Gaps between teeth Causes, treatment options and friendly advice from Spa Dental Clinic
If you’ve noticed gaps between teeth, you’re not alone. Lots of people have a small teeth gap at the front, little spaces around premolars, or a wider tooth gap that’s been there since childhood. Some love the look; others want to close or reduce it for comfort, easier cleaning or confidence in photos. Whatever you feel about a gap between teeth, our team at Spa Dental Clinic is here to explain what causes gapped teeth, what your choices are, and how we guide you through treatment step by step.
This in-depth, patient-friendly guide covers:
✔ What a tooth gap (diastema) is and why it happens
✔ When it’s fine to leave a gap between teeth alone — and when to treat
✔ Treatment options: clear aligners, braces, bonding, veneers and more
✔ Costs, timelines and aftercare
✔ Answers to the five questions we hear most often
Throughout, you’ll find helpful links to our services — including Invisalign braces — and to high-quality resources such as the Cleveland Clinic overview of diastema and the Wikipedia page on diastema.
What is a diastema (teeth gap)?
A diastema is the clinical term for a gap between teeth — most commonly the two upper front incisors, but it can occur anywhere. Diastemas are very common and often harmless. They may be a normal part of growth in children and can lessen as adult teeth appear. For a clear background, the Cleveland Clinic has an accessible summary, and you can read a broader overview on Wikipedia.
At Spa Dental Clinic, we see gapped teeth in all ages. Sometimes the space has always been there; sometimes it develops later due to gum changes, missing teeth or movement over time. The key question is not “Is a teeth gap bad?” but “Is it healthy, and are you happy with it?”
Common causes of gaps between teeth
Understanding why you have a tooth gap helps us choose the right solution:
1. Natural tooth–jaw size mismatch
If your jaw is broad compared with the width of your teeth, small gaps between teeth can appear naturally. This is very common and often a simple case for aligners or braces if you want them closed.
2. A thick labial frenum
That little band of tissue between your upper lip and gum (the frenum) can be thick or attach low, holding the front teeth apart and causing a gap between teeth. In some cases a small procedure called a frenectomy helps, often combined with orthodontics to close and stabilise the space.
3. Habits and muscle patterns
Thumb or finger sucking, lip biting or tongue thrusting may push teeth apart over time, creating new gapped teeth or reopening an old teeth gap after braces.
4. Missing teeth
When a tooth is missing, the neighbours can drift, leaving a visible tooth gap or creating spaces elsewhere. Here we often combine orthodontics with replacement options (implant, bridge or partial denture) to restore the bite.
5. Gum disease (periodontitis)
Inflammation can weaken the support around teeth, making them mobile and allowing spaces to open. If you’ve noticed new gaps between teeth alongside bleeding gums, please book an assessment — gum health comes first.
6. Bite issues
An open bite or certain types of overbite and crooked teeth can be linked with spacing. Correcting the bite often helps bring teeth together predictably.
Do gapped teeth need treatment?
Not always. Many people have a small midline teeth gap and like it — it can suit the face beautifully. We treat gapped teeth when:
✔ Food traps are common or your gums get sore between the teeth
✔ Speech sounds are affected (less common, but it happens)
✔ You dislike the look and want a neat, even smile line
✔ A gap between teeth is due to gum disease or a bite problem
✔ You’re planning restorative work and want the positions improved first
If you’re unsure, a consultation at Spa Dental Clinic is a good way to check gum health, get measured photos and scans, and talk through sensible options — including doing nothing if your mouth is healthy and you’re happy with the look.
Treatment options for a tooth gap at Spa Dental Clinic
There’s no one “best” way to close a tooth gap. We choose the most conservative option that achieves your goal and keeps your bite stable. Here’s how we typically plan:
1) Clear aligners (Invisalign)
For many patients with mild to moderate gaps between teeth, clear aligners are the gentlest, most flexible option. They move teeth in small steps with a sequence of near-invisible trays. You remove them for meals and brushing, and change to the next set every 1–2 weeks.
✔ Suitable for single front teeth gap cases and multiple spaces
✔ Often 3–9 months for mild spacing; more complex cases may take longer
✔ Retainers are essential afterwards to keep spaces closed
Learn more about aligners and suitability on our dedicated Invisalign braces page.
2) Ceramic or metal braces
Fixed braces are still a brilliant solution for certain movements and for multiple gaps between teeth linked to bite issues. They work 24/7 and can be very precise, especially if rotations or vertical movements are needed as well as space closure.
3) Composite bonding
For a small gap between teeth (for example, a 0.5–2 mm space between the front teeth), we can often use tooth-coloured composite to subtly widen one or both teeth. This is minimally invasive: we shape and polish the material so it blends with your enamel. It’s quick, cost-effective and reversible.
4) Porcelain veneers
Veneers can reshape teeth and disguise a tooth gap while improving symmetry and brightness. We reserve veneers for specific situations, as they involve altering the tooth surface. They’re durable and can look very natural when planned carefully.
5) Managing the frenum
If a thick frenum is the main cause of a midline teeth gap, your dentist may discuss a small surgical release (frenectomy) — usually after or alongside orthodontic closure — to help keep the space closed.
