Closing tooth gaps

The Diastema

Diastema is a gap between the middle incisors, usually in the upper jaw, rarely also in the lower jaw, which is also called trema (from ancient Greek τρῆμα trēma "hole").

A distinction is made between:

1) real diastema

The true diastema is hereditary. It is characterized by a too low lip ribbon on the inside of the upper and lower lip (Frenulum labii superioris or inferioris). Diastema can be treated well by plastic surgery of the lip band or surgical removal of the tissue between the teeth by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and subsequent orthodontic measures. The most favorable time for treatment is after the eruption of the permanent lateral incisors, i.e. around the age of 7 to 9 years.

2) Fake diastema

Here the cause is a non-attachment or atrophy of one or both lateral incisors. The treatment is carried out by widening the middle incisors with composite material, veneers (veneer-like veneer), crowns or an all-ceramic bridge.

3) Medial diastema

The gap between the middle upper incisors is caused by a too large dental arch and / or too small incisors or by a too low set lip band. The treatment corresponds to that of the fake diastema.