Introduction
A gap in the upper jaw between the two central incisors is called diastema. Since it lies in the middle of the dental arch, it is also called diestema mediale. A diastema rarely occurs in the lower jaw as well.
This gap is caused by a lip frenulum that has grown too deep, in very rare cases also by an additional, but atrophied, tooth. Therefore, an x-ray should be taken for clarification. In some primitive peoples, a diastema is also considered a beauty feature. A distinction is made between a real diastema and a fake diastema.
Real Diastema
In a true diastema, the gap is caused by the labial frenulum that has grown through the gap. This form of diastema is hereditary. Diastema is normal in milk teeth.
The tooth gap is removed by an operation in which the frenulum is shortened. This is followed by an orthodontic treatment. A physiolic gap between the canine and the first small molar is only found in mammals and is therefore called “monkey gap”.
Fake diastema
In the case of the false diastema, the cause lies in the temporally different breakthrough of the central incisors. After the remaining teeth have erupted, the fake diastema can compensate for itself. The absence of the lateral incisors can also lead to a fake diastema. An x-ray can provide clarification. The orthodontist will regulate the situation.
Diastema medial
The medial diastema describes a gap between the two incisors in the maxilla. This tooth gap, which is called a blemish of beauty in many regions, is due to the pronounced lip frenulum. The labial frenulum represents a connection between the inner side of the upper lip and the mucous membrane between the two large incisors in the upper jaw.
If this labial frenulum is genetically very deep, it leads to a gap between the two large incisors. The stronger and deeper this band is pronounced, the larger the gap is usually. The extent to which the lip frenulum influences the position of the teeth is already evident in the primary dentition.
A deep lip band causes a medial diastema already in the deciduous dentition. However, this diastema only becomes worthy of treatment at the age of the change of teeth between the sixth and eighth year of life, when the permanent incisors erupt. The gap between the teeth can lead to a poorer speech pattern, since the S sounds are primarily formed on the front incisors and the gap can disturb the sound formation.
The medial diastema can also be caused by a tooth not being in contact with the tooth. Due to the increased space available, however, there are usually several teeth with gaps between them and the adjacent tooth. Another reason for a medial diastema can be that the incisors are too small and cannot fill the available space, or the dental arch is generally much too large.
Especially in the African-American and African region, this tooth gap is widespread due to the anatomy, but is considered an ideal of beauty. In Europe, on the other hand, the gap between the incisors is often a reason to have them closed by surgery, long-term orthodontic treatment or a dental prosthesis. In most cases, however, this intervention would only be an aesthetic intervention, which is not always a necessity.
