Treatment of space between teeth

The space between teeth increases with age in patients with this abnormality, giving an unpleasant appearance to the one’s face and mouth and even causing speech problems. Therefore, people with a space between teeth should be treated as soon as possible. The two primary methods for the treatment of the space between teeth are discussed below.

Treatment of space between teeth with dental veneers

The first method to close the space between teeth is to add white matter or to veneer them. However, this white matter may be separated from the tooth, broken, or discolored. Even if it is properly polished, an internal matter added to the tooth gives an unpleasant appearance to the tooth. Moreover, microorganisms may accumulate in the area and endanger the gums in the long term. On the other hand, when the space between the two third molars is intended to be closed by veneering, these two teeth will undoubtedly look much bigger than normal. The veneered teeth do not match other teeth in terms of normal size, negatively affecting the face’s natural beauty.

Orthodontic treatment of space between teeth

Orthodontic treatment is the best choice for closing the space between teeth. In this method, the space between two teeth is transferred to the end of the jaw. Therefore, this method can irreversibly bridge the space between teeth by adding no foreign object or extra matter to the oral cavity; there is no filling material to separate, discolor, or cause gingival problems.

Principles of closing the space between 2nd molars

The number of teeth has been increased with human evolution so that some people may lack the 2nd molars. There are two options to correct this malocclusion. The first method is to adjust the space and implant the 2nd molar. Even if this procedure is performed skillfully and professionally, the patient will ultimately have an artificial tooth whose color does not match that of other teeth, its metal implant is visible, and food particles may get stuck under the tooth. The best treatment for closing the space between these teeth is to bring them together using orthodontic appliances. This method bridges the space between teeth without adding an artificial tooth to the oral cavity as its main advantage.

Orthodontic treatments can be used for cases where there is a small diastema teeth. Otherwise, dental implantation is the only option to close the space between teeth.

The first molar has a sharp point, unlike the 3rd and 2nd molars. Therefore, when the first molar replaces the 2nd molar using orthodontic appliances, the first molar’s sharp point should be trimmed to look like the 2nd molar and match the adjacent tooth. In cases where teeth are slightly inclined forward, the space between teeth can be closed entirely by moving them backward.

Duration of orthodontic treatment of space between teeth

Orthodontics usually believes that it takes about two years to close the space between teeth. Orthodontists can move each tooth one millimeter per month to correct all malocclusions and align teeth either by fixed or removable orthodontics.

Displacing teeth over one millimeter per month undoubtedly causes problems for the patient’s tooth roots and gums because of tooth root shrinkage and recession in some cases. Therefore, teeth should be displaced very gently without applying extra force to the tooth root. Applying a slight force during orthodontic treatments guarantees the health of the tooth root and gums.

Treatment of space between teeth FAQ

1-What is the best treatment for the space between teeth?

The best method for closing the space between teeth is to use fixed or removable orthodontic appliances. In such cases, orthodontic appliances apply pressure to teeth to bring them together and close the existing space .

2-Is the space between teeth a problematic condition?

The space between teeth is closed to ensure gums’ health because teeth, not the gums, should do chewing. Moreover, closing the space between teeth improves one’s beauty and speech.

3-What are the causes of the space between teeth?

Several factors can increase the space between teeth in children, such as thumb sucking, applying pressure to the back of the front teeth by the tongue, and the long interval between the falling out of milk teeth and the eruption of permanent teeth. The standard space between teeth in adults may increase due to the small size of teeth, the large size of jaws, the periodontal disease caused by jaws’ weakness, and tooth extraction.

4-When should we visit an orthodontist to close the space between our teeth?

Children are recommended to be under the regular supervision of an orthodontist from 7 years old to prevent or treat the space between teeth.

5-What should we do for a diastema (a space between two teeth) in adulthood? 

Fixed orthodontics is the best treatment for diastema. Suppose one decides to close the space between teeth in adulthood by orthodontic treatments. In that case, the orthodontist  can use ceramic brackets of the same color as natural teeth to prevent any change in the appearance and smile design. Orthodontics aligns and levels the teeth to bring them closer.