Gaps between teeth can occur naturally or when teeth have been lost. The term Diastema is used to describe open spaces between the upper incisors (front teeth). A Diastema is created by an unequal relationship between the size of the teeth and the jaw. Occasionally the pulling action of a labial frenulum (tissue around the lip) can push the teeth apart creating a central Diastema.
Diastemas are often closed by orthodontic alignment of the teeth into contact. Orthodontic treatment uses brackets and wires to place pressure on the teeth and gradually realign them into a more desirable position. After the braces and wires are removed the person must wear a plastic retainer for several months to hold his or her new smile in place.
Sometimes small and unattractive teeth go hand in hand with open spaces. In this case a persons smile looks ﾔtimidﾔ. The treatment of this problem would be to increase the size of the teeth by placing veneers on top of them closing the Diastema at the same time leading to a more vivid and healthy smile.
