Table of Contents

What is Diastema (Split Tooth)? How is it treated?. 1

What is Diastema (Split Tooth)?. 1

Why Does Diastema Occur?. 1

What are the Problems Caused by Split Teeth (Diastema)?. 1

What are the Symptoms of Diastema?. 1

What are Diastema Treatment Methods?. 2

Orthodontic Treatments (Braces and Clear Aligners). 2

Applications of Composite Bonding.. 2

Porcelain Laminate (Leaf Tooth) Veneers. 2

Implant or Bridge Treatment in Missing Teeth.. 2

Frequently Asked Questions About Diastema Treatment. 2

How long does diastema treatment take?. 2

Is the Treatment Permanent?. 3

Does Diastema Recur?. 3

Is It Treated for Aesthetic or Health Purposes?. 3

What is Diastema (Split Tooth)? How is it treated?

What is Diastema (Split Tooth)?

Diastema is a condition in which there are wider gaps between teeth than normal. Although it is most common between the upper front teeth, it can also occur in the lower jaw or other groups of teeth. Although split teeth are considered a natural and characteristic smile for some people, they can lead to aesthetic concerns. Additionally, these gaps between teeth can have negative effects on chewing, speaking, and dental health over time.

Diastema can be seen at any age. When baby teeth fall out in children, they can occur temporarily and improve with the eruption of permanent teeth. However, diastema in adults is usually permanent unless treated. For this reason, the problem of split teeth should be evaluated and addressed both aesthetically and functionally.

Why Does Diastema Occur?

Diastema can be caused by different factors. The most common causes include:

• Genetic Factors: Incompatibility between jaw structure and tooth size can cause gaps between teeth. For example, if the jaw is large but the teeth are small, it is natural to have a gap in between. This condition is more common in people with a family history of diastema.
• Early Loss of Milk Teeth: Early loss of milk teeth in children can lead to permanent teeth not erupting in the correct position. In this case, gaps may form between permanent teeth, causing diastema.
• Tooth Loss: The absence of premolars, in particular, affects the position of the front teeth. The gap created by missing teeth can lead to shifting of other teeth and separation of the front teeth.
• Habits (Thumb Sucking, Tongue Thrust, Lip Sucking): Habits such as thumb sucking or constantly pushing the tongue against the front teeth in childhood can cause the teeth to move forward. This pressure creates a gap between the teeth over time.
• Frenilum (Lip Tie) Problems: If the ligament between the upper lip and gums is thicker than normal or adhered downwards, it can lead to the gap between the front teeth. When this anatomical condition is left untreated, it can cause diastema to become permanent.
• Periodontal (Gum) Diseases: Advanced gum diseases lead to weakening of the tissues that support the teeth. As the teeth lose support, they can be parted, which can cause diastema.

What are the Problems Caused by Split Teeth (Diastema)?

Diastema can cause various problems not only aesthetically but also functionally and psychologically. Although these problems vary from person to person, they are usually seen as follows:

• Speech Problems: The gap between the front teeth makes it difficult to pronounce some letters correctly. Whistle-like sounds may occur, especially in the letters “s” and “z”.
• Chewing Difficulties: Split teeth can prevent food from being ground correctly. This can also negatively affect the digestive system.
• Difficulty in Oral Hygiene: Food particles easily get stuck in the gaps between teeth. Despite regular brushing, these areas may not be fully cleaned. This increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Gum Problems: Exposed gum areas are more sensitive and can lead to problems such as gum recession and inflammation.
• Aesthetic and Psychological Effects: Diastema can cause loss of self-confidence, avoidance of smiling and shyness in social life in many people. Especially in young people, aesthetic concerns become more pronounced.

What are the Symptoms of Diastema?

The most obvious symptom of diastema is the gaps between the teeth. However, some other findings can be seen:

• Whistling-Like Sounds During Speech: The gap between the teeth causes air to come out differently when speaking, which creates whistle-like sounds.
• Food Getting Stuck During Chewing: People with diastema complain that food constantly gets between their teeth while eating. This situation both causes discomfort and triggers tooth decay.
• Gum Sensitivity: Open cavities cause the gums to be exposed to more pressure and irritation. This can lead to tenderness and bleeding.
• Aesthetic Discomfort: Most patients hesitate to smile due to the gap between their teeth and experience aesthetic dissatisfaction.
• Incorrect Jaw Closure (Malocclusion): Diastema sometimes occurs with a mismatch in the jaw structure. This can lead to improper closing of the teeth, thus leading to jaw joint problems.

What are Diastema Treatment Methods?

The treatment of split teeth is planned individually. Different treatment options can be applied depending on the cause of diastema, the size of the cavity and the patient’s aesthetic expectations.

Orthodontic Treatments (Braces and Clear Aligners)

Braces treatment is one of the most effective and permanent solutions to diastema. Gaps are closed by moving the teeth regularly. Clear aligner treatment may also be preferred for patients with aesthetic concerns. For more information, you can visit our page braces treatment.

Applications of Composite Bonding

The bonding method allows split teeth to be closed quickly and aesthetically. This method, which is applied without damaging the tooth, is especially effective in small cavities.

Porcelain Laminate (Leaf Tooth) Veneers

Porcelain laminates are one of the most preferred solutions in aesthetic smile design. Thanks to the thin porcelain layers bonded on the split teeth, both natural and permanent results are achieved.

Implant or Bridge Treatment in Missing Teeth

If diastema is caused by missing teeth, implant or bridge treatments can be applied. In this way, a healthy tooth structure is created both aesthetically and functionally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diastema Treatment

How long does diastema treatment take?

The duration of treatment varies depending on the method chosen. Applications such as bonding can be completed in a single session, while orthodontic treatments can take between a few months and a few years.

Is the Treatment Permanent?

Methods such as bonding may need to be renewed after a certain period of time. However, orthodontic treatments and porcelain laminate applications are long-lasting.

Does Diastema Recur?

With the right treatment method and regular check-ups, diastema usually does not recur. However, if some habits continue, there is a risk of recurrence.

Is It Treated for Aesthetic or Health Purposes?

Diastema treatment is performed for both aesthetic and health purposes. In addition to aesthetic appearance, it is also aimed to improve speech and chewing functions.

In conclusion, diastema (split tooth) is a condition that can occur for different reasons and can lead to both aesthetic and functional problems. Thanks to the developing dentistry methods today, diastema treatments give very successful and permanent results. You can get support from DentLeon experts to determine the most appropriate treatment method for your split tooth problem.