Causes of Gap Teeth

As an orthodontic provider, we at Dr. Jia Lee’s Rancho Cucamonga dental office have fixed a lot of gap teeth. Diastema, as they’re commonly known, are the gaps between teeth, and the one between the upper central incisors is a frequent cause of embarrassment and distress. But the exact treatment for them may differ according to their cause.


One of the benefits of being both a general dental and an orthodontic office is that we can provide veneers. If the teeth are otherwise in line but the gap in front is just slightly too large, new fronts for the teeth can be used to close it. This might also be an attractive option if the teeth are chipped or scarred. If the teeth are generally jumbled, a gap can be corrected in the course of orthodontic treatment. But if they are being pushed apart by something, treatment may not last unless behavior like tongue thrusting and thumb sucking stops. Assistance from a psychologist or an ear-nose-and-throat doctor may be required to stop involuntary tongue thrusting.


It is also possible that the teeth are being pushed apart by something on the inside of the lip. The connective tissue that anchors the inside of the mouth to the maxilla is called the labial frenum, and it can be surgically reduced if it is too large. Following treatment, it may still be necessary for a patient to wear a retainer at night to prevent the teeth from migrating again.


Dr. Jia Y. Lee operates at 9477 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, California, 91730. To schedule an appointment, call 909-989-5598 or visit MyRanchoCucamongaDentist.com.


 

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