Diastema

Message

#16 Post by **posum** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 11:20 am

blaat...thanks for all your input. you've really helped alleviate some of my fears.

#17 Post by **posum** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 11:24 am

bbsadmin wrote:I recall several members of this board who had significant gaps between their front teeth. Braces totally fixed their problems and gave them great smiles afterward -- I remember seeing the photos. Have you tried searching this message board for the word "gap" or "front teeth gap" and seeing what comes up?

bbsadmin - i have tried searching the message board and did come across a couple of things. my gap isnt huge but enough to really bother me and make me a little insecure. i just wanna be reassured that braces will close the gap without screwing up everything else. all my other teeth are pretty evenly spaced so the last thing i want is to create a larger problem.

#18 Post by **blaat** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 1:16 pm

No problem..

#19 Post by **Serenity** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 3:00 pm

Hi posum,

I HAD a Diastema. I have had my braces on since May 2005 and the diastema closed within 6 months. The diastema wasn't the main reason I sought orthodontic treatment, I also had an overbite.

You should definately go to at least 2 different orthodontists for a consultation to see what the best method of closing your diastema. Make sure to ask any question/concern you may have.

Hope that helps!

#20 Post by **mtbrncofn** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 12:19 am

I have a diastema...a rather large one in my opinion. Along with quite a few other gaps. Most of the other ones are closed now, my big one ( the front one ) is getting there quickly thanks to those dratted powerchains.

That was my whole reason for getting braces. I've had it forever and always hated it. If you don't think yours is significant enough to go through braces, maybe bonding or other cosmetic dentistry is something you could look into.

Also, I know a lot of people have the diastema because of a larger than normal frenum. A lot of us right here on this board have had or will have a frenectomy to help alleviate that.

Just a few more things for you to think about.

#21 Post by **mtbrncofn** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 12:31 am

Here's a picture of my progress. I was braced for all those dreaded gaps in May 05. The first pic is about 2 weeks after I got braces. The second one is right now.

#22 Post by **posum** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:03 am

Serenity wrote:Hi posum,

I HAD a Diastema. I have had my braces on since May 2005 and the diastema closed within 6 months. The diastema wasn't the main reason I sought orthodontic treatment, I also had an overbite.

You should definately go to at least 2 different orthodontists for a consultation to see what the best method of closing your diastema. Make sure to ask any question/concern you may have.

Hope that helps!

Thanks so much for responding to my thread. If you dont mind me asking, how big was your gap? I'm still very skeptical about all this. Can you tell me a little bit about your experience?
Where are you located? I'm trying to get some referrals.

#23 Post by **posum** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:08 am

mtbrncofn wrote:I have a diastema...a rather large one in my opinion. Along with quite a few other gaps. Most of the other ones are closed now, my big one ( the front one ) is getting there quickly thanks to those dratted powerchains.

That was my whole reason for getting braces. I've had it forever and always hated it. If you don't think yours is significant enough to go through braces, maybe bonding or other cosmetic dentistry is something you could look into.

Also, I know a lot of people have the diastema because of a larger than normal frenum. A lot of us right here on this board have had or will have a frenectomy to help alleviate that.

Just a few more things for you to think about.

Thanks for the response! I really would prefer not to get veneers/bonding due to fear of tooth reduction and the fact that its irreversible. I've only noticed mine as of two years ago...not even sure if i've always had it. How is the frenectomy? My dentist said that they dont actually remove any tissue...they just kinda move it or something. Can you provide more information? Is it a safe procedure?

#24 Post by **mtbrncofn** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 9:08 pm

posum wrote:
mtbrncofn wrote:I have a diastema...a rather large one in my opinion. Along with quite a few other gaps. Most of the other ones are closed now, my big one ( the front one ) is getting there quickly thanks to those dratted powerchains.

That was my whole reason for getting braces. I've had it forever and always hated it. If you don't think yours is significant enough to go through braces, maybe bonding or other cosmetic dentistry is something you could look into.

Also, I know a lot of people have the diastema because of a larger than normal frenum. A lot of us right here on this board have had or will have a frenectomy to help alleviate that.

Just a few more things for you to think about.
Thanks for the response! I really would prefer not to get veneers/bonding due to fear of tooth reduction and the fact that its irreversible. I've only noticed mine as of two years ago...not even sure if i've always had it. How is the frenectomy? My dentist said that they dont actually remove any tissue...they just kinda move it or something. Can you provide more information? Is it a safe procedure?

A frenectomy is pretty simple I've heard. I know sometimes it's done with laser. I think mine will be done with just the good ol scalpel. From what I understand, they just give you a local anesthetic ( similiar to what you'd get for a filling ) and cut that offending piece of tissue out and put a couple of stitches in. That's what my ortho told me. I'm not wild about having it done, but if it will help keep that darn gap closed and protect this investement, I'm all for it.
Yes, I think it's a very safe, very simple procedure.

Best of luck with your decision.