As you get older, your gums may begin to recede, creating a dark triangle-shaped space in between your teeth. This condition is referred to as diastema and can age your smile. Cosmetic dental specialist, Danny Shiri, DDS, with an office located in Carthay, Los Angeles, can repair your dark triangle/diastema and restore your smile. To schedule a consultation, call the office, or book online today.
Diastema refers to the extra space in between your teeth that looks like a dark triangle. It isn’t uncommon to see these spaces in children, often between the two top front teeth, but the open space usually closes when the adult teeth erupt through the gums.
As you get older, your gums may begin to recede and create the diastema, which is also referred to as gingivitis embrasures. These dark spaces can affect the look of your smile and may make you appear older than your age.
Dr. Shiri is a cosmetic dental specialist and can provide treatment to close the space and get rid of your dark triangle.
In addition to aging your smile, a dark triangle may accumulate food debris and make you more vulnerable to the buildup of plaque.
Plaque is a soft, sticky substance created by the bacteria in your mouth. If not removed by brushing or flossing, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar, which traps bacteria under your gums and increases your risk of gum disease.
Regular dental cleanings help keep plaque and tartar buildup under control to reduce your risk of more serious dental issues. With a diastema, Dr. Shiri may suggest more frequent cleanings to prevent oral health issues and gum disease.
Dr. Shiri offers many treatment options for diastema. He reviews them all with you during your consultation, so together you can make the best decision for you and your oral health.
One of the ways Dr. Shiri improves the diastema is with a tooth-colored resin or bonding agent. The resin fills in the gap and restores your smile. Though the bonding agent can improve the look of your diastema quickly, it isn’t stain-resistant and may require touchups.
Veneers are also an option for diastema. These thin porcelain shells cover the tooth to improve the shape and fill in the gap. Unlike the bonding agent, veneers are stain-resistant and can last for several years.
If your gum recession is severe, Dr. Shiri may suggest deep gum cleaning to clear out the plaque. In some cases, gum surgery is necessary.
To restore your youthful smile, call Danny Shiri, DDS, or request an appointment online.
