How Can Orthodontic Treatment Help With Diastemas

A diastema is a gap or space along or between two teeth. This condition occurs when there's an unbalanced relationship between the jaw and the teeth's overall size, but alignment problems, oversized tissues, and protruding teeth can also cause it. Many factors can contribute to the gap in your smile; some are genetic, and some come from bad habits such as thumb-sucking during childhood and poor oral hygiene. Today, we'll look further into how getting treatment from your orthodontist can help close that gap for good and give you a straighter smile in return. 

How Can Orthodontic Treatment Help With Diastemas 

Many people often seek to correct diastemas through cosmetic procedures, but having a diastema doesn't affect your oral health. For many people, diastemas can add authenticity and character, as it's a unique trait that can be considered reasonable. However, for those who don't like their gap, many orthodontic treatments can be provided to correct the teeth, including:

Traditional Braces: Some diastemas can be corrected with traditional metal braces. Over time, the braces can be sued to slowly close the gap between the teeth, especially if it is caused by malocclusions such as overbites. 
Headgear and Intermaxillary Elastics: In some more severe cases of diastemas and malocclusion, headgear and intermaxillary elastics can assist the braces in alignment. 
Orthodontic Retainers: After braces, orthodontic retainers are needed to help maintain the spacing between the teeth to avoid reversing the effects. 
Lip Bumper Appliances: Lip bumper appliances work to make room for the lower teeth and are placed along the lower lip area to allow the front teeth to drift forward during the alignment phase. 
Frenectomies: Some diastemas develop due to an abnormal frenulum (sometimes called lip-tied or tongue-tied). In these cases, a frenectomy surgery can help surgically remove the abnormal frenula and help adjust the tooth's bite for children. 

While many orthodontic treatments can assist with diastemas, not all treatments work for your teeth. Some people find plenty of success with restorative treatments such as dental bonding, porcelain veneers, implants, and partial dentures to correct the spacing without much issue. In others, their diastema may be caused by an infection, such as gum disease, and require periodontal treatment to fix. Speaking with your primary dentist about your options for correcting your teeth is essential, as it is a personal decision only you can make regarding your smile. If you have spacing between your teeth, speak with your dentist. They can determine the cause of your diastema and refer you to an orthodontist or periodontist for treatment. 

Correct Your Diastema Through The Orthodontic Clinic P.C

If you're looking to correct your diastema and want a straighter, healthier smile, speak with Dr. Adeola Faleye at The Orthodontic Clinic P.C. Dr. Faleye can provide extensive orthodontic treatment options in Bartlett and East Memphis, TN, to help you achieve a better smile. To learn more about our services and to correct diastemas, contact us by calling (901) 377-1744 in Barlett and (901) 377-1744 in East Memphis.