A complete guide to gaps in your smile

Lots of patients come to us with questions about gaps – whether it’s something they’ve noticed recently, or a part of their smile they’ve lived with for years. Here’s a straightforward guide to what causes them, whether they need treating and what your options look like.

What is a gap between teeth?

A gap between teeth – known clinically as a diastema – is simply a space that appears between two or more teeth. They can occur anywhere in the mouth, but the most noticeable are usually between the two upper front teeth.

Some gaps are small and barely visible. Others are wider and more prominent. Either way, they’re very common and can affect both children and adults.

What causes gaps between teeth?

There are a number of reasons a gap can develop. In most cases, it comes down to one or more of the following:

The size of your teeth relative to your jaw

If your teeth are naturally smaller relative to your jaw size, gaps can appear where there isn’t enough tooth structure to fill the space. This tends to be genetic.

A prominent labial frenum

The labial frenum is the small piece of tissue that connects your upper lip to your gum. If it’s larger than usual or sits low between the front teeth, it can push them apart and create a gap – this is a common cause of a central gap in the upper teeth.

Missing or undersized teeth

If a tooth never developed or is smaller than it should be, the surrounding teeth can drift apart, leaving visible spaces.

Gum disease

In adults, gaps can sometimes appear or worsen as a result of gum disease. When the supporting structures around the teeth are weakened, teeth can begin to shift. If you’ve noticed a new gap appearing, it’s always worth ruling this out with your dentist first.

Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting

Habits that push the tongue against the front teeth – or a history of thumb sucking in childhood – can gradually push teeth forward and apart over time.

Teeth that have shifted after orthodontic treatment

If you had braces in the past and didn’t wear your retainer consistently, your teeth may have gradually moved back towards their original positions. For some people, this means gaps reappearing.

Do gaps between teeth cause problems?

Not always – and this is an important point. Many people have gaps between their teeth and experience no issues at all. A gap doesn’t automatically need to be closed.

That said, there are situations where treatment is worth considering:

Function – wider gaps can sometimes make it harder to bite or chew certain foods.

Oral hygiene – spaces can trap food and make cleaning more difficult, increasing the risk of decay or gum problems over time.

Underlying causes – if a gap has been caused by gum disease or a missing tooth, it’s important to address the root cause regardless of how things look.

Confidence – for many people, a gap affects how they feel about their smile, and that’s a completely valid reason to explore treatment.

Can gaps close on their own?

In children, small gaps between baby teeth are very normal and often close naturally as adult teeth come through. So, if your child has spaces in their smile, there’s usually no cause for concern at this stage.

In adults, however, gaps don’t close on their own. Without treatment, they’re more likely to stay the same or gradually widen – particularly if there’s an underlying cause that isn’t being addressed.

How are gaps between teeth treated?

The right treatment depends on what’s causing the gap and how large it is. The most common options are:

Fixed braces and clear aligners

Braces or clear aligners are often the most effective way to close a gap, because they move the teeth themselves into the correct position. This tends to be the preferred approach when spacing is the underlying cause. At Ewell Orthodontics, we offer a full range of options – from discreet Invisalign and Angel Aligners to fixed braces with clear or champagne-coloured brackets – so there’s a treatment to suit most lifestyles and preferences.

Bonding, veneers and crowns

For gaps that don’t require orthodontic treatment, Dr Neva Patel can advise on restorative options. Composite bonding – where the edges of the adjacent teeth are built up using tooth-coloured resin – works well for smaller spaces. For larger gaps, porcelain veneers or crowns may be an option. It’s worth knowing that all restorative options will need maintaining over time – something Dr Neva Patel can talk you through at a consultation.

Frenectomy

If the gap is caused by a prominent labial frenum, a small procedure to reduce the tissue – known as a frenectomy – may be recommended. This is often done alongside orthodontic treatment to prevent the gap from reopening.

Keeping your gaps closed

Once we have successfully closed a gap, the most important part of your journey begins. Teeth have a natural “memory” and, left to their own devices, they will often try to drift back to their original positions. This is especially true for gaps, which can reappear quite quickly if the teeth aren’t held in place.

To help you maintain your results, we provide both fixed and removable retainers as part of your aftercare. A fixed retainer is a thin, discreet wire bonded to the back of your teeth, while removable retainers are clear trays usually worn at night. Wearing your retainers as instructed is the only way to ensure those gaps stay closed.

Which treatment is right for you?

This really depends on the size of your gap, what’s causing it and what outcome you’re hoping for. In many cases, orthodontic treatment is the most thorough solution because it addresses the underlying position of the teeth rather than masking the gap.

If you’re not sure where to start, a consultation with one of our specialist orthodontists is a great first step. We’ll assess your teeth properly, explain what’s causing your gap and walk you through all the options.

Should I get my child’s gap checked?

Gaps in baby teeth are normal and rarely a concern – in most cases they close naturally as the adult teeth come through. Once the adult teeth are established, usually by the early teens, it becomes much clearer whether any spacing needs attention.

If your child’s dentist has raised a concern, or you’ve noticed a gap that persists once the adult teeth are through, a consultation with a specialist orthodontist can give you a clear picture of what’s going on and what, if anything, needs to be done.

Find out what’s possible

If you have a gap in your smile and you’d like to know whether treatment is right for you, we’d love to help. Our specialist orthodontists in Surrey – Dr Faiza Lewis and Dr Richard Williams – offer free, no-obligation consultations, so you can get a proper assessment and all the information you need before making any decisions.

Book online or call our friendly team on 020 8394 2324.