What Is Diastema?

Diastema is the term used to describe a gap or space between two teeth and commonly occurs between the two teeth in front. The situation is a result of an uneven correlation between the teeth size and the jaw but can also be due to alignment issues, protruding teeth or extra-large tissue.

Occurrences of diastema

Diastema is a common occurrence among different mammals, particularly herbivores. However, only humans visit the dentist to fix the issue. Animals such as sheep, beavers and rodents find this condition beneficial because it enables food to move to their cheek so they can continue feeding without taking a break.

In certain cultures, especially in Africa, a diastema is often considered the symbol of appeal and fertility and is linked with seductiveness. In fact, some people go through a form of surgery to have a gap in their teeth. In France, they call it lucky teeth, and in Australia, kids with diastema are believed to have the power to foresee future wealth.

Opting to fix diastema

Some people choose to leave diastema and refuse to have a cosmetic dental procedure. This could be because they are wary about wearing braces for many months or are just satisfied with their dentition. The need to correct teeth gaps sometimes stem from the straight, white, perfect smile often advertised on TV or seen in Hollywood celebrities.

On the other hand, many people believe diastema signifies originality and authenticity. Several people have wholly embraced the feel of having a space between their two front teeth and accepted that the benefits of having diastema far outweighs correcting them. Some have come to take it as a way to show off their uniqueness.

The process of correcting diastema

If you are not a celebrity and have gaps between your teeth that you find awkward, especially when you smile, there are multiple methods of remedying the situation easily. Probably the most demanded solution is to go through orthodontic treatment to shift the teeth closer together with braces or the latest “clear” Invisalign tooth straightening method. These methods are incredibly effective, particularly for people with wider spaces. The most appealing feature of Invisalign is that they are less conspicuous and can be removed when eating, brushing or flossing.

Another common alternative is to get porcelain veneers. Like artificial fingernails, veneers are thin sheets of ceramic material specially made to fill the gap between the teeth. They are a bit wider than the natural tooth and glued straight on the surface of the tooth nearest to the gap. This procedure is effective if the diastema is not too wide. The price of porcelain veneers can range between $300 to $1,300 per tooth.

That is not all …

The final option, and probably the most attractive, is dental bonding. The procedure is highly effective for filling smaller gaps. The bonding material, made from tooth-colored composite resin, is identical to the color to the teeth and is molded with a freehand procedure over the teeth closest to the gap. The approximate cost of getting dental bonding is around $200 to $600 per tooth. If you care for the bonding properly, it may last up to 10 years or more.

Request an appointment here: https://www.palmbeachdentistry.com or call Palm Beach Dentistry at (561) 225-2057 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.