Have Teeth Gaps? Here’s How To Fix Them
Are unsightly gaps sucking the shine from your kid’s smile? If they are, your kid may need teeth gap filling. Besides dental aesthetics, teeth gaps can lead to tooth decay and even gum disease. But thanks to modern dentistry, we have several innovative treatments that can help redefine your kid’s smile.
Having gaps between teeth is common and shouldn’t break your heart. Several issues can arise, such as diastema. Some people don’t mind a diastema; in fact, they find it attractive. The spaces between the teeth can be a warning sign and must be addressed promptly.
In any case, if you wanted to know a few things about teeth gaps, you have come to the right place. Continue reading as we unpack critical issues about teeth gaps.
Understand What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?
When you wish to solve any dental issue, getting to the source of the problem will always help you get the right solution. Therefore, the best solution will always be that you visit our pediatric dentist near you to get your kid’s teeth checked so that you can know the exact cause of spaces between your child’s teeth.
A gap between the two front teeth, also known as a diastema, is not harmful and doesn’t necessarily mean something wrong. It can occur to children and adults. But in children, the gap tends to close as their permanent teeth erupt and grow. However, the gap is not limited to the front teeth; it can occur between any two teeth.
No single issue leads to gaps; there are several causes, and how the gap presents itself will depend on the cause. Some of the main causes for teeth gaps are:
● A mismatch between your child’s jawbone’s size and teeth’s size. In other words, if your kid’s teeth are too small and their jawbone is too large, then you can have extra spaces between their teeth.
● Undersized or missing teeth can cause the neighboring teeth to move to close the gap while creating new ones.
● An oversized piece of tissue (labial frenum) that extends from the inside of the upper lip to their gums
● Bad habits such as thumb sucking can push the front teeth forward, creating gaps.
● Gaps can develop because of the poor swallowing reflex. When you swallow, your tongue ought to touch the roof of your mouth, but some people push their tongue against their front teeth. This pressure will cause their teeth to move and create a gap.
● Gum disease affects the jawbone and gums, which are critical in supporting the teeth. Therefore they can cause the teeth to move.
Even though your kid’s diastema is not gum disease, you may still need to know that spaces in their teeth could mean that you have an improper bite.
Does a Gap Between Teeth Increase?
Teeth are always shifting and growing, especially in childhood and teenage years. But many people will find their teeth shifting throughout their entire life. The gaps can either become bigger or get smaller as the years progress. Also, if you have untreated gum disease, your teeth may continue to shift, and the gaps may seem to increase.
Anyway, you will still need to consult with our orthodontist to know why their teeth are shifting as they age.
How to Reduce Gaps Between Teeth Naturally
The method used to reduce gaps in your kid’s teeth is highly dependent on the cause. For instance, if periodontitis is the cause of teeth gaps, seeking gum disease treatment will help stop the teeth from shifting.
Unfortunately, there is no safe way to reduce teeth gaps at home.
Orthodontic bands that are placed around the teeth are not safe. So you will need to bring your kid for an exam to check in with our dentist to get their teeth gaps closed.
The best way to reduce gaps between teeth is still orthodontics. But you can choose to close small gaps using composite bonding and veneers.
Benefits of Teeth Gap Filling at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Jackson
As mentioned earlier, gaps between your teeth may come with certain issues. Some of the benefits that you may get from filling your teeth gaps are:
● Minimized tooth decay
● Gum disease prevention
● Improved dental aesthetics
● Improved bite
Orthodontics will help get your child’s smile looking good and functioning as it should. Contact us at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Jackson if your child needs composite filling in Jackson, orthodontics, and other forms of pediatric dental care.