Gaps between teeth are common, and they can look different from one smile to another. Some gaps have always been there, while others can develop or become more noticeable as the teeth change over time. For some people, they are simply part of their natural smile, while for others, they may be something they would like to change.
Orthodontic treatment can help to move teeth closer together and improve the overall appearance of a person’s smile. However, whether this is suitable depends on the individual and what is behind the gap. Knowing a little more about the causes of gaps between teeth can make it easier to understand what treatment options are available, and what they may be able to do.
Why gaps between teeth develop
Gaps between teeth, known medically as diastema, are a normal feature for many people and are not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. Some people have one noticeable gap, while others have spaces between several teeth. A gap may have been there since childhood and simply be part of the way someone’s teeth and jaw have naturally developed.
Genetics plays a part in the shape and size of both the jaw and the teeth, and the balance between the two can affect how much space is left between the teeth. For example, if someone has a relatively wide jaw and smaller teeth, there may be more room around the teeth, making gaps more likely to appear.
Certain childhood habits can also affect how teeth develop. Thumb sucking can put repeated pressure on the front teeth and influence their position as they grow. Tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes against the teeth when swallowing, can have a similar effect in some cases, but how much these habits truly affect spacing can depend on how often they happen and how long they continue for.
Gaps can also change as you get older. Teeth can gradually move within the mouth, widening existing spaces between teeth or making new ones more noticeable. Changes affecting the gums and tissues that support the teeth can also influence their position. As a result, spacing that was once barely noticeable may become more noticeable over time.
Missing teeth and changes in tooth position
When a tooth is missing, the space it leaves behind can impact the teeth around it. The neighbouring teeth may gradually move or tilt towards the empty space, changing how they sit alongside each other, making the gap more noticeable whilst also potentially affecting spacing and alignment of other teeth nearby.
There are several reasons why someone may have a missing tooth. An accident or injury can cause a tooth to be lost, while severe tooth decay may require removal. Some people are also born without certain permanent teeth, in which case the space may stay as other teeth develop, or change as the surrounding teeth move.
Teeth can naturally shift position over time, particularly when there is an empty space next to them. The teeth beside the gap can drift into it, while a tooth in the opposite jaw can sometimes move further down or up into the space. These changes can affect the way the teeth meet when you bite and may alter the overall alignment.
When a tooth is missing, replacing it may be considered as part of the overall treatment plan alongside orthodontics to move the surrounding teeth into better positions while keeping enough room for a replacement like a dental implant or bridge. The right approach depends on your individual situation and your dentist’s recommendation.
The link between gum health and tooth gaps
Healthy gums and the bone around your teeth help keep them firmly in place. They provide the support your teeth need when you bite and chew, helping them stay in their normal positions. When these tissues are healthy, they can support the teeth properly and help prevent unwanted movement.
Gum disease can damage the tissues that support your teeth, particularly if it is not treated. As the condition progresses, the bone and other supporting tissues around the teeth can be lost, making the teeth less stable and allowing them to move slightly within the mouth. As a result, an existing gap may become wider or new spaces may develop.
Teeth affected by advanced gum disease can sometimes become loose as their supporting tissues weaken. The changes may happen gradually, so you may not even notice them at first. A change in the position of the front teeth, or new gaps appearing between them, can sometimes be a sign that your gums need attention.
Gum health is therefore an important consideration before treatments to close gaps can begin. Teeth need good support while they are being moved, so any active gum problems may need to be treated first. Looking after your gums can help provide a healthier foundation for orthodontic treatment and support the results over time.
Orthodontic treatment to close gaps
Orthodontic treatment closes gaps by gently moving the teeth into new positions over time. A planned amount of pressure is used to guide the teeth gradually, rather than moving them all at once. Depending on where the gap is and how the surrounding teeth are positioned, treatment may bring the teeth together while also improving their overall alignment.
Braces and clear aligners can both be used to move teeth. Fixed braces use brackets and wires to guide the teeth throughout treatment, while clear aligners like Invisalign use a series of removable trays that move the teeth in small stages. Your orthodontist will consider your individual needs when deciding which option is the most appropriate.
