Diastema is a space or gap between two teeth. Many species of mammals commonly between the incisors and molars. The term is most commonly applied to an open space between the upper incisors (front teeth).
CAUSE:
Diastema occurs when there is an unequal relationship between the size of the teeth and the jaw. It is sometimes caused or exacerbated by the action of a labial frenulum (the tissue connecting the lip to the gum),by tongue thrusting or spreading of teeth due to periodontal diseases.
TREATMENT
There are two options of treating diastema or spacing in between the teeth:
First involves orthodontically moving the teeth(braces) and this line of treatment usually requires 10-12 months for correction.
Second involves placement of porcelain veneers or metal free crowns.
Porcelain veneers are eggshell thin pieces of porcelain applied directly over the tooth structure after some initial tooth preparation. Once the porcelain veneers are fused to the underlying tooth structure, they can reestablish the look of straight teeth and can close spaces without the use of braces.
Additionally, the color, shape, and size of the teeth can be altered to the wishes of the patient for overall smile enhancement. And the greatest advantage of porcelain veneers is that the treatment can be completed in only two painless visits.
