Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Archives for September 2017

Understanding Gaps Between Teeth (Diastemas) in Glen Iris

Many people experience gaps between their teeth, known as diastemas. These gaps can appear between any two teeth, though they are most common between the upper front teeth, often creating a visible dark space that many find aesthetically unappealing.

What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?

Several factors can contribute to the formation of diastemas:

  • A mismatch between the size of your teeth and jawbone.

  • Missing or undersized teeth.

  • An enlarged frenum (the tissue connecting your lip to your gums) keeping teeth apart.

  • Habits such as thumb or dummy sucking.

  • Misalignment or incorrect bite relationships between the teeth.

  • Periodontal disease causing teeth to loosen and drift apart.

  • Poor eruption or positioning of certain teeth preventing proper alignment.

Identifying the cause is the first step to choosing the right treatment approach.

Why Should Gaps Be Treated?

Although diastemas are not harmful by themselves, they may indicate underlying dental issues.
When gaps result from gum disease or oral habits, they often worsen over time, making treatment more complex later. Closing a diastema not only improves the appearance of your smile but also helps maintain better teeth alignment and gum health.

Treatment Options for Closing Gaps

Depending on the cause and the size of the gap, several options are available:

1. Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is often the most natural and long-lasting solution. By gradually moving the teeth into their proper positions, gaps can be closed permanently, restoring a balanced smile while maintaining your own teeth.

2. Resin VeneersGap closed

Resin veneers can make teeth appear slightly larger, closing small or moderate gaps. Veneers can be created in a single visit and provide an immediate cosmetic improvement, although they may chip or discolor over time.

3. Crowns or Bridges

For larger gaps or when one or more teeth are missing, crowns or dental bridges can be used to restore aesthetics and function. These options also help protect neighbouring teeth from shifting.

4. Dental Implants

When a tooth is missing entirely, placing an implant restoration can provide a long-term solution. A dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports a natural-looking crown to fill the space seamlessly.

Get a Professional Opinion

At Tooronga Family Dentistry, we assess the cause of spacing issues and help you choose the treatment that best fits your dental health and aesthetic goals. If you have a diastema or gaps in your teeth, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation today.

 

Mouth Breathing and Its Impact on Dental Development in Glen Iris

When we are born, our natural instinct is to breathe through the nose. The nasal passages filter, warm, and humidify air before it enters the lungs. However, when nasal obstructions occur, breathing shifts from the nose to the mouth. While this may begin as a temporary adaptation, prolonged mouth breathing can have lasting effects on both oral and facial development.

How Mouth Breathing Affects Jaw and Facial Growth

When the nose is underused, its structures do not develop properly. The same applies to the upper jaw, which becomes narrow and underdeveloped. As a result, the upper jaw may appear sunken, and the lower jaw tends to hang open so air can pass through more easily. Over time, this posture weakens facial muscles and elongates the lower facial structure.

The Role of the Tongue

The tongue greatly influences how the upper jaw and base of the skull develop. Ideally, the tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth during both rest and swallowing.

In mouth breathers, however, the tongue remains at the floor of the mouth and does not make contact with the palate. This absence of upward pressure leads to inadequate upper jaw growth and commonly results in bite misalignment and crowded teeth, particularly in children.

Long-Term Consequences

If mouth breathing persists, it can permanently alter the shape of the face and dental arches as a child matures. These structural changes often cause functional issues such as difficulty breathing through the nose, speech challenges, and an increased risk of orthodontic problems.

Early identification and intervention are crucial to prevent these effects from becoming permanent.

Treating Mouth Breathing Early

Mouth breathing should be addressed in childhood through a combination of dental, orthodontic, and medical approaches. Treatment may include:

  • Identifying and removing nasal or airway obstructions

  • Encouraging proper tongue posture and nasal breathing habits

  • Orthodontic therapy to guide jaw and bite development

If you or your child are mouth breathers or have misaligned teeth, it is important to have the condition assessed as early as possible. For professional evaluation, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

How to fix Tooth cross bite?

What Is a Crossbite?

A crossbite occurs when the teeth do not align properly. In a normal bite, the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth both at the front and back of the mouth. When the upper and lower rows of teeth meet incorrectly, this is known as a crossbite, and it should be treated as soon as possible.

Crossbites can affect the way you chew, speak, and smile, and may lead to further oral health problems if left untreated.

Consequences of an Untreated Crossbite

When the bite is misaligned, several issues can develop over time:

In growing children, untreated crossbites can also affect facial development. The imbalance may cause the face to grow asymmetrically, potentially leading to teasing, reduced confidence, and emotional distress.

Treatment Options for a Crossbite

The best time to correct a crossbite is during childhood while the jaw and teeth are still developing. However, effective treatments are also available for adults.

Crossbites often result from a narrow upper jaw, and treatment focuses on gently repositioning the teeth and expanding the dental arch through orthodontic methods.

1. Palatal or Maxillary Expander

An orthodontic device that fits over the upper teeth and gradually widens the upper jaw. It is particularly effective in children and adolescents.

2. Removable Expander

A device worn at night to widen the upper palate when only minimal expansion is necessary. This is a less invasive option suitable for mild cases.

3. Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE)

In adults whose jaws have stopped growing, a surgeon can perform a minor procedure to separate the upper jaw bone slightly. A custom-made expander is then used to widen the upper arch.

4. Braces

Braces may be used as a standalone treatment or following expansion to align the upper and lower teeth correctly, creating a balanced and healthy bite.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Correcting a crossbite early helps prevent structural damage to the teeth and jaw joint while improving facial symmetry and function. Left untreated, a crossbite can cause:

  • Tooth wear

  • TMJ discomfort

  • Gum recession

  • Chronic tension in facial muscles

If you or your child show signs of misalignment, it’s important to have the condition evaluated promptly.
For professional advice and treatment options, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.