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Originally Posted On: https://elloortho.com/blog/fixing-teeth-gaps-how-the-best-pearland-orthodontist-can-help/
Gaps in between teeth are very common. Diastema, the technical term for having gaps between teeth, affects around 3.7-36.8% of the population.
In some cultures, it is considered very attractive to have a gap between the front two teeth. But many of us feel self-conscious about having a tooth gap and would rather do something about it. If that describes you, your Pearland orthodontist is here to help.
We’re going to explore what causes gaps between the teeth and what can be done about them.
What Causes Teeth Gaps and What Is the Treatment?
As we grow from babies to children, to adults, our mouths and jaws grow and change. This can mean that we develop teeth that are out of alignment or have gaps. Some of these causes are genetic and others are due to dental care.
Large Frenum
The labial frenum is the tissue that connects our upper lip and upper set of gums. For some people, this grows too large. This causes a gap between the front two teeth.
This is not a medical issue as it’s possible to keep your teeth healthy with good regular dental care.
The Best Treatment Option
If this bothers you, you can have a small procedure called a frenectomy. This will be performed by an oral/maxillofacial surgeon. This effectively removes the frenum.
After the frenectomy, it’s over to your orthodontist in Pearland for diastema treatment. They will talk you through the options to close the gap between your teeth. This may include braces and aligners, like Invisalign.
In just a few months to a year, you can close the tooth gap and have perfectly aligned and well-spaced teeth!
Crooked Teeth
When our teeth are not correctly aligned, the result can be overlaps in some places and gaps in others. The good news is that in most cases, orthodontics can correct crooked teeth.
The Best Treatment Option
The most common, tried, and tested method for correcting crooked teeth is still traditional braces. They are also usually a more affordable method. You can’t remove them, so can’t forget to wear them!
Traditional braces can tackle even the most complex orthodontic issues. Ideally, it’s best to start orthodontic treatments as early as possible. It’s best to get an orthodontic check-up for your child by age 7.
Early interventions can mean faster treatments and often reduces the need for treatment during the teen years.
Invisalign is another great option. These clear aligners are discreet and user-friendly. The best part is that they are now able to tackle most cases of misalignment, giving you a beautiful, even smile!
Narrow Teeth
In rare cases, some people simply develop teeth that are very narrow. They don’t fill the space to the next tooth, resulting in gaps. In some cases, they may retain some of their primary teeth into adulthood.
The Best Treatment Option
In this case, braces and Invisalign are not the best options because misalignment is not the problem. But veneers can help.
Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells that an orthodontist can attach to the front of teeth. They give your teeth an even appearance from the outside. They are extremely strong and can last for years.
Veneers are also a great option if you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth. This may be due to discoloration or damage.
Missing Teeth
It’s now more common than ever before to retain most of our natural teeth for our whole lives. But many of us still lose the odd tooth along the way. The most common reasons are due to accidents and decay.
The Best Treatment Options
The most common way to treat missing teeth is with a bridge. This can replace a single missing tooth with a dental crown.
The bridge attaches to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The bridge looks like three crowns that are joined together. This fills the gap left by the missing tooth.
There are a few drawbacks to bridges though. Firstly, you have to damage the teeth on either side of the gap to fix them. They will have to be filed down and have crowns attached, which is not ideal.
Dental bridges also have a relatively short lifespan of around 10 years.
The best treatment option for missing teeth is a dental implant. The implant is placed in the jawbone and replaces the root of the tooth. It acts as a support for a post and a dental crown.
The major benefit of a dental implant is the fact that it is permanent. It is the closest thing to having a natural tooth. The crown is usually made of porcelain and looks like a real tooth.
If you have lost all of your teeth on either the upper or lower jaw, it’s also possible to replace them with a full set of dental implants. Usually, only four or six implants are needed per arch of teeth.
Gum Disease
When gum disease develops to its serious form, periodontitis, it can cause gums to recede. Gaps will appear between the teeth.
The Best Treatment Options
First, you need to receive treatment to resolve your gum disease. This could involve a deep cleaning of the teeth and roots called scaling and root planing. It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible, as untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
When the infection has subsided, then your Pearland orthodontist can discuss diastema treatments.
Ello Orthodontics – The Best Pearland Orthodontist for You
If you’re ready for tooth gap treatment, you need to talk to the best Pearland orthodontist.
At Ello Orthodontics, Dr. Teresa Nguyen has the distinction of being a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Nguyen uses the latest treatments to achieve the best results for her patients.
Why not schedule a complementary consultation to see how Dr. Nguyen can help you close those gaps and regain your confidence?
