Why do you have gaps between teeth?

Gaps and spaces between teeth are a common occurrence in a large number of people. These spaces usually distort a beautiful smile by concentrating the observer’s attention specifically on these unwanted gaps. Not only do they ruin your smile but can also pose speech problems. Although space between teeth is normal in children, in adults it’s considered otherwise. Gaps can be between just two teeth or may involve the entire dentition in the upper or lower jaws.  Below are the factors that contribute to gaps between teeth.

1. Mismatch between size of the jaw bone and teeth material. In cases where there are a less number of teeth or size of the teeth is smaller than normal, gaps are created. Even a large sized jaw can space out the teeth unevenly creating wide spaces.

2. Altered shape and structure of the teeth. At times abnormal teeth anatomy like “peg shaped incisors” can lead to excessive spacing between the front teeth ruining a beautiful smile.

3. Habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting common in children can lead to wide gaps in adult dentition if left unchecked.

4. Presence of pathologies like cyst in the jaw can expand the bone and push the teeth wide apart.

5. If there is premature loss of a permanent tooth due to tooth decay, trauma or infectious lesions, the adjacent teeth can drift away.

6. During orthodontic treatment, gaps can occur between the front two incisors in the upper jaw, due to the repositioning of the adjacent teeth. The gap closes by the end of the treatment procedure.

7. Extensive gum disease or Periodontitis results in loss of bone surrounding the roots of the teeth. As the supporting foundation is lost, teeth loosen up and drift to create huge spaces.

8. Oversized labial frenum (a piece of tissue that extends from the upper lip to the gums just above your two upper incisors) can grow abnormally to block the natural closing of space between the incisors, creating a prominent gap.

Despite what you may have been told, it is never too late to have corrective treatment for closing gaps between teeth. Several options exist for this purpose, namely  orthodontic treatment, dental bridge, veneers, dental crowns or “caps”, cosmetic bonding and dental implants. The choice of treatment depends entirely on the needs of the patient and the peculiarity of the condition.

Families from Hartford find the easy drive to Newington well worthwhile because or our expertise and modern facilities, our friendly dental team and the relaxing disposition of Dr. Mukund.To know more about cosmetic dentistry, contact Green Meadow Dental located at  3579B Berlin Turnpike, Newington CT 06111, (860)-865-0056. We also serve surrounding areas including Farmington, East Berlin and West Hartford.