6) Gum treatment and supportive care
If gum disease has contributed to gapped teeth, we start with periodontal care. Closing spaces on an unstable foundation risks relapse. Once gums are healthy and stable, we reassess spacing and decide if orthodontics or bonding is appropriate.
7) Replacing missing teeth
Where a tooth gap exists because a tooth is missing, options include dental implants, a bridge, or a removable partial denture. Sometimes we align neighbouring teeth first to create the right space for a long-lasting replacement.
How we help you choose
Picking between aligners, braces, bonding or veneers can feel overwhelming. We keep it simple with a short, structured chat:
✔ Your goal: reduce or close the gap between teeth? match a specific look?
✔ Your timeline: is there a date you’re working towards?
✔ Your mouth: gum health, bite, enamel quality and space size
✔ Maintenance: are you happy to wear retainers every night?
From there, we’ll explain two or three good options with pros, cons, costs and likely timescales. We’ll also point you to helpful reading, such as our pieces on overbite, crooked teeth, and open bite, which often link with spacing.
What to expect: your step-by-step journey
1. Consultation and records
We take a full medical and dental history, examine teeth and gums, and discuss how you feel about your gapped teeth. Photos and a 3D scan or impressions help us measure the tooth gap precisely.
2. Treatment planning
You’ll receive a written plan with clear fees and timings. If we’re considering aligners or braces, we’ll outline how the gaps between teeth will close and what retention looks like. If we’re discussing bonding or veneers, we can show examples and — where suitable — a preview mock-up.
3. Active treatment
✔ Aligners/braces: regular reviews to track progress and keep movement on schedule.
✔ Bonding/veneers: we match shade and shape carefully; most small spaces are finished in one visit.
✔ Gum care: hygiene therapy to stabilise tissues if needed.
4. Retention and follow-up
Once the teeth gap is closed, retainers keep things stable. Your dentist will suggest a wear pattern that suits your case (commonly nightly). We’ll review you to make sure everything remains comfortable and secure.
How long will it take to close a tooth gap?
Time depends on the gap between teeth size, your bite and the method:
✔ Small midline space (≤2 mm): often 1 visit for bonding, or 3–6 months with aligners
✔ Multiple spaces or bite correction: 6–12 months (sometimes longer) with aligners or braces
✔ Veneers: usually 2–3 visits over a few weeks
We’ll give you a realistic timescale at your consultation — no guesswork.
Will the gap come back?
Teeth are held by living tissues that adapt over time. After orthodontic closure of a teeth gap, retainers are essential. Think of them like a gym membership for your smile: a small ongoing habit that protects the result. If your gap between teeth was closed with bonding or veneers, results are typically stable; occasional polishing or maintenance may be needed.
Costs and value: clear, honest fees
We believe in fairness and transparency. Your written plan will explain fees for aligners, braces, bonding or veneers, plus any hygiene care. We’ll help you compare the short- and long-term value of each option, including maintenance. If you’re weighing up costs or wondering how treatment might fit your budget, talk to our team at Spa Dental Clinic — we’ll set everything out plainly.
Everyday care for gapped teeth (and for closed spaces)
Healthy gums make every option work better:
✔ Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
✔ Clean between teeth daily — interdental brushes are ideal for gaps between teeth
✔ If food catches in a tooth gap, carry small interdental brushes for quick relief
✔ Keep regular dental and hygiene visits so small issues don’t grow
If you’re managing gapped teeth while you decide on treatment, these habits will keep your mouth fresh and comfortable.
Myths and facts about teeth gaps
“Only braces can fix a tooth gap.”
Not true. Small spaces can often be closed with composite bonding in one visit. Aligners are another discreet option.
“Closing a gap will ruin my smile’s character.”
Your smile is yours. We can narrow a gap between teeth without removing it completely, or adjust the shape of teeth subtly so the result still looks like “you”.
“Gaps always mean gum disease.”
New spaces can be linked with gum issues, but many gaps between teeth are simply a natural variation. We check gums carefully either way.
“Once closed, the gap can’t come back.”
Relapse can happen if retainers aren’t worn after orthodontics. With good retention, results are stable.
Why choose Spa Dental Clinic?
✔ Experienced clinicians: We manage spacing concerns — from tiny midline teeth gap cases to complex plans — every week.
✔ Evidence-based care: We follow current guidance and put gum health first.
✔ Modern planning: Digital scans, photography and careful smile design help us plan predictably.
✔ Minimal intervention first: We always aim for the least invasive option that achieves your goals.
✔ Clear communication: You’ll get written plans, timelines and costs, with plenty of time for questions.
Related reading you might find helpful
What is an overbite and how can you fix it?
How to fix crooked teeth: causes, options and when to act
What is an open bite and how can it be treated?
Medical backgrounders: Diastema – Cleveland Clinic and Diastema – Wikipedia
Ready to talk about your gap between teeth?
Whether you want to keep your smile’s character, tidy a small space, or close several gaps between teeth, we’ll help you choose a plan that fits your life. Book a friendly consultation today:
✔ Learn about aligners and braces: Invisalign braces at Spa Dental Clinic
✔ Explore our services and contact details: spadentalclinic.co.uk
✔ Get bite basics and related topics: overbite, crooked teeth, and open bite
With calm, honest advice and modern techniques, closing a teeth gap — or caring for gapped teeth you love — is easier than you think. We look forward to welcoming you.
