For some, a gappy smile is part of their signature style, but for others, it’s an embarrassing feature they’d rather not have.
Regardless of how you feel about the gap in your smile, it may require correction to prevent some serious dental consequences.
Dr. Dana Samet and our Dental Art of South Bay team in Torrance, California, see gapped teeth daily. They don’t all need our professional intervention, but when they do, we can fix them fast with Invisalign® clear aligners.
Here’s how to tell if and why you need to close the gap in your smile.
Gappy teeth happen for various reasons.
Your genes dictate the structure of your teeth and jaw, so if you come from a family with gappy smiles, there’s a good chance you’ve inherited the trait.
The natural growth patterns of your teeth can also lead to gaps, especially if your jaw is larger than the size of your teeth. If so, your teeth may spread out to fill the available space, resulting in noticeable gaps.
Finally, an oversized frenum — the tissue that connects gums and lips — can pull with enough force to create a gap in your front teeth.
Thumb sucking in childhood exerts pressure on the front teeth, pushing them forward and creating gaps.
Tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes against the teeth during swallowing, can have a similar effect.
Also, if you used pacifiers or bottles for a prolonged period as an infant, that may be the cause of gapped teeth as you age.
When gum disease progresses, it deteriorates the supporting bone and tissue around your teeth, causing them to loosen and shift. This movement creates spaces between the teeth.
In some cases, tooth loss due to injury, decay, or gum disease can leave gaps, which might cause adjacent teeth to drift into the empty space over time.
Many believe that gapped teeth are merely a cosmetic issue, but the truth is that gaps can cause several oral health problems.
Gaps between teeth make cleaning more challenging, so you might need specialized tools, like interdental brushes, to ensure thorough cleaning. If you don’t clean your teeth well, food particles and plaque accumulate in the open spaces, increasing your risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Gaps affect your bite, leading to misalignment, uneven pressure on your teeth, and wear-and-tear over time. It can also make chewing uncomfortable and increase your risk of jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Gaps in your teeth can also affect your speech, especially if they involve the front teeth. You might have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
Not all gaps need to be corrected. Here’s when and why they might.
For some people, gaps are purely a cosmetic issue. While many embrace their unique smile, others opt for cosmetic treatments, like bonding or veneers, to close the gaps.
If the gaps don’t affect your oral health or functionality, deciding to keep or close them depends on your personal preferences.
However, you may need corrective treatment if your gaps lead to functional issues, such as difficulty chewing or bite irregularities.
If you’re looking for a discreet and effective method to close gaps in your teeth, Dr. Samet may recommend Invisalign, custom-made, clear trays that gradually shift your teeth into a closed position.
They’re a discreet way to correct dental gaps without traditional braces' metal wires and brackets. You can also remove them, allowing you to brush and floss easily and enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions.
Is your gappy smile causing problems? Call Dental Art of South Bay in Torrance, California, to schedule an appointment with Dr. Samet.
