What are Gap teeth?
A gap tooth is a dental condition where there is a space between teeth. This condition can occur anywhere in the mouth, but it is most visible when it occurs between the two upper front teeth. Gap teeth affect both adults and children, but in children, the gap may disappear once the permanent teeth grow. Some gap teeth are tiny and barely noticeable while others are lager and visible even from a distance. For some people, having a gap-toothed smile is not a big deal for them, while for others, it could be a cause of distress. Luckily, for those who don’t like the look of their gap-toothed, there are ways to close or reduce its size. Gap teeth mostly affect children, but in most cases, the condition only affects them temporarily. However, in adults, gap teeth are permanent and require treatment to remove the gap.
Causes of gap teeth
According to the American Dental Association, gap teeth are not caused by a single factor, as it is usually the case with most dental problems. Instead, it is caused by several factors, as discussed below.
-Undersized or missing teeth
Gap teeth can occur if some teeth are undersized or missing. This occurs mostly with teeth that are next to the two upper front teeth. Undersized or missing teeth can create a gap between teeth.
-Advanced gum disease
Gap teeth can also be an indication that you are suffering from severe gum disease such as gingivitis. If you start noticing the presence of a gap in your teeth, then you need to visit a dentist immediately for a checkup because you could be suffering a serious gum disease that has resulted in gum inflammation and loss of bone support, causing the affected tooth to loosen move apart from each other. The condition can worsen if it not treated on time.
-Missing tooth
Some people may experience a phenomenon where some permanent teeth fails to replace the baby teeth, thus causing a gap to appear. Others may opt not to replace their lost teeth, thus leaving a large gap. If missing teeth are not replaced, other teeth may spread out, resulting in several small gaps across the teeth.
- Labial frenum overgrowth
The labial frenum is a connective tendon that runs from the upper lip to the jaw, both on the top and bottom of the center of your mouth. If connective tendons grow far up or down on the front jaw, then it can force a gap between the two upper or middle-lower teeth.
- Larger jaw size
If your jaw size is larger than the size of your teeth, then a gap will occur. That is why gap teeth are common in children than adults. Baby teeth tend to remain the same while the jaws are growing fast, causing a gap to appear. However, when larger permanent teeth grow in to replace the milk teeth, the gap usually disappears.
- Self-inflicted behavior
Gap teeth can also occur as a result of self-inflicted action. For instance, if you like to push your tongue against your front teeth when swallowing or if you are fond of wearing mouth jewelry, then you are likely to develop teeth gap. Such behavior usually forces the teeth to move apart, making small gaps bigger.
Issues of gapped teeth
Some of the issues of gapped teeth include:
· Crooked or crowded teeth
If you have a large gap between your teeth, then other teeth may not have adequate space to come through. As such, your teeth may be crooked or crowded.
· Self-consciousness
Some people with gapped teeth usually feel embarrassed and tend to avoid slimming in public because they think their smile is not good.
Treatment for Gap teeth
Treatment for gap teeth may or not be necessary, depending on what caused it. Some people choose to embrace their gap teeth while others prefer to fix it, especially if the condition did not occur naturally. If the gap was caused as a result of a mismatch between the jaw size and the permanent teeth, then the gap will remain that way for life. But if the gap teeth was caused by other factors, then it can be corrected. If you are concerned with your gap teeth, then you are advised to visit your dentist immediately. The dentist will identify the real cause of the gap and offer appropriate treatment. However, if you don’t mind the look of the gap in your teeth, then you have nothing to worry about. Below are possible treatments for gap teeth.
1. Braces
Braces are one of the most used methods to correct gap teeth. This treatment helps to move gapped teeth together. However, the process can take several years to give the desired results. Patients with gap teeth can benefit from braces at nearly any age. However, the ideal time for placement of braces is between 10-14 years when the jawbone is still growing. At adulthood, the jawbone is fully grown hence challenging to correct. The dentist will examine your gap teeth manually and with x-ray images. He/she will also discuss your dental history before deciding on the treatment. A cheek retractor is used to ensure that the teeth remain dry and visible throughout the treatment. Dental cement is then used to hold the brackets place in the teeth. Once the braces are in place, the dentist will fit an archwire into each bracket to connect them.
2. Dental bonding
Dental bonding is currently the easiest, quickest, and most economical way to fix gap teeth. This simple procedure involves the application of a tooth-colored resin to the teeth. The resin material is designed and shaped to look like a natural tooth. It is then hardened with a special light to bond to close the gap, giving you an even and natural smile. The resin can be removed from the mouth at any time, if necessary. The main benefit of bonding is that it can be done during one quick visit to the dentist. Unlike veneers, this process does not require the dentist to remove the tooth enamel, meaning that the process is conducted faster. However, although this process is faster and more economical, it can result in teeth staining. This procedure is also not as reliable as other restorative procedures because the bonding material is vulnerable to chipping over the years. How you take care of your bonds will determine how long they will last. So, it is essential to take good care of your bonds once they are in place.
3. Veneers
Gap teeth can also be corrected by placing porcelain veneers- water-thin, tooth-shaped shells place on the tooth’s front. Before the porcelain veneers are placed, a thin portion of the enamel is removed from the front the tooth, which is then replaced by a porcelain veneer to fill the gap between two teeth. Veneers are usually bonded over the front of the tooth to cover imperfections such as gaps in your teeth. Although more expensive, veneers are tough and long-lasting. There are also permanent, meaning that once installed, they will last for a lifetime. So, before you choose this option, it is crucial first to sit down and determine if it is best for you because once the procedure is done, then there is no turning back.
4. Frenectomy
Frenectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove fraenum that has caused gap teeth. This surgical procedure is usually closed by an orthodontic treatment.
How to prevent gap teeth
Some gap teeth are preventable, while others occur naturally. Below are tips on how to reduce the risk of developing gap teeth.
Practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing as well as seeing a dentist at least twice a year.
Help your child learn how to break the thumb sucking habit
Learn proper swallowing reflexes
What to do when you have gap teeth
Gap teeth can occur naturally or because of an underlying dental problem. So if you notice space between your teeth or if you notice one in your child’s mouth, then it is important to talk to your dentist immediately. The dentist will determine the reason for the gap and recommend the best possible treatment plan. If the gap occurred because of the underlying dental problems such as gum disease, the dentist would first fix the root cause of the problem before closing the gap. On the other hand, if the gap does not pose any concerns to your dental health (occurred naturally), then it is upon you choose whether to close the gap or live it that way.
How to prevent gap teeth from coming back
If the gap is closed via dental repair or orthodontics, it can come back if you don’t take good care of your dental health. To prevent the gap from coming back, ensure that you follow all after treatment advice given by your dentist, including wearing retainers correctly as directed, brushing and flossing your teeth regality, and visiting the dentist regularly for a checkup.