While most people want to close gaps between their teeth, a new trend is emerging in the fashion industry. Models with a diastema, the term used to describe the space between two teeth, are considered in vogue. In fact, the top faces for companies like Calvin Klein and Chanel have considerable gaps between their teeth.
Approximately 50 percent of kids ages six to eight have an opening between their teeth. Usually, the space closes after permanent teeth erupt. If the diastema remains after the permanent incisors and canine teeth come in, you should consult an orthodontist for further evaluation. The most common diastema is the space between the front teeth.
Other conditions can also contribute to gaps between teeth, including:
- Missing teeth, which may create extra space
- Lip biting because it can enable front teeth to drift apart
- Tongue thrusting, pushing your tongue against front teeth, may result in a gap
- Abnormal jaw bone structure may prevent the upper incisors from touching normally
Though certain celebrities have left the openings in their smiles, the average person will need orthodontic treatment to close the gap. After a complete assessment, your orthodontist can recommend the best treatment. Braces can be used to move teeth together and create a flawless smile. Orthodontic treatment of a gap between teeth will provide a permanent result, but it can take a year of longer to work, especially in the case of larger spaces.
