Do you have a gap between your two front teeth? We call these spaces a “diastema.” Diastemas come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the most recognizable people with diastemas include celebrities like Michael Strahan and Madonna, among countless others.
Gaps between top front teeth vary in width. Some are as narrow as a couple of millimeters (which is still big enough to notice when you smile) while others are so wide that you might have to worry about food getting caught every time you eat.
Closing your diastema is typically a personal decision. Some people like the unique characteristic that it has to offer. Having a gap between your two front teeth does not necessarily mean that it looks unattractive. But…if you’re self-conscious or embarrassed by the way you feel with a gap in your smile, closing your diastema with braces is an excellent option.
How to Close a Gap Between Your Teeth
Treating gaps between the two front teeth takes special planning and resources. Since there is a small strip of tissue or muscle in your gums at that location, if it’s more prominent, it can make closing the gap more difficult. Sometimes it’s even necessary to slightly trim the tissue in order to bring the teeth inward (and prevent relapse.) At that point, you wear braces or clear aligners to guide the teeth inward and close up the space.
Our Marietta orthodontist may recommend a bonded lingual retainer behind your top front teeth after your braces come off, providing added reinforcement to prevent those teeth from drifting apart again.
Call us today to reserve a consultation and learn more.