Frontal Tooth Gap

When an improper space of more than 0.5-0.6 millimeter forms between any two front teeth, mostly upper ones, is known as a frontal tooth gap. In adults, children, and babies, the frontal tooth gap is easily visible. It is also known as a diastema. When the jaw’s size and teeth’s size doesn’t match, the frontal tooth gap develops. Upper front teeth are central incisors. These gaps, if not treated, stay forever in adults but in children with the milk teeth, the gap diminishes on its own when new permanent teeth grow. Some gaps are very tiny and aren’t easily visible while some are very large and size like small stones or pebbles. 

Symptoms

How To Fix Frontal Tooth Gap?

There are several in-clinic procedures that can fix the tooth gap in hours and one can see results in weeks.

• Start wearing tooth gap bands – It promotes alignment in the teeth which gradually reduces the gap. If you can’t afford expensive treatments then this is the very money friendly option for you.
• Frenectomy – Ask the dentist if you have an enlarged frenum if yes then this procedure is right for you. 
• Frontal Tooth gap Veneers – If you have a small gap, yet easily seen one then this gives a permanent fixture. These are available in two materials

1. Composite
2. Porcelain

• Both are good in their own ways but composite is comparatively less expensive and porcelain is expensive with 10-15 years of guarantee. Yet discuss it with the dentist.
• Frontal tooth gap bonding – This procedure uses tooth-colored, ditto composite content.

It lasts for 5-10 years or even more, depends on your care.

Causes

What Causes Frontal Tooth Gap?

• It can cause family history and genes can definitely cause frontal teeth gap.
• When tissue abnormally grows in the area of central incisors (frontal teeth) and gums, a gap occurs.
• Lack of maintaining proper oral hygiene and dental habits can ruin teeth by forming pressure in the frontal teeth and thus, tooth gap forms.
• Periodontitis, which is a gum disease, initially loosens the teeth and then causes space between them.
• A frenum ( is usually a thin strip which links the upper lips to the gum tissues which are attached to front teeth) when starts becoming dense and thick puts a force on the front teeth and makes a space.
• Wrong swallowing reflex, while swallowing when the tongue starts resting on the front teeth instead of the roof, gaps occur.
• Tongue thrusting and thumb-sucking habits are the biggest culprits of the frontal tooth gap.

FAQ

1. Which Are The Other Treatments For Frontal Tooth Gaps?

• If metal isn’t interrupting you then braces are the wonderful option to fix the tooth gap. As braces are filled with wire and brackets it helps to retain the original shape of the teeth.
• Next in line, is frontal tooth gap retainers, after straightening the teeth it holds the shape.
• Two types of retainers are there, removable and fixed. Fixed doesn’t move at all and stays in the same position for a longer time. While if you feel heavy around your teeth then you can choose removable retainers.

2. How To Fix Frontal Tooth Gap At Home?

• Learn to position your tongue on the roof and not on frontal teeth.
• Floss 2-3 times a day
• Brush 2-3 times a day
• Stop thumb sucking and tongue thrusting

3. Does Pacifiers Promote Frontal Tooth Gap?

Yes, pacifiers are made for babies who don’t have any teeth. Once the teeth start developing especially frontal ones then mom should stop giving pacifiers. It not only causes tooth gaps but also biting problems and crooked teeth.

4. What’s The Cost Of Frontal Tooth Gap Filling?

As FTG is considered a cosmetic procedure, most health insurance plans won’t cover the price and cost depends on the type of treatment and its complexity but on average, it costs $500-$1200. You might have to pay more for other appointments and medicines.