Gaps between teeth, also known as diastemas, are a common orthodontic concern and can occur for many different reasons. While some people are happy to embrace their gap, others may want to explore treatment for aesthetic, orthodontic or functional reasons.
n this guide, we look at what causes gaps between teeth and the treatment options that may be available to close them.
What Are Gaps Between Teeth?
Gaps between teeth, or diastemas, are a condition in which a space or gap exists between two or more teeth. This condition is common in children and adults and can be caused by various factors, including genetics, dental structure, teeth alignment issues and the size and shape of the teeth and jaws.
In essence, gaps between teeth are natural and may not require any treatment. However, for some individuals, gap teeth may cause aesthetic concerns or lead to chewing or speaking problems.
What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?
Wondering why you have a gap in the first place? There isn’t one single cause.
Some gaps are simply part of the way your teeth and jaws have developed, while others can be related to tooth size, missing teeth, oral habits or changes in your oral health. Understanding the cause is important because it can influence whether treatment is needed and which treatment options may be appropriate.
Missing or Smaller Teeth
Sometimes, gaps come down to the size and number of your teeth.
Genetics can influence the size and shape of our teeth, and some people naturally have smaller teeth in relation to the size of their jaw. The upper lateral incisors, which sit on either side of the two upper front teeth, can also be smaller than usual or, in some people, may not develop at all.
This can leave additional space between the surrounding teeth. If you’re considering closing these gaps, your orthodontic team can assess the spacing alongside your overall tooth position and bite to determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Labial Frenum
The labial frenum is the small band of tissue connecting your upper lip to the gum above your front teeth.
In some cases, its size or position may be associated with a gap between the two upper front teeth. However, there can be many reasons for this type of spacing, so the frenum needs to be considered as part of a broader assessment rather than assumed to be the cause.
Gum Disease
If a gap develops or becomes larger in adulthood, it’s worth having it checked by your dentist.
Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, can affect the tissues and bone that support the teeth. In some cases, this can allow teeth to change position and new spaces to develop.
If you notice new or increasing gaps alongside symptoms such as bleeding or swollen gums or loose teeth, speak with your dentist for an assessment.
Tongue Position and Swallowing
The way your tongue rests and moves can sometimes influence tooth position.
In some people, the tongue repeatedly presses against or between the front teeth during swallowing or at rest. Over time, this pressure may contribute to changes in tooth position or spacing, although several factors can influence how a gap develops.
If this is contributing to your spacing, your orthodontic team can take it into account when assessing your teeth and bite.
Oral Habits
Certain oral habits during childhood can influence how the teeth and jaws develop. Persistent thumb or finger sucking, for example, may contribute to changes in the position of the front teeth and the bite.
The effect varies depending on factors such as how frequently and for how long the habit continues. If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth or bite, your dentist or orthodontist can assess their development and advise whether anything needs to be done.
Gaps in Children’s Teeth
Gaps aren’t always something that needs to be closed, particularly in growing children.
Spacing between baby teeth is common and can be a normal part of dental development. Gaps can also appear while permanent teeth are coming through and may change as more adult teeth erupt.
Rather than assuming a gap needs treatment, your dentist or orthodontist can monitor how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and advise if and when orthodontic assessment is appropriate.
Treatment Options for Gaps Between Teeth
So, what can you actually do about a gap between your teeth?
The answer depends on why the gap is there. A small gap between otherwise well-positioned teeth may need a very different approach to spacing caused by tooth alignment or a missing tooth. And, of course, not every gap needs to be closed at all.
Here are some of the treatment options you may come across.
1. Clear Aligners and Braces
When a gap is related to the position of your teeth, orthodontic treatment may be an option. Both braces and clear aligners can be used to gradually move teeth and close certain types of spacing.
At Urban Smile, we focus on clear aligner treatment. Your aligners are planned to make a series of gradual tooth movements, with each set moving you a little further through your treatment plan.
Whether clear aligners are suitable will depend on more than just the size of your gap. Your Specialist Orthodontist will also consider what has caused the spacing, your bite and the other tooth movements that may be required.
Treatment time varies from person to person, so you’ll receive an estimated timeframe as part of your individual treatment plan.
2. Dental Bonding
For some small gaps, a dentist may recommend dental bonding. This involves applying tooth-coloured composite resin to change the shape or width of the teeth, reducing the appearance of the space between them.
Unlike orthodontic treatment, bonding changes the shape of the teeth rather than moving their position. A dentist can assess whether this is an appropriate option for your teeth.
3. Dental Veneers
Veneers may also be considered when someone wants to change the shape, size or appearance of teeth around a gap. They are thin porcelain or composite coverings placed over the front surface of the teeth.
Veneers involve different considerations to orthodontic treatment and aren’t suitable for everyone. If you’re considering them, a dentist can explain the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and whether they’re appropriate for your individual teeth.
4. Replacing a Missing Tooth
Sometimes a gap isn’t caused by spacing at all. It’s there because a tooth is missing.
Depending on the individual situation, options such as a dental implant or bridge may be considered. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may also form part of the overall treatment plan to manage the available space.
Your dentist or Specialist Orthodontist can help determine which approach may be appropriate and whether care from another dental professional is required.
So, Are Clear Aligners Right for Your Gap?
That’s the question we can help you answer at Urban Smile.
At your free consultation, we’ll assess your teeth and bite, look at what’s causing the spacing and discuss what you’d like to change. Your records are then reviewed by one of our Specialist Orthodontists to determine whether clear aligners are a suitable treatment option for you.
Book a free consultation at your nearest Urban Smile studio to find out more.
FAQs
Clear aligners are a great alternative to braces and are generally considered effective at closing gaps between teeth, but the specific speed at which they can close will depend on the severity of the gap and the specific treatment plan used. Clear aligners generally work by applying gentle pressure to the teeth over time, gradually moving them into their desired positions. The length of treatment with clear aligners can vary widely, but it is typically several months to a few years. It is important to follow your orthodontist’s treatment plan and wear your aligners as directed to ensure your treatment progresses as planned.
Treatment for gapped teeth is generally not painful, but you may experience some discomfort when your braces are tightened or when you begin wearing a new set of aligners. Over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate any discomfort you may experience.
The cost of treatment for gapped teeth can vary widely depending on the specific treatment being used and your individual needs. Discussing the cost of treatment with your dental professional and health insurance provider before starting treatment is a good idea.