Do you have gaps between your teeth? This condition, known as diastema, can have various causes, from genetic factors to acquired habits. In this article, we explain why teeth separate, what implications it has, and how you can correct them safely and aesthetically in Peru.
🤔 What does it mean to have separated teeth?
Separated teeth are those that have a visible space between them, whether in the front or in other areas of the mouth. This condition can affect both the aesthetics of the smile and the chewing or phonetic function.
The most common type is the space between the upper central incisors, that is, the two front teeth, but it can occur between any pair of teeth.
Diastema, or space between teeth, is a condition that can affect appearance and oral health, but it is completely treatable with the right methods.
🤔 What can be done when teeth separate?
It can be corrected with orthodontics, veneers, crowns, or resins depending on the case, to improve dental aesthetics and function.
🤔 What are the causes of separated teeth?
1. 📏 Disproportionate size between teeth and jaw
When teeth are small in relation to the size of the maxillary bone, spaces remain between them. It is a common cause of dental separation.
2. 🧬 Prominent upper labial frenulum
The frenulum is a small tissue that connects the lip to the gum. If it is too thick or inserts too close to the teeth, it can prevent the teeth from coming together.
3. 👄 Oral habits
- Thumb sucking
- Prolonged use of pacifiers or bottles
- Pushing teeth with the tongue (atypical swallowing)
These habits can alter the position of the teeth, creating or accentuating separations.
4. 🦷 Loss of dental pieces
When a tooth is lost and not replaced, adjacent teeth tend to move, creating spaces.
5. 🦷 Periodontal diseases
Gum diseases can cause loss of bone support, causing teeth to loosen and separate over time.
Periodontal diseases are a common cause of dental separation, as they can weaken the support of the teeth and cause improper movements.
6. 🧬 Genetics
Some people are simply born with naturally separated teeth, without this representing a functional problem.
🤔 Is it bad to have separated teeth?
Having separated teeth does not always represent a health problem, but it can generate:
- Low self-esteem or insecurity when smiling
- Difficulties when speaking (especially with sounds like «s» or «f»)
- Food accumulation between teeth
- Higher risk of cavities or gum inflammation
- Imbalance in the bite or facial aesthetics
🤔 How are separated teeth corrected?
1. 🦷 Orthodontics
The most common and effective treatment, especially if the space is large or if there are other alignment issues.
- Metal or aesthetic braces
- Invisible aligners (like Invisalign)
📍 Duration: 6 to 24 months
📍 Price in Peru: From S/ 2,000 (braces) to over S/ 5,000 (aligners)
2. 🦷 Dental resin (composite)
Quick and aesthetic solution to close small spaces. The dentist applies a resin the color of the tooth to fill the space.
📍 Advantages: immediate result, economical, and non-invasive
📍 Approximate price per tooth: S/ 150 to S/ 300
3. 🦷 Dental veneers
They are thin sheets of porcelain or composite that cover the front of the tooth.
📍 Ideal for: improving shape, size, and color at the same time
📍 Price:
- Composite: from S/ 300
- Porcelain: from S/ 900
4. 🦷 Frenectomy
If the space is caused by a prominent labial frenulum, this minor surgery can be performed to cut or reposition it.
📍 Usually combined with orthodontics
📍 Price: S/ 300 to S/ 800
🤔 Can separated teeth close on their own?
In children, separated teeth can close naturally when the permanent teeth erupt. However, in teenagers and adults, the spaces tend to remain or even increase over time, especially if there are periodontal problems or tooth loss.
🤔 How long does it take to close separated teeth?
It depends on the treatment:
| Treatment | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Orthodontics | 6 – 24 months |
| Dental resin | 1 session (approx. 1 hour) |
| Dental veneers | 1 – 3 sessions |
| Frenectomy | 1 session (with follow-up) |
🤔 What happens if it is not treated?
In many cases, separated teeth do not cause health problems. However, if they are associated with a bad bite, periodontal disease, or harmful habits, they could worsen over time. Additionally, many people seek treatment for aesthetic and emotional reasons, as an aligned smile improves self-esteem and confidence.
Although separated teeth are not always a health problem, their treatment can significantly improve the quality of life and self-esteem of individuals.
Having separated teeth is a fairly common condition, and in many cases, it has a simple solution. The most important thing is to identify the cause of the problem and consult with a dentist to choose the best treatment.
In Peru, the options to close separated teeth are accessible, safe, and aesthetically effective, from quick treatments with resin to durable solutions like orthodontics or veneers.
| Treatment | Advantages | Disadvantages | Price in Peru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthodontics | Long-term results, improves the bite | Requires time and commitment | From S/ 2,000 to S/ 5,000+ |
| Dental resin | Quick, economical, non-invasive | May wear down over time | S/ 150 to S/ 300 per tooth |
| Dental veneers | Aesthetic improvement, durable | More expensive, requires dental preparation | From S/ 300 (composite) to S/ 900 (porcelain) |
| Frenectomy | Quick solution, improves the space | May require additional orthodontics | S/ 300 to S/ 800 |
