A diastema is the technical term for a space or gap between two teeth, most commonly recognized when it occurs between the two upper front teeth. While the primary goal of most orthodontic treatment is to close unwanted spaces, some individuals may wish to preserve a pre-existing gap for aesthetic reasons. Intentionally keeping a diastema open requires a significant modification of the standard treatment plan. This preservation is a deliberate process undertaken only after careful planning and communication with the orthodontist.
How Braces Naturally Close Spaces
Orthodontic mechanics are inherently designed to move teeth along a continuous archwire, and the default outcome is space closure. Brackets are bonded to the surface of each tooth, connecting them to the archwire, which provides a continuous, light force that guides the teeth into alignment.
The main mechanism for moving teeth and closing gaps is often referred to as sliding mechanics. Teeth are moved along the archwire using forces generated by elastic chains, coil springs, or the inherent tension of the wire itself, causing the tooth to shift position.
Even during the initial phases of treatment, the continuous tension naturally attempts to distribute all teeth evenly along the dental arch. This means any existing gaps will face a constant force encouraging them to close. Without specific measures to counteract this natural tendency, the gap will diminish or disappear entirely.
Methods for Maintaining a Diastema During Treatment
Preserving a diastema requires the orthodontist to isolate the teeth surrounding the gap from the general forces of the archwire. This is often achieved by treating the teeth on either side of the gap as separate segments. One common technique involves placing a bracket on the adjacent teeth but intentionally not engaging it with the main archwire.
Alternatively, the archwire can be customized with specific bends or loops to bypass the gap entirely. A specialized offset bend ensures the wire delivers aligning forces to the other teeth while delivering zero force across the gap. A small piece of metal tubing, a spacer, can also be threaded onto the main archwire across the gap to physically prevent the brackets from sliding together.
The orthodontist must use precise measurements and advanced wire bending techniques to create a force system that actively holds the teeth apart while correcting other alignment issues. This intentional modification requires heightened attention from the clinician at every adjustment appointment.
Long-Term Stability and Retention
Maintaining an intentional diastema after the braces are removed requires permanent retention, as the gap has a high propensity for relapse. Natural forces, such as the pressure from the tongue or the pull of the labial frenum, can cause the teeth to shift back toward their original positions. A bonded lingual retainer is the most dependable solution for maintaining a preserved diastema.
This retainer consists of a thin, custom-fitted wire permanently bonded to the back (lingual) surfaces of the teeth immediately adjacent to the gap. This fixed device acts as a continuous splint, mechanically locking the teeth in their desired positions and preventing movement.
While removable retainers are important for the rest of the dental arch, they are often insufficient to manage the specific forces acting on an intentional diastema. The fixed wire provides the necessary continuous resistance to the constant biological pressures that would otherwise cause the gap to reopen. The long-term success of preserving the gap relies almost entirely on the patient’s commitment to this permanent retention solution.