A lot of people visit the orthodontist in Renton WA to close the gap between teeth and attain a great smile. Besides cosmetic concerns, widely spaced teeth can impact your physical health too. So, it’s not just your self-esteem and self-confidence that will have issues, but also your health if you neglect taking good care of them.
Keep reading to learn how a gap between teeth can impact one’s self-esteem and how treatment of Invisalign in Renton can help.
What is Gap Teeth?
Gap teeth, or diastema in medical terms, are spaces between teeth that can appear anywhere in the mouth but are much more recognizable in the front teeth. There are some teeth gaps that are barely obvious.
However, there are gaps that are bigger and pose a cosmetic issue for some people. Both adults and children can have diastemas, but in the case of younglings, their gaps can disappear as soon as their permanent teeth erupt.
What Causes a Gap Between Teeth?
The gap between teeth has no main cause, but several factors lead to widely spaced teeth. The following are the most common causes of diastema.
Genetics
Genetics is the most common cause of diastema. There are instances wherein the teeth are too small for the jaw, and this could be because of the size of the tooth or jaw–both are significantly determined by your genetic makeup.
Since the teeth can’t fill out the whole arch, it’s possible for a gap to occur in the front teeth or other areas. Widely spaced teeth that are heredity cannot be prevented.
Oral habits
Oral habits such as aggressive or prolonged pacifier use or thumb-sucking can add pressure against the back of the upper front teeth, pushing them apart, which can create or worsen an already existing gap. Tongue thrust or reverse swallowing is another cause of having widely spaced front teeth.
Tissue growth
Gum enlargement or gingival hyperplasia is the overgrowth of gum tissue. The gum tissue can sprout between the teeth, resulting in a gap. Whether it be because of inflammation from gum disease, specific medication, or medical conditions, the gap caused by gingival hyperplasia can worsen if neglected.
An enlarged labial frenum is another cause of a gap between the front teeth. This piece of tissue connects your upper lip to the gum tissue above the front teeth, but if it’s oversized, then it usually pushes them apart.
Gum disease
Gum disease is an infection located in the tissue that supports the teeth. During the first few stages, it is more known as gingivitis. Proper care should be executed in order to reverse and prevent it from worsening.
If the individual neglects the situation, then the gingivitis can evolve into periodontitis which is a more intense version of gum disease. It damages the bone and tissue, causing teeth to loosen and gaps to appear when the teeth migrate.
Missing teeth
If one or more teeth are missing, then it can lead to a gap. A permanent tooth that falls out or has been extracted can cause a gap between teeth, too. There are instances when individuals have congenitally missing teeth, which means they have to undergo treatment. Another instance is impacted teeth–when the teeth are trapped under a bone or tissue, not being able to erupt completely or at all.
How a Gap Between Teeth Can Affect Self-Esteem
Having a diastema, or gap between teeth, can significantly impact self-esteem, causing feelings of self-consciousness and shame. This dental imperfection can lead to social anxiety, reluctance to smile confidently, and avoidance of certain activities. Addressing the gap with modern orthodontic treatments can help boost self-esteem and improve overall well-being, allowing individuals to feel more at ease in social situations and embrace the joy of sharing their smiles with the world. Seeking support from dental professionals is essential to explore personalized treatment options and regain confidence in one’s smile.
Is Fixing the Gap Between Teeth Worth It?
Having diastemas can increase the risk of developing an oral disease. Orthodontists and other dental professionals will recommend you orthodontic intervention in order to better your oral health. However, there are more reasons why one wants to have the problem treated. However, this is not the only reason behind a person’s desire to correct the problem.
In modern times, social media has played a huge role in dictating the “ideal” body image. For that reason, it’s not surprising at all that some people are actively looking for methods that can change their appearance in order to regain or increase their confidence.
A lot of research and studies show that oral health is a crucial element in our mental well-being and impacts our self-esteem. When you smile, the first thing people will notice is your smile.
How Can Invisalign Fix the Gap Between Teeth?
The short answer is yes, Invisalign can fix the gap between teeth. This orthodontic treatment utilizes a set of clear aligners that exert gentle pressure to shift the position of your teeth, ultimately closing the gaps you have.
The reason why Invisalign is a popular treatment is because of how convenient and hassle-free the entire procedure is. The aligners are removable, which means you have to remove them before you eat or brush your teeth. You don’t get any food restrictions, unlike if you were to get traditional braces. You can even temporarily remove them during special events where you’re going to be photographed a lot. Just remember to wear them again after!
Invisalign can close your diastemas without other people noticing that you’re going through orthodontic treatment in Renton. It’s very discreet!
Conclusion
Having a gap between teeth can definitely impact a person’s total quality of life because of feelings of low self-esteem. They tend to smile less or feel embarrassed when talking to other people or eating out at a restaurant. Due to this, it’s crucial to seek treatment when a very evident tooth gap emerges in your mouth.
If you’re looking for orthodontic treatments that can fix your diastema or just have general inquiries about it, then don’t hesitate to message us about it. Here at Lasley Orthodontics, we take pride in teaming up with our patients in treating their orthodontic concerns and helping them attain the results they want.
What are you waiting for? Schedule your consultation with us today!