What is Diastema (Separate Teeth) Treatment?
Diastema is a condition where there are larger or disproportionate spaces between teeth than there should be. This problem is usually caused by a genetically larger jaw or teeth that are smaller than normal. In addition, various injuries, accidents, and tooth loss can also cause gaps between teeth (diastema). Diastema treatment is a set of restorative or orthodontic procedures aimed at improving aesthetic appearance, preventing speech disorders caused by the tongue catching in the gaps, and preventing gum disease caused by bacterial plaque buildup between teeth.
Who is it suitable for?
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Those with noticeable gaps between their teeth (especially between the two front teeth),
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Those whose tooth sizes are disproportionately small compared to their jaw structure,
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People who experience speech difficulties (such as lisping) or pronunciation problems due to gap teeth,
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It is suitable for patients who experience bacteria, plaque formation, and gum problems due to the constant accumulation of food in the spaces between their teeth.
How does the treatment process progress?
The course of treatment for diastema is primarily determined by the dentist’s assessment of the distance between the teeth and the bite. Depending on the severity of the gap, three different treatment methods are commonly applied:
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Composite Veneers (Bonding): This is a practical method applied in cases where the gap between teeth is minimal or there is slight wear. The teeth forming the gap are aesthetically enlarged by covering them with tooth-colored composite materials. It is usually completed in a single session and without any grinding of the tooth.
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Porcelain Veneers (Leaf Porcelain): Preferred for mild to moderate tooth gaps. The front surface of the teeth is lightly filed (roughened). Thin porcelain veneers (laminates), prepared in a laboratory according to the individual’s tooth measurements, are bonded to the teeth with special agents. They are much stronger, more durable, and more resistant to staining than composite veneers.
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Orthodontic Treatment (Braces / Clear Aligners): This is the healthiest and most natural method preferred in cases of severe tooth spacing and malocclusion. The gaps are closed by moving the patient’s own natural teeth without adding any restorative materials. The treatment time is longer compared to other methods.
Things to Consider Before Treatment
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Voordat met de behandeling van tanden met ruimte ertussen wordt begonnen, moet de mondhygiëne onberispelijk zijn en moeten eventuele tandsteen- en tandvleesproblemen worden behandeld.
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The patient should clearly communicate their treatment expectations to the doctor; the most appropriate method should be decided upon together with the doctor, taking into account the treatment duration, budget, and aesthetic expectations (Orthodontics or Veneers/Bonding?).
Things to Consider After Treatment
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Kompozit Veneer (Bonding) yapıldıysa: Bu materyaller diğer yöntemlere göre kırılmaya karşı biraz daha hassas olduğu için, fındık kırmak veya kalem ısırmak gibi sert hareketlerden ve kabuklu yiyeceklerden kesinlikle uzak durulmalıdır.
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If porcelain veneers have been applied: Although they are highly durable, care should be taken with hard foods to preserve the principle of protecting natural teeth.
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Oral Care: Closing the gaps will prevent food from accumulating between teeth, but regular brushing and especially the use of interdental brushes/dental floss should not be neglected to prolong the life of the restorations.
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Retentie (na orthodontische behandeling): Als de spleetjes met een orthodontische behandeling zijn gesloten, moeten de door de tandarts aangebrachte retentiespalken of interne fixatiedraden worden gebruikt om te voorkomen dat de tanden terugkeren naar hun oorspronkelijke, gescheiden positie.
1. Are spaced teeth (diastema) merely an aesthetic issue?
No. Besides being an aesthetic concern, abnormal gaps between teeth create a breeding ground for food. This accelerates the formation of bacteria and plaque, inviting cavities and gum disease. Furthermore, the tongue getting caught in these gaps can lead to speech difficulties.
2. Can the gaps between my teeth be closed in a single session?
Yes. If the gap between your teeth (diastema) is not too wide and you don’t have a major problem with your jaw closure, the gaps can be aesthetically closed in just a few hours, in a single session, using the Composite Veneer (Bonding) method.
3. Should I choose porcelain veneers (laminates) or orthodontic treatment?
This depends on the amount of space and the time you have. If there are no problems with the shape or color of your teeth and only gaps, orthodontic treatment (braces/clear aligners) is ideal because it preserves your natural teeth. However, if you don’t want to wait for the long duration of orthodontic treatment or if you also have color/shape irregularities in your teeth, porcelain veneers are the best alternative. Our specialist dentist will offer you the most suitable option after an examination.