Gap closure and braces

Gaps between teeth is a common problem faced by the general population of all ages. Several causes lead to gaps between teeth and it becomes important to understand and diagnose the cause foreffective gap closure that prevents recurrence.

• Cosmetic issues like an unaesthetic smile, difficulty in hygiene maintenance due to the gaps are the mainconcerns to visit the dentist.
  
  
• Some of the causes include disproportionate tooth size to jaw size ie small teeth and bigger jaws orCongenitally small
  /less/missing teeth. Genetic and hereditary patterns determine such influence on thedentition.
  
  
• High soft tissue attachment (high frenal attachment) – thick fibrous attachment of frenum betweenfront two upper and lower teeth.

• Pathological causes like decayed teeth , gum disease and trauma due to accidents can also lead to earlytooth loss creating gaps

• Trauma from occlusion- exaggerated forces on front teeth due to improper alignment can lead to toothmovement and gaps.

• Habits- tongue thrusting, thumb sucking can apply undue pressure and movement of teeth leading to gaps between teeth

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Do all cases of spacing and gaps require braces treatment?

The answer is no. Braces apply gentle, continuous pressure to move teeth into the desired position over time. Wires, brackets, and elastics work together to align teeth and close gaps. Braces are usually indicated for children from ages 12 and up and young adults. Natural bone growth is utilized for tooth movement. Braces treatment is of a longer duration and the resultant gap closure is faster and more
effective in the younger population. Braces are effective in cases of habits, smaller teeth with big jaws, spaces due to misaligned teeth etc.

• Other options for gap closure include fillings/veneers/crowns if the gaps are minor. These can beconsidered as a faster
  way toclose the gaps along with the cosmetic aspect of controlling theshade,shape and size of the teeth.
  
  
• Gaps due to high frenal attachment can be treated by removing the tissue attachment that keeps theteeth away from each
  other.It’s a minor surgical procedure which is done with the help of lasers.
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• If the cause of gaps is gum disease or trauma from occlusion, it is treated first followed by space closurewith fillings
  /crowns, etc
  
  

  Gaps due to pathological conditions require replacement of the missing teeth withbridge/implants/dentures. Unreplaced
  missing teeth cause movement of the remaining teeth into themissing space leading to disturbance of bite and function.

• Thus the various options of space closure depends on the cause, age of the patient and the amount ofgaps between the teeth.
  A combination of different treatments can be recommended depending on thecase.

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