What is a gap between teeth? Someone considers it a dental pathology, someone considers it an aesthetic defect, and someone considers it a nice feature. Madonna, Vanessa Paradis, Ornella Muti, Alla Pugacheva, Konstantin Raiki - there are many celebrities who managed to turn this defect into a highlight. Should I get rid of it and how to do it?
The gap between the teeth: what is it
First of all, it is worth understanding what it is. Dentists call the gap between teeth a diastema. From the Greek language, this term is translated as "distance", "gap". This defect is present to one degree or another in almost every fifth inhabitant of our planet.
A diastema is an abnormally large gap between the central lower or upper incisors. The size of the gap can be from one to ten millimeters. Clefts between two and six millimeters are most common.
Do I need to get rid of her
To get it rightto answer this question, you need to understand what kind of diastema we are talking about. It can be true or false.
- Should I somehow deal with the gap between the teeth of a child? In children with milk teeth, a false diastema is often found. After changing them, she can pass on her own.
- True diastema is the one that appeared after the formation of the bite and the change of milk teeth. The visible gap will no longer disappear on its own. Its owner may face malocclusion, diction, dental problems. Also, for many people, the gap becomes the cause of the complexes. Therefore, a true diastema should certainly be disposed of.
Corrections
How to remove the gap between the teeth? The main goal of correcting a diastema is to achieve the most even alignment of the central incisors. This process can take several years or fit into one or two procedures. It all depends on the complexity of the problem, as well as the age of the person.
Currently, the following methods of dealing with diastema are popular:
- braces;
- records;
- kappas;
- veneers;
- Lumineers;
- crowns;
- implants;
- cosmetic correction;
- artistic restoration;
- surgical plastic.
Each method deserves more detailed consideration.
Method 1. Braces
What method of correcting a diastema has been consistently popular for many years? How to close the gap betweenteeth? Braces are non-removable orthodontic constructions, the wearing of which allows you to give the incisors the correct position and align the dentition. It is fixed on the inside or outside of the teeth, it is almost impossible to notice.
Brackets are the ideal choice for correcting diastemas up to 16 years of age. At this age, the bone tissue of the jaw has not yet had time to form. Unfortunately, this method may not help adult patients. It cannot be ruled out that the incisors will return to their original position after the removal of the orthodontic structure.
Wearing braces does not pose a risk to the he alth of the patient. However, this method also has certain drawbacks. The duration of wearing can be up to three years. During this period, you will have to pay maximum attention to caring for the oral cavity. Braces must not be removed until the end of treatment.
Method 2. Records
How to remove the gap between the teeth? You can deal with this problem with the help of plates. We are talking about a removable orthopedic structure, which has many similarities with braces. Wearing it helps problematic incisors move in the right direction and take the correct position.
This method is used when diastema correction is required in a child under 12 years of age. At this age, the position of the teeth and the bone tissue of the jaw lend themselves well to correction. The plates also do not pose a threat to the body. The main advantage of the method is that they can be removed. Unfortunately, to cope with significantdefects with the help of plates will hardly succeed.
Method 3. Mouthguards
What method helps to get rid of the gap between the teeth in adults and children? Mouthguards are a removable orthodontic design, the use of which is gaining momentum in recent years. These are a kind of "covers" designed to be put on the teeth. Mouthguards are produced using 3D technology.
What are these "cases" capable of? Kappa exert pressure on problematic incisors, forcing them to move in the required direction. Elimination of the diastema is achieved through their consistent replacement.
Mouthguards are almost indistinguishable on the teeth, they are allowed to be removed. The main disadvantage of such "cases" is the high cost.
Method 4. Veneers
What to do if there are gaps between the teeth? Veneers are another way to deal with this defect. They are a kind of facing material that is intended for the outer surface of problem teeth. The installation of veneers makes it possible to close the gap in the truest sense of the word.
This method of diastema repair has many advantages. Veneers are made from reliable materials, presented in various colors. They are absolutely invisible on the dentition, do not cause an allergic reaction. However, this method also has certain drawbacks. Veneers do not allow you to solve the problem once and for all, so as not to return to it again. Their term of service does not exceed ten years after its expiration.replacement is required. Also, before installing these products, the cutters are turned. There are a number of restrictions due to which veneers are not available to all people.
Method 5. Lumineers
What other effective ways are there to eliminate gaps between teeth? Lumineers are an orthopedic overlay, which in many ways resembles veneers. It is fixed on the outer surface of the central incisors, closing the cleft completely.
Lumineers are better than veneers when compared in terms of aesthetic performance. With this overlay, it is easy to achieve a sparkling Hollywood smile. Its service life averages 20 years, before installation it is not required turning. Of the shortcomings, the presence of contraindications should be noted. Lumineers, unfortunately, are not suitable for all people.
Method 6. Crowns
How can gaps between teeth be closed? Crowns are able to cope with this task. We are talking about non-removable orthopedic structures that completely cover the incisor. Various materials are used to make crowns. For example, it can be ceramic, plastic, metal.
With the help of crowns, you can quickly achieve the desired result. They pose absolutely no threat to he alth. It is also worth noting that these products cannot be distinguished on the dentition. The average lifespan of crowns is ten to twenty years. They can be installed on decayed teeth if the percentage of destruction does not exceed 60.
Of course, this method also has disadvantages. The main one is that before installing crownstooth grinding required.
