The phone is ringing

Doctor: Dental Surgery. How can I help you?

Patient: Hello, I would like to schedule a dental appointment.

Doctor: Hello, of course. Can you tell me exactly what seems to be a problem?

Patient: Doctor, I have a gap between the upper incisors and I would like to do something about it.

Doctor: No problem. Can I meet you tomorrow at 6 p.m.? Is it suitable for you?

Patient: Absolutely. I’ll come just after work. So I’ll see you at 6. Is the address the same as on the website?

Doctor: Yes, it is. The address has not changed, the surgery is still located at Polish Army Street 19A/2. There is a large sign on the building, so you will have no problems with finding it.

Patient: Thank you. Goodbye.

Doctor: Goodbye.

Next day

Patient: Good evening, I have a dentist appointment at 6 o’clock.

Doctor: Please, come in. After the visit I’ll give you a questionnaire to fill out.

Patient: Of course. Like I said, I have a gap between the upper incisors and I’d like to do something about it. I’ve been thinking about it for a few years, but I’ve just decided to change that. It is one of the few complexes that I have.

Doctor: I understand, but I can tell you that some people would like to have diastema, because it is something that sets them apart from others.

Patient: Yes, I know, but it gives me sleepless nights.

Doctor: Well, I’ll see what I can do. Indeed diastema is substantial. Your central incisors are quite wide, so I do not recommend to close with composite or veneers. It just won’t look good. On the other hand I think it can be done with orthodontic treatment, but you would have to refer you to the orthodontist.

Patient: No problem. I really want this. My mother also had the diastema and she had complexes because of it throughout her entire life. In the end, she lost these teeth and now she has dentures. Obviously, there are no gaps between her teeth. She is very happy with such effect.

Doctor: Okay. Therefore, I write a referral letter to an orthodontist. This is my friend. For sure we will find a solution. I think that after treatment, you will come back to me, because lateral incisors are very small, so when you complete the correction of lateral incisors, the correction of the medial ones will provide the perfect cosmetic effect.

Patient: All right. Thank you for your help. Goodbye.

Doctor: Goodbye.

VOCABULARY PRACTICE

Complete the sentences with linking words from the table

1. A diastema is a space or gap between two teeth. It appears most often between the two upper front teeth. __________ , gaps can occur between any two teeth.

2. Diastema can be sometimes categorised as false and true one. ____________ , it is formed on the stage of the replacement of milk teeth with permanent ones.

3. ________ true diastema is formed when there was a replacement of the tooth itself and if it does not disappear by itself, a correction by orthodontist is required.

4. Habits can lead to gaps between the teeth. __________ thumb sucking tends to pull the front teeth forward, creating gaps.

5. Children may have temporary gaps as they lose their baby teeth. __________ these spaces close as the permanent teeth reach their final positions.

6. If the gap is caused by periodontal disease, then _________ periodontal treatment by a dentist or periodontist is necessary.

7. Many European patients want to have diastema corrected. __________ in other countries, for example, Ghana or Nigeria, diastemata are regarded as being attractive and a sign of fertility, and some people have even had them created through cosmetic dentistry.

8. Diastemas usually cause no complications to your dental health, ___________ many people choose diastema closure for cosmetic purposes.        

9. _________, the treatment of diastema can be performed with the help of orthodontic or complex methods, with the help of surgery and further movement of the teeth using special tools.

10. Diastema is an adjustable dental condition and ___________ patients may be recommended  braces, Invisalign or dental bands.

11. Sometimes incisors are too small __________ dentist may suggest widening them by using crowns, veneers or bonding.

12. Orthodentic treatment seems to be a good option for diastema correction, ______ one problem with it is relapse.

Match the terms A-E with definitions  1-5

A. labial frenum

B. crooked teeth

C. diastemata

D. instant orthodontics

E. deciduous teeth

1. Temporary teeth

2. A type of malocclusion, or misalignment of teeth.

3. Plural form of diastema.

4. Folds of mucous membrane extending from gingiva to midline of lower and upper lips.

5. It is the process of aligning teeth using porcelain crowns, veneers, bridges, dental implants, bonding or teeth-coloured fillings to achieve straight teeth in as little as just one dental visit.

Lesson 62 - answers