Diastema: everything you need to know about this interdental space
Brigitte Bardot, Vanessa Paradis, Laura Pausini, Ornella Muti, Georgia May Jagger: what do these world-famous stars have in common? No, we're not talking about success or talent.These celebrities are united by the presence of the diastema, that rather evident space usually present between the two incisors of the upper arch. Thanks to them, in recent years the diastemas are no longer stigmatized, but displayed with pride. However, for some people they represent a real discomfort on an aesthetic level. For this reason, nowadays there are 6 different solutions with which to correct this dental "defect". Let's find out together everything there is to know about the diastema!
Before starting, enjoy this video on the body positivity movement and find out why it is important to learn to love yourself as you are!
What is the dental diastema?
In medicine, the term dental diastema indicates a considerable space between the two contiguous front teeth, or the upper incisors. Only in rare cases is this clinical condition linked to pathologies, more generally, however, it is only a problem of an aesthetic nature. This "black hole" in the middle of the upper dental arch can cause some discomfort since its presence spoils the general harmony of the smile, but do not panic, it is not an irreversible situation. In fact, later on we will talk to you about all the possible solutions with which to correct this dental "defect".
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What are the causes?
Knowing the reasons behind the arrival of diastemas is fundamental to evaluate and decide which treatment to intervene with if you wish to close this space and rejoin the contiguous teeth. In fact, there may be several triggers of the diastema, such as:
- An evident disproportion between the size of the jaw (or dental arch) and that of the teeth. This condition causes the teeth, too small to occupy all the available space, to be placed at a great distance from each other.
- The excessive length and thickness of the gingival frenulum, or the flap of tissue that connects the lips to the hive mucosa. Its "bulky" presence prevents the incisors from approaching and filling the hole.
- The presence of follicular or radicular dental cysts.
- Lateral incisors poorly developed.
- The more or less insistent movement of the tongue which, pushing on the teeth, makes them move away.
The diastema in children
Diastema is a problem that can affect even the youngest children. Often, in fact, these have the bad habit of sucking their thumb and the sucking tends to put pressure on the central teeth, pushing them out or making them move away. Generally, this is a temporary condition that disappears with the final dentition. Other times, however, it can persist even after the milk teeth have fallen and, in this case, the reasons are to be found among the aforementioned causes.
How to close the diastema: all possible solutions
Although it is important to learn to accept yourself as you are, including strengths and weaknesses, there is nothing wrong with wanting to correct some traits of us that make us uncomfortable and do not make us feel good about ourselves. What matters is that the decision is not conditioned by external judgments or social pressures. With regard to diastemas, as mentioned at the beginning, there is more than one solution to solve the problem. In fact, depending on the case, you can decide whether to intervene with an orthodontic or surgical treatment. At the moment, there are six possible interventions with which to close the diastema, obviously to be discussed during the preliminary visit to the dentist. Let's see in more detail what each treatment consists of.
1. The orthodontic approach
This solution involves the adoption of a dental appliance (fixed or mobile). This deals with moving and moving the teeth to reposition them in the correct way, bringing those too distant closer together. This is undoubtedly the most common remedy especially among the youngest and is able to solve the problem in varying times depending on the severity. It usually takes 6 months to 2 years to permanently close the diastema.
2. The invisible orthodontics
The invisible appliance is a less invasive but equally effective system. There are 2 ways in which it can be used: invisible aligners or lingual orthodontics, without any attachment on the inside of the teeth. This is the most common choice among adults, who, for obvious aesthetic reasons, prefer to avoid having to wear normal braces. However, this alternative also fits perfectly in the mouth of the little ones.
3. The frenectomy
When the diastema is caused by the frenulum, the only possible intervention is a frenectomy. It is a surgical operation with which the dentist is able to remove excess gum. The surgery, which even children can undergo, is quick and immediately fixes the defect. Once the frenulum has been removed, the teeth of the little ones will spontaneously reconnect, while for adults it will then be necessary to resort to an appliance that provides for realignment in a mechanical way.
4. Dental implants
Dental implants are certainly among the most drastic treatments. This remedy is particularly indicated when the situation is rather extreme and you are dealing with damaged or worn out teeth by caries. These, in fact, are removed and replaced with special prostheses. At the end of the operation, no difference will be noticed.
5. The dental capsules
It is necessary to resort to dental capsules, also called crowns, when the situation is now irrecoverable and compromised. In these cases, the infection must first be treated through obturation or devitalization and, only afterwards, it is possible to encapsulate the artificial crowns, usually made of ceramic or zirconium.
6. The dental veneers
Veneers are porcelain or ceramic shells used to cover damaged, decayed or yellowed teeth, totally hiding imperfections. In addition, they enlarge the size of the coated tooth, thus closing the interdental space in a short time.