A number of factors can affect whether orthodontic treatment is suitable, including:
- The size and position of the gap
- How many teeth are affected
- The position of the surrounding teeth
- How your upper and lower teeth come together
- The health of your teeth and gums
- The amount of support around the teeth
- How likely the teeth are to stay in their new positions
Once the gap has been closed, the teeth need to be kept in place. Teeth can naturally shift after orthodontic treatment, so wearing a retainer is an important part of maintaining the results. Depending on your treatment plan, this may be a removable retainer or fixed retainer behind the teeth.
Other ways to improve the appearance of gaps
Orthodontics is not the only option for changing the appearance of a gap. Depending on the situation, cosmetic or restorative teeth gaps treatments may be able to make a space less noticeable without moving the teeth. The right approach will depend on what is causing a person’s gaps and what they would like to change about them.
Composite bonding
Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured material to build up the edges of suitable teeth, making a small gap appear less noticeable. The material is shaped to blend with the natural teeth, so it can change the appearance of the smile without moving the teeth. It is best suited for smaller gaps, although this depends on the overall condition of a person’s teeth.
Veneers
Veneers are thin coverings placed over the front surface of the teeth. They can change the shape, size, and appearance of teeth, which may help reduce the visible size of a gap. Veneers are a cosmetic treatment rather than a way of physically moving teeth, so they may be considered when the main aim is to change the appearance of the smile.
Dental implants and bridges
Where a gap is caused by a missing tooth, restorative dental treatment might be recommended. Both dental implants and bridges work to fill the space left by a missing tooth rather than physically moving teeth. An implant can support a replacement tooth, while a bridge holds a replacement tooth in place using crowns that are fitted over surrounding natural teeth.
The most suitable treatment depends on why the gap is present, your overall oral health, and what you are looking to achieve. Some people may benefit from orthodontic treatment, while others might be better suited to a cosmetic option to close gaps between the teeth.
Choosing the best approach for your smile
A gap between your teeth does not necessarily need treatment, but if it is something you would like to change, it is worth looking at the options. At Direct Dental Balham, we take the time to understand your smile, your concerns, and what you would like to achieve before recommending a suitable approach, helping you make a decision based on your own needs, rather than simply choosing a treatment because it is popular.
If you do decide to move forward with orthodontic treatment, our team can discuss options like traditional braces, tooth-coloured braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign with you to find an approach that fits your teeth, bite, and lifestyle. If you are unsure whether orthodontics is right for you, an assessment can give you a clearer understanding of what could be possible and help you decide what your next step is going to be.
FAQs
Can gaps between teeth appear later in life?
Gaps between teeth can develop later on in life, even if your teeth have always been close together. Teeth can slowly change position as you get older, which may make existing spaces more noticeable or create new ones. Because these changes often happen gradually, you may not even realise your teeth have moved at first.
Changes to your gum health can also affect tooth position, as gum disease can weaken the tissues supporting your teeth and make them more likely to move. Losing a tooth can have a similar effect, as nearby teeth may gradually shift into the space. If you see a gap you know for sure to be new, it could be worth having it checked, especially if you want to explore treatments to close it.
Why are gaps more common between certain teeth?
Gaps tend to appear more between certain teeth because teeth vary in size, shape, and position. The front teeth, especially the two upper central incisors, are a common place for a noticeable gap, which is partially linked to how these teeth develop and the amount of space there is around them.
The size of your jaw compared with your teeth also affects where gaps may form. If your jaw is particularly large or your teeth are smaller, there may be more room between them. Natural differences in tooth shape and alignment can also play a part, meaning spacing can vary across different areas.
How long does it take to close gaps in teeth?
The timeframe depends on how you choose to treat the gap. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, physically moves the teeth and can take several months to complete. Larger gaps, more complex tooth movements, or gaps caused by underlying dental problems may mean treatment takes longer than expected.
Cosmetic treatments can offer a quicker way to change the appearance of one or more gaps. Composite bonding can often be completed in just one visit, while veneers usually involve planning and preparation, but are still often quicker than orthodontic treatment. However, restorative treatment like dental implants can take several months from start to finish.
