When is a Gapped Tooth a Problem?

In most cases, gapped teeth aren’t a serious dental problem, but a normal part of your dental development. However, your gapped teeth may kill your confidence, which is a problem. It’s also possible that the gap is a sign of gum disease.

At Solay Dental in Oldsmar, New Port Richey, and Brandon, Florida, our expert dentists, Dr. Shiva Soleimani and Dr. Katalina Beltran, offer solutions for gapped teeth, including cosmetic dentistry, orthodontic services, and periodontal services, to improve your appearance and oral health.

Read on to learn more about your gapped tooth, when it’s a problem, and what you can do about it.

About your gapped tooth

In dentistry, a diastema is a gap between two teeth. It can affect any tooth, but the space is usually found between the two front teeth, separated by the frenum, a fold of skin that connects the upper lip to the upper gum. 

A gap may also occur from the natural development of the teeth and mouth, closing in as more adult teeth come through. Having too many or too few teeth can also cause gaps, as well as having small teeth or a large jaw.  

The extra space may also develop from gum disease, which is a buildup of tartar on the gums. This can loosen teeth and cause a gap.

Problems with a gapped tooth

Typically, a gap in your teeth isn’t a serious oral health concern and your dentist may not recommend treatment. However, gapped teeth are a problem if the spaces make you feel less confident about your smile.

Further, gaps in your teeth are an issue when they are caused by gum disease, which causes hardened plaque to trap bacteria under your gums, leading to an infection that can destroy the structures that support your teeth. 

Gaps in your teeth may also limit the room available for teeth when they come in, causing overcrowding or misalignment. 

Fixing your smile

If you’re okay with your gaps and they’re not causing oral health issues, you don’t have to do anything to fix your smile. However, we offer many treatments for gapped teeth, whether the concern is cosmetic, an alignment issue, or gum disease.

To fix your gapped tooth, our team provides cosmetic dental treatments, like veneers, that we place over the teeth to close the space. Orthodontic services, including clear aligners, are also an option to address cosmetic and oral health concerns.

If your gapped tooth is from gum disease, our periodontal services can treat the infection to improve your oral and overall health. 

Gaps in your teeth aren’t always a problem, but schedule an evaluation to make sure. At Solay Dental, we provide comprehensive dental care to meet all oral health needs, from routine preventive services to orthodontic care. 

Call the office today at 727-516-9900 or book an appointment online to discover your treatment options.