What should be done about a big diastema?

In managing a diastema, or a gap between the teeth, the clinical approach can vary based on several factors, including the underlying cause of the diastema, aesthetic considerations, and the overall dental health of the patient.

Leaving a diastema alone might be appropriate in certain situations, especially if the gap does not affect the patient's bite, oral health, or self-esteem. For some individuals, particularly those who are asymptomatic and find the diastema acceptable or even desirable for aesthetic reasons, no intervention is necessary. Additionally, if the diastema is due to a natural spacing in an otherwise healthy dentition, it can be considered a normal variation in tooth alignment that does not require correction.

In circumstances where the diastema results from issues such as missing teeth, periodontal disease, or canines that are not properly erupting, further evaluation and intervention might be warranted. However, when the gap is a benign characteristic and does not present functional concerns, the best approach could indeed be to leave it alone.

The other options, such as closing the diastema with orthodontics, placing a bridge, or extracting adjacent teeth, imply more invasive procedures that may not be necessary depending on the individual case. Each of these alternatives carries its