SRUTI
One of the most frequently seen disparities in teeth alignment is the midline spacing, where there is a considerable gap in between the central incisors of the upper jaw. The midline diastema, as it is called, can occur due to a variety of causes. There are speech difficulties, embarrassment due to spraying of saliva through the gap and a break in the smile to say the least.

Reasons
1. The presence of a thick and fleshy fold of membrane that is an attachment between the upper lip and the gums which prevents the two

central incisors from approximating each other.

2.A discrepancy in which the length of the jaw exceeds the tooth material can give rise to midline spacing.

3. Pressure habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting etc., predispose to the condition.

4. The absence of teeth with resultant drifting of adjacent teeth leads to spacing.

Correction
If you happen to have gaps between our teeth, you don’t have to live with it. Midline spacing or general spacing in between teeth is totally correctable at any age! Approach your dentist and discuss the treatment modalities with him. Depending on your age and the amount of spacing, he will suggest either orthodontic correction by fixed or removable appliances or cosmetic restoration by build-up with tooth-coloured filling or ceramic crowns if missing teeth are to be replaced.

Go for it! Don’t have a gaping smile; on the other hand, let people gape at you!

The author is dental surgeon and can be contacted at ALL SMILES DENTAL CLINIC, 26673439, 9845085290.