About a quarter of the population is predisposed to have diastema—more commonly known as gap teeth. In some cases when the gap is relatively minor, choosing corrective orthodontic treatment is more about preference than necessity. In other cases though, gum health and even speech can be negatively impacted and treatment to close the gap is recommended.
The oral health reasons to treat gap teeth are not insignificant, but the truth is that most people seek orthodontic correction because they simply want to feel more confident with their smile. That’s certainly why Cliffy and his family came to consult with Decatur Orthodontics.
Cliffy is in ninth grade and loves to play classical piano. When he was younger, he knew he didn’t give the gap between his top teeth and the misalignment of the bottom much thought. It wasn’t until he started growing up that he noticed many of his friends had naturally straight teeth and he didn’t.
Before long, he started smiling with his lips closed in pictures to hide his teeth. He didn’t want anyone to tease him about it, so he took measures into his own hands.
Cliffy and his parents weren’t sure at first where they wanted him to receive orthodontic treatment. When they visited Decatur Orthodontics to check it out, though, Cliffy said he felt comfortable right away and knew he was with a team he could trust.
Throughout Cliffy’s treatment, he shares, the environment of trust and caring continued. He always felt welcomed, and notes that the staff was wonderful about answering any questions that he or his family had as treatment progressed.
Cliffy laughs as he recalls how strange it felt the first day his braces came off after two years wearing them. Now that his treatment is complete, he says he feels amazing!
Before braces for his gap teeth, Cliffy was ultra aware of all the straight smiles around him and how different his smile was. He remembers feeling insecure and uncomfortable showing his teeth.
Today, that has all changed. Cliffy loves how it feels to smile with straight teeth and the confidence he experiences now when smiling and laughing with his friends. And for Decatur Orthodontics, that’s what it’s all about.
Do you or your child have gap teeth that you’d like corrected? If your teeth are holding you back from enjoying life’s simple joys like smiling and laughing, we are here to help.
