10/09/2026
Diastema: a fashion statement or a dental concern? 🦷✨
A diastema is a space between two teeth, most commonly between the upper central incisors.
Interestingly, diastemas have become somewhat of a fashion statement. Some very recognizable smiles including celebrities such as Madonna, Lauren Hutton, and Georgia May Jagger have made this characteristic part of their identity.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a diastema when the teeth, gums, bite, and surrounding structures are healthy.
However, when a patient decides to undergo orthodontic treatment, the goal should not simply be to create a different-looking smile. The goal is to achieve a healthy, harmonious, functional, and stable result.
There are many possible causes of a diastema, including tooth-size discrepancies, missing or extra teeth, tooth position, habits, and the relationship of the frenum to the teeth. Therefore, proper diagnosis is essential before deciding how the space should be treated.
In this case, orthodontic treatment was used to close the spaces and improve the overall relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
What about the frenum?
A frenectomy is not automatically necessary for every diastema. When the frenum is determined to be a contributing factor, it may be recommended after orthodontic closure of the space, particularly when there is concern about reopening or relapse.
Finally, closing the space is only part of the treatment. Retention is essential because anterior diastemas have a tendency to reopen over time.
So, while a diastema can certainly be beautiful, when orthodontic treatment is chosen, the objective should always be the best possible esthetic, functional, and stable result.
Diagnosis, not fashion should determine treatment.
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