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A “diastema” is an area of extra space between two or more teeth. The most common type is the one located between the upper central incisors, and one of the main causes is the absence of certain teeth, which leads the remaining teeth to shift, creating gaps between them.

Among the most frequent etiological factors are dental defects related to abnormalities in the size, shape, or number of teeth, periodontal disease, a hypertrophic muscular frenum (related to tongue size), and neuromuscular causes such as tongue thrusting habits or atypical swallowing.

There are several treatment options for diastemas:

1. Orthodontic treatment to move the teeth and close the gap.

2. In cases where there are supernumerary teeth (mesiodens), extraction is recommended, followed by orthodontic treatment.

3. For congenital absence of the lateral incisor, orthodontic treatment may be used either to close the space or to open it and place a restoration or dental implant.

4. When the incisors have a narrower incisal anatomy compared to the gingival area, porcelain veneers, composite bondings, or crowns can be placed.

5. In the presence of a fibrous labial frenum, surgical removal is required after orthodontic treatment.