Causes of Gap Teeth

Elite Dental Arts is a trusted provider of aesthetic dental care in Midtown. Dr. Nick Mobilia is a certified provider of Invisalign, the removable orthodontic appliances that move teeth comfortably without metal. These devices fix minor misalignments and gaps in the teeth, but what causes gaps (also known as diastema) to develop in the first place? That’s the subject of this week’s blog.

The most common place for diastema is between the upper front incisors (the infamous “gap-tooth”). If the gap is small, Invisalign may not even be necessary. Veneers can be used to slightly adjust the surfaces of the teeth. But the teeth may be kept apart by an overdeveloped labial frenum. This vertical strip of connective tissue anchors the upper lip to the inside of the mouth, and it can be surgically reduced in size.

While overdeveloped frenums are a problem, gap teeth are likelier to be caused by the same forces that cause overbites. Tongue thrusting can push the teeth outward and apart. This habit is sometimes the result of psychological stress, but it can also be an involuntary reflex due to an ear, nose, and throat issue. Coordination with a specialist would be necessary to fix this. Children are also at risk of developing overbites if they suck their thumbs past about the age of five.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide at our practice, visit Elite Dental Arts for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nick Mobilia of Elite Dental Arts here in New York, NY, call our office at 212-681-0939. 

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017