Gap teeth, also known as diastema, most commonly originate from the positioning of a specific piece of tissue in the mouth.
The Primary Origin of Gap Teeth: The Fraenum
Based on the provided reference, the most common cause of gapped front teeth is related to a structure called the fraenum.
What is the Fraenum?
The reference defines the fraenum inside the upper lip as a:
- Fold of skin
- That attaches the top lip
- To the upper gum.
How Does the Fraenum Cause a Gap?
When this fraenum sits lower than usual, it can extend down between the two top front teeth. This physical barrier effectively keeps the teeth from coming together, resulting in the characteristic gap.
While the fraenum is identified as the most common origin for gaps between the top front teeth, other factors can also contribute to the development of gaps between teeth elsewhere in the mouth. These can include things like tooth size discrepancies, missing teeth, or habits like thumb-sucking. However, focusing on the most common origin for the prominent front gap, the fraenum's position plays a key role.
Understanding the origin of a gap can help determine appropriate cosmetic or orthodontic treatments if desired.
