Treating Diastemas -- How Your Cosmetic Dentist Can Help

By Arthur Kezian

If you're embarrassed to pose for pictures, smile on a first date, or join the conversation during a cocktail party because of a gap in between your teeth, there's actually a technical term for it.  Dentists call that gap a "diastema".  A diastema is most likely to occur in between your two front teeth, but it can pop up anywhere.

Luckily, no matter where yours is, a good dentist can actually help you get rid of that gap-toothed smile once and for all!

But first things first…  Where do diastemas come from?

If you've dealt with a gap in your teeth for your entire adult life, chances are genetics are to blame.  Some people actually have jaws that are too big for their teeth.  As a result, their teeth space out further in an effort to cover all of that space -- leaving them with gaps in between their teeth.

Other people have tissue problems, specifically with their labial frenum -- or, the tissue that sits in between the gum and the inside of the lip.  If your labial frenum is too big, it can push your teeth out of the way, causing gaps to develop.

But diastemas aren't all about genetics.  Some people develop them because of frequent tongue thrusting.  Over time, they have literally moved their teeth out of place! 

So now that you know where diastemas come from, what can your dentist do to help you get rid of them?

Luckily, modern science has come up with some great techniques in recent years.  Before, your only option was to wear braces for a few years and gradually move your teeth around.  Now, a good dentist can solve your diastema woes in as little as a few appointments!

The most popular way to treat diastemas involves covering them up with veneers.  By cementing thin pieces of porcelain onto the front of your teeth, your cosmetic dentist can make the gaps invisible!

If your diastemas are a little bigger -- or if your teeth require some extra support -- your dentist can get a similar effect with crowns.  Instead of adhering to the front of your teeth, crowns cover up your entire tooth, like a cap.

Whether you take advantage of crowns or veneers, you'll get another benefit -- a whiter, straighter smile.  That's because veneers and crowns can cover up any imperfections in your smile.  You can say goodbye to your diastemas and give your entire smile a boost, all at the same time!

If your labial frenum is to blame, you can still take advantage of crowns and veneers.  However, before you do, your dentist will have to perform surgery to correct the tissue problem.  The whole process will take a little longer, but in the end, you'll have a perfect-looking smile!

 Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777

-N.S.