Don’t wait—schedule your consultation with Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists today.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Why Are My Braces Causing a Gap?
You may be frustrated that your braces are causing an increased gap in front teeth. However, this is all a normal part of the teeth alignment process. In some cases, teeth need to be moved apart before they can be correctly aligned. Don’t worry; your Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists specialist will closely monitor progress to ensure that all gaps are closed by the end of your treatment plan.
Can Gaps Recur After Treatment?
Yes, gaps can return after treatment, especially if retainers are not worn as prescribed. After orthodontic treatment, teeth tend to shift back to their original positions in a phenomenon known as relapse. Following your aftercare protocol and wearing your retainer regularly helps maintain results from your orthodontic treatment.
To compare, braces treatment often lasts a whole two years or more!
Can I Fix a Gap Without Braces?
Yes! As mentioned above, there are several treatment methods available that are more advanced, faster, and more comfortable than traditional braces. Bonding and veneers can create a cosmetic solution, while SureSmile technology can solve the problem at its source. Surgery might also be called for if the gap stems from jaw alignment or frenulum issues.
Get Your Free Consultation.
Start the journey toward a straighter smile today!