Diastema (Gap in teeth): Definition, types & treatment

Understanding diastema

Diastema is the medical term for spaces or gaps between teeth, one of the common malocclusions. This phenomenon can occur in children and adults, and most of the time, it is not a problem. For children, small gaps between their baby teeth are common and usually temporary, closing when their permanent teeth erupt or develop in the dental arch. In adults, this can be a different story. Gaps between teeth may have been present since childhood, or they may develop later due to changes in oral cavity conditions, alterations in the bone structure, or oral health issues, such as thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or gum disease. Compared to childhood gap issues, most adult cases require evaluation and treatment by a doctor to determine the cause.

The impact of diastema depends on the individual:

Cosmetic concern

Many people view gaps as an unwanted feature that affects their smile's appearance, leading them to seek treatments such as clear aligners, veneers, or bonding for a more uniform look.

Functional concern

For others, the gap isn't just cosmetic. It can interfere with chewing efficiency, cause slight speech difficulties like lisping, or create spaces where food easily gets trapped, increasing the risk of cavities and gum problems.

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Common causes of teeth spacing

Ever wondered why some people have a gap between front teeth while others don't? The reasons can vary widely, from genetics to lifestyle habits, and often it's a mix of factors. Let's look at the most common causes of diastema teeth:

Genetics

One of the main causes of huge gap teeth is genetics. There is a high chance that you have spaces between your teeth if one of your parents has it or it runs in the family. It is a result of a jaw that is slightly larger than the size of your teeth.

Small teeth

The size of the teeth varies in every individual. In some people, teeth are naturally smaller than the size of their jaw, which leaves some room in the arch. These undersized teeth cannot fill up the space in the arch.

Missing or lost teeth

Sometimes gaps are due to missing teeth caused by an accident, untreated decay, or maybe because the tooth never developed at all. Due to the missing tooth, the neighboring teeth tend to move as well, trying to shift to the empty spot in the arch.

Gum disease

A less obvious but serious cause of diastema is gum disease, also known as periodontitis. This condition damages the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. As that support weakens, the teeth become less stable and may start to drift apart, creating wide spaces that weren't there before. Gaps caused by gum disease are often a warning sign that your oral health needs immediate attention.

Developmental habits

Habits formed in childhood can also shape how teeth develop. Thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use puts repeated pressure on the front teeth, slowly pushing them forward and creating gaps. Similarly, tongue thrusting, when the tongue presses against the front teeth while swallowing, can have the same effect over time. These habits may seem harmless at first, but they can leave lasting effects on a smile if they continue for too long.

Treatment options for gapped teeth

The good news for anyone bothered by gaps in their teeth is that diastema is highly treatable. Modern dentistry offers several solutions, and the right one depends on the cause of the gap, its severity, and your personal goals, whether you're looking for a purely cosmetic fix or a comprehensive alignment correction. Let's break down the most common treatments available today.

Orthodontic treatments

One of the most popular and effective ways to close gaps is through orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners work by gently shifting teeth into the correct position over time. They are custom-made trays that fit snugly over your teeth and are changed out every couple of weeks to guide teeth gradually closer together.

For those who prefer a more subtle approach, aligners are an excellent choice because they're nearly invisible, removable for eating and brushing, and much more comfortable than traditional braces. Traditional braces are still an option, particularly for more severe spacing or complex bite issues, but for mild to moderate gaps, aligners usually do the job just as effectively without the brackets and wires.

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Dental bonding

For patients looking for a quick and affordable solution, dental bonding can be a great option. This procedure uses a tooth-colored resin that is applied directly to the teeth to fill in small gaps. The dentist carefully shapes and polishes the resin so it blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, making the gap practically disappear.

Bonding is often completed in just one visit and doesn't require removing any natural tooth structure. It's non-invasive and painless, making it appealing to people who want fast results. However, it's best suited for small gaps and may not be as durable or long-lasting as other solutions like veneers.

Veneers

If you want a complete smile transformation, veneers are often the go-to treatment. Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or ceramic that are placed over the front surface of teeth. They don't just close gaps; they also improve the shape, color, and overall appearance of teeth.

This makes veneers ideal for someone who has both a gap and other cosmetic concerns, such as discoloration, uneven edges, or slightly misshapen teeth. The process usually takes a couple of visits, one to prepare the teeth and another to bond the custom-made veneers in place. The result is a stunning, natural-looking smile that can last for many years with proper care.

Combination treatments

In some cases, no single treatment provides the ideal result, which is why dentists often recommend a combination approach. For example, aligners may be used first to close or reduce significant gaps, and once the teeth are in better alignment, veneers or bonding can be applied to perfect the aesthetics.

This approach is especially helpful for patients who not only want to fix spacing but also want to improve their smile's overall symmetry and brightness. It's a tailored strategy that addresses both functional and cosmetic concerns, ensuring long-lasting results.

Should diastema teeth be fixed?

For some, tooth gaps can be a mark of pride, while for others, they can be more of a dilemma. It can be caused by genetics, missing teeth due to injuries, or lifestyle factors. If you are avoiding smiling due to gaps in your teeth, you need to worry no more. Don't let this gap affect your appearance and confidence. Over the course of orthodontics, this specialty has evolved throughout the years and now offers a range of orthodontic treatments, including clear aligners, braces, dental bonding, and more, to help you achieve the picture-perfect smile you have always dreamed of.

Frequently asked questions

What is the normal spacing between teeth? +

A slight, natural space is normal, especially in children. Excessive gaps, however, may require evaluation and treatment depending on the severity.

Why are my teeth spaced apart? +

There can be different causes of having spaces between your teeth that including genetics, missing teeth, gum disease, or habits like thumb-sucking.

What is abnormal spacing of teeth? +

When gaps are large, uneven, or affect function, they are considered abnormal.

How do you fix spaced teeth? +

Spaced teeth can be fixed easily thanks to different teeth straightening options like clear aligners, braces, bonding, and veneers.

What is the disease with gapped teeth? +

Periodontal disease can cause tooth shifting and diastema.

How to fix triangular spaces between teeth? +

Often corrected with bonding, veneers, or orthodontics.

At what age do teeth gaps form? +

Gaps can appear in childhood or later in adulthood due to aging or oral health changes.

What are the first signs of ectodermal dysplasia? +

Missing or small teeth, hair abnormalities, and nail changes.

What is a dental dysplasia? +

A developmental condition that can affect tooth shape, size, or number.

Does insurance cover teeth gap treatment? +

Coverage varies. Cosmetic-only procedures may not be covered, but medically necessary ones sometimes are.

Are teeth supposed to be spaced? +

Minor gaps can be normal, but large or increasing gaps should be evaluated.

How common are gaps in teeth? +

Teeth gaps are pretty common among both children and adults, with varying severity.