Method number 7. Implants
Is it possible to close the gap between the front teeth? To solve this problem is easy with the help of implants. They are non-removable orthopedic structures that are intended for prosthetics of teeth, the absence of which led to the formation of a diastema.
How does it happen? The implant is inserted into the jaw bone tissue, replacing the tooth roots. This makes it possible to fully restore the aesthetics and functionality of the crown of the problematic incisor.
The method has both advantages and disadvantages. The implant may have a long or lifelong lifespan. Its installation allows you to quickly achieve the desired result. The product does not pose any threat to the human body, imperceptibly on the dentition. Among the shortcomings, the presence of contraindications and the need for postoperative observation should be noted.
Method 8. Cosmetic correction
What other methods are there to deal with the gap between the front teeth? With minor diastemas, cosmetic correction comes to the rescue. The procedure involves applying a small filling to the gap between the incisors. As a result, the problem is visually eliminated.
Cosmetic correction does not pose a he alth hazard, with its help you can quickly achieve the desired result. Speaking about the advantages of this method, one cannot fail to note the affordable cost of the procedure andno contraindications.
There are also certain disadvantages. Cosmetic correction allows you to solve the problem only temporarily. The average lifespan of a filling is five to seven years. Gradually, it begins to change color, which negatively affects the appearance of the dentition. There is also the possibility of developing caries at the junction of the incisors. Finally, a person will have to control the load on the front teeth. This causes some inconvenience while eating.
Method number 9. Artistic restoration
How to close the gap between the front teeth? Artistic restoration will help to cope with this problem. This method, unlike cosmetic correction, provides long-term preservation of the result. It involves building up the tissue of the front teeth using composite materials. Products harden under the influence of an ultraviolet lamp, give the impression of a tight closure of the incisors. Such materials look natural, they are invisible.
Artistic restoration has many advantages. With its help, it is possible to quickly achieve the desired result. The procedure does not pose a threat to he alth, there are also no contraindications. The main disadvantage is that the person must reduce the load on the front teeth, as is the case with cosmetic correction.
Method 10. Surgical plasty
How else can you close the gap between your teeth? Surgery may also be required to resolve this problem. This is true if the formation of a diastema is associated with an incorrect position of the frenulum of the lips, whichdoes not allow incisors to close. Such a defect is congenital.
A frenuloplasty will help to cope with this shortcoming. As a result, the distance between the front teeth will decrease, they will take the correct position.
The method has pros and cons. The procedure does not pose a threat to he alth, is painless and effective. The main disadvantage is the duration of treatment, which can take several years. Also, after the operation, it may be necessary to wear orthodontic structures.
The effectiveness of the operation directly depends on the age of the patient. The sooner the misplacement of the frenulum is diagnosed, the easier it will be to deal with this problem. Surgical intervention provides the best result at the age of five to eight years. Frenuloplasty will lead to independent closing of the incisors, there will be no need to wear orthopedic structures. Adult patients will have to wear mouthguards, plates or braces for some time after the operation.
Cost
How much does it cost to clean a gap between teeth? The answer to this question directly depends on which method of removing the diastema is chosen by the patient.
- Available. Surgical plastics, artistic restoration, cosmetic correction are methods that involve the lowest costs. The cost of the most expensive of these procedures (artistic restoration) starts at an average of 10,000 rubles.
- Average. This category includes braces, plates, lumineers and veneers. The average cost of such treatment ranges from20,000 rubles.
- Darlings. How much does an implant cost? It depends on what material the product is made of. If a person wants to eliminate the diastema through implantation, he will need to spend from 30,000 rubles on this.
- Very expensive. Mouthguards are the most expensive way to deal with cleft teeth. The cost of wearing them on average starts from 130,000 rubles.
Diastema between front teeth
What else do you need to know? Why is there a gap between the front teeth? Possible reasons are:
- hereditary predisposition;
- incorrect position of the frenulum of the lips;
- pronounced interdental papillae;
- late change of milk teeth;
- complete or partial absence of teeth due to improper formation of the dental system;
- slow growth of central incisors;
- gum pathology;
- abnormal arrangement of teeth;
- supernumerary teeth;
- injuries;
- bad habits (sucking, chewing).
At home
There is a misconception that it is possible to eliminate the gap between the teeth without going to the clinic. In this regard, some people try to cope with the problem at home. Tying up the front teeth with a thread in an attempt to bring them closer to each other leads to unpleasant consequences. Unnatural position of the incisors, improper formation of the jaw, the precariousness of the dentition, the development of periodontitis and caries are just a few of them.
You cannot try to eliminate the diastema yourself. Deal with this challengeis possible only with the help of specialists who will select the optimal methods of treatment.
Consequences
Many people believe that it is not necessary to eliminate the gap between the teeth. Of course, each person in this case makes his own decision. However, be aware of the possible consequences of such a choice:
- formation of malocclusion;
- violation of the aesthetics of the dentition;
- problems with diction;
- development of periodontitis and caries;
- various dental problems.
It is also worth considering that even a minor diastema can eventually grow to such a size that its correction becomes a necessity. Finally, it should be noted that the cleft for many people becomes a source of psychological experiences.
Preventive measures
How to avoid the appearance of a cleft between the teeth? It is very easy to prevent the formation of a diastema, if we are not talking about a hereditary predisposition. To do this, it is enough to pay enough attention to oral hygiene, as well as give up bad habits. In addition, do not forget about the need to visit the dentist regularly, follow all his recommendations.