Diastema

Oops,  my front teeth so ugly …..

because ,

there is a space presence between my front teeth!

What is diastema?

A diastema is an area of extra space between teeth. Midline diastema is the space which presence in between two upper front teeth.

Possible causes of diastema:

1. Tooth size discrepancy 

2. Missing teeth

3. Overextension of labial frenum-

4. Malalignment of teeth 

*labial frenum is the tissue which extends from inner lip to the gum tissue of two upper front teeth are located.

Diastemas usually cause no complications to your dental health, but many people choose diastema closure for cosmetic purposes. it is unpleasant esthetically and it also affect self-esteem and confidence level.

There is no one size fit all. So do diastema closure. Each  treatment options has advantages and disadvantages. We must outweigh risks and benefits.

There are several techniques of closing a diastema, and the use of each one depends on the cause of the problem and the amount of space that has to be closed.

Treatment options:

1. Do nothing
2. Composite filling (tooth colour filling )
3. Porcelain veneer or crown
4. Orthodontic ( fixed braces or clear aligner )

	Pros	Cons
Tooth colour filing	-simple and direct bonding -one visit -non invasive -low cost -reversible	-need replacement -risk of detached -discoloured of composite filling -compromise tooth size
Porcelain veneer	-minimally invasive -more natural -ideal tooth size ,shape and colour	-2 visit -high cost -regular maintainance
Ortohdontic treatment	-non invasive -natural tooth size,shape and colour -ideal teeth alignment  & occlusion	-high cost -prolong treatment time (1-2 years) -post braces retention

Tooth coloured filling : 

For small gaps, the patient may opt for placement of composite restorations

composite filling-tooth size become bigger

Dental Braces — Most diastemas require a full set of dental braces and retainer therapy, as moving one tooth can affect the placement of the rest.  

fix braces and clear aligner

combination of orthodontic treatment and composite filling

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance. These shells are bonded to the teeth surface hence changing their color, shape, size, or length.

ideal tooth size,shape and colour 

minimal preparation on tooth surfcae

thin shell veneer

                                                                           

Dentist will collect all data like photo, radiograph and bite to formulate and analyse each treatment option available to you.

No one know which one suit you the best. You are encourage to discuss and communicate with your dentist before make decision.

Don't be afraid to dentist. We are your best friend of your teeth:)