Diastema Treatment

The space seen between the teeth is called "diastema". This gap is too small to insert a tooth in between. Cavities, which are usually seen between the front teeth, can also be encountered between the other teeth. The wide tooth gap can cause aesthetic anxiety for patients, but it can cause some difficulties in speaking and chewing. In addition, the tongue is constantly in contact with these spaces when speaking, which causes the tooth gaps to increase further and the formation of cuts in the tongue.

What are the Causes of Diastema?

The gaps in the teeth are a condition related to both the teeth themselves and the gums. Being tooth sizes are small compared to the jaw; especially the lateral incisors are smaller than normal and missing anterior teeth is one of the most common causes. The fact that the gingival connective tissues between and above the front teeth are longer and wider than normal are also among the causes of diastema. Conditions such as gum surgery and tooth extraction, or the absence of all posterior molars, also trigger the anterior teeth to move backwards, causing cavities to form.

Diastema Treatment

There are more than one method for closing the gaps between the teeth or for the treatment of diastema. First of all, clinical and radiological examinations are performed and the results are examined and it is decided which treatment will be appropriate for the teeth. One of the most widely used and most practical methods is composite applications.  Incisors, which are smaller than the tooth jaw, can be brought to normal sizes with composite bonding, crown application or porcelain lamina veneer. Interdental spaces can be closed with orthodontic treatment. If there is an unusual hardness and thickness in the connective tissues of the gums, the gum tissue can be removed with a small operation.

Diastema Treatment Methods

Commonly used treatment methods for closure of interdental spaces; 

• Composite Veneer
• Porcelain Laminate
• Orthodontic Treatment
• Orthodontic Treatment and Porcelain Lamina

Composite veneer treatment is one of the most widely applied and most practical methods, among other treatments. Composite filling is preferred in the treatment of diastema in cases where the space between the teeth is not large. It offers the opportunity to apply in a single session. Composite filling application is made by selecting the resin suitable for the patient's tooth color and provides a result in harmony with the teeth. Oral and dental care after composite treatment, it is very important to pay attention to the recommendations of the dentist. The consumption of tea, coffee and cigarettes should be reduced, especially for a few days after the treatment.

Porcelain lamina treatment is also a method to be preferred in cases where tooth gaps are not too large. The anterior surfaces are thinned without cutting the teeth and porcelain laminates are adhered to the thinned areas. This method is the method in which healthy tooth tissues are lost the least. The treatment is completed in 2-3 sessions.

Orthodontic procedures are preferred for treatment in patients with advanced tooth gap. In addition, jaw surgery may be needed. The treatment process is longer than other methods, but it is a permanent solution.