4 Signs It's Time to Fix the Gap in Your Teeth

Diastema, or gapped teeth, is common among people of all ages and backgrounds. It usually occurs between the two front teeth, but you can have gaps almost anywhere in your smile. Depending on the severity, you might feel self-conscious about smiling and get things stuck in them often. With the help of a dentist, you can gently nudge gapped teeth together and fix your gap once and for all. 

At the dental practice of Dr. Padmaja Yalamanchili in Fairfax, Virginia, we offer Invisalign® to help you straighten your teeth and close up gaps, whether you're in your teens or are an adult who has struggled with confidence over your gap-toothed smile.  

When to consider dental treatment

A gap in your teeth, known as a diastema, can be a charming feature. Many people with gapped front teeth experience no dental problems due to their gap, and learn to embrace it as a part of their smile. However, not all gaps are harmless, and not all people are happy with their diastema.

Here are four signs that it’s time to correct your smile and close the gap once and for all. 

1. You don’t like how it looks

A wide gap in your front teeth might make you hesitant to smile or talk, especially if you experienced teasing because of it. This is a common reason for correcting gapped teeth in children and adults, and it’s natural to want a neater smile. 

2. You have gum disease

While diastemas are often hereditary or develop in childhood, they can also form as a result of gum disease. Inflammation and swelling pushes the teeth apart, resulting in a gap. If this is the case, periodontal treatment is necessary before you can push the teeth back together. 

3. You have a lisp

Wide gaps between the front teeth can sometimes result in speech impediments, such as a lisp. If you or your child struggles to speak clearly due to a diastema, corrective dentistry may be more helpful than speech therapy. 

4. Your teeth are shifting

Many factors can cause your teeth to shift, resulting in gaps, misalignment, crowding, and crooked teeth. If you’re noticing changes to your smile, orthodontic treatment can close any gaps and give the rest of your teeth the space they need. 

Solutions for gapped teeth

In most cases, diastema is nothing more than a cosmetic concern. That doesn’t make it any less of a problem, and many people choose to have their gaps fixed through various means. 

One of the most popular solutions for gapped teeth and other orthodontic concerns is Invisalign®, a comfortable and invisible alternative to traditional braces. You can also choose to close the gap using veneers, which go over your teeth and give them a more natural appearance. 

To learn more about diastema and discuss your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Yalamanchili and her team by calling 703-213-5312, or book online.