Dental spacing means, there are spaces between teeth and it is one of the most common dental abnormalities known as diastema. Although dental spacing may be seen as an individual characteristic and a smile trait by some, surprisingly, dental spacing can give rise to certain oral health problems if not done right by a dentist in Memorial City, West Houston. The goal of this blog post is to give the readers a better understanding of dental spacing: what is dental spacing, what causes dental spacing, how dental spacing can affect the oral cavity, and what dental spacing treatment options are available in Houston.

What is Dental Spacing?

Dental spacing is a condition where spaces exist between two adjacent teeth. These gaps may form between any teeth but are easiest to see between the front teeth. Dental spacing can arise naturally in the alignment of teeth, but it may also be caused by certain reasons, including genetics, dental habits, and underlying health conditions.

Causes of Dental Spacing

• Teeth Smaller Than the Jawbone: If teeth are naturally smaller than the jawbone, gaps will be formed.
• Thumb Sucking: Prolonged thumb sucking in childhood may push the front teeth forward, leaving gaps.
• Tongue Thrusting: This is when the tongue is placed in front of the teeth when swallowing, and can result in teeth spacing with time.
• Periodontal disease: More advanced forms of gum disease can erode the bone around the teeth, causing them to loosen and form spaces.
• Tooth Loss: When teeth are lost due to accidents, decay, or extraction, there may be spaces where nearby teeth shift, creating gaps.
• Frenum Problems: A thick labial frenum (the tissue that connects the inside of the upper lip to the gum tissue just above the front teeth) that is too large or placed too low can space the front teeth.

Effects of the Gap in Teeth

Some people may not care about the gaps between their teeth, but dental spacing can cause various oral health problems:

• Bite Issues: When there is a gap between the teeth, it can change the way the upper and lower teeth meet when closing, which can eventually cause bite issues and uneven wear patterns on the teeth.
• Food Trapping: Food can get stuck between teeth, leading some to an increased risk for tooth decay or gum disease.
• Speech Problems: Large gaps may impact speech sounds, so children struggle to say certain sounds or words.
• Self-Esteem: For many people, large spaces in the teeth can affect your self-esteem and even make you less likely to smile.

How Is Spacing in Teeth Treated?

Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options available in Houston to address dental spacing, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the gaps:

• Orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners (such as Invisalign) can slowly shift teeth into place, closing gaps and improving overall alignment.
• Cosmetic Bonding: A process where a tooth-colored resin is used to close gaps between small teeth. This is a fast and non-invasive treatment for small spacing problems.
• Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-designed shells made to cover a tooth’s top surface close gaps, and improve the way your smile looks.
• Dental Crowns: Dental crowns can also be used to reshape and reposition the teeth when there are larger gaps or structural issues.
• Implants or Bridges: If the gap is caused by missing teeth, implants or bridges can be used to fill in the space and realign the teeth.

Spacing is a common condition that may have an aesthetic and functional impact. The first step in addressing dental spacing is understanding the reasons why dental spacing occurs and its consequences. But you can have a healthier smile in Houston with different treatment options.