Teeth gaps can happen because of tooth size or genetics. A number of procedures from orthodontics to veneers can close them, but it isn’t healthy to close all tooth gaps. It may be healthier to leave them alone in some cases. The key is knowing when treatment is needed.
What Causes Gap Teeth? (Diastema Explained)
Teeth gaps, known as a diastema, can be caused by childhood habits like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, jaw size, teeth size, and missing teeth. It can also be caused by periodontal issues and genetics.
Genetic factors are the most common causes of teeth gaps. Specifically, genetics plays a role in jaw size and teeth size. Those with a large jaw and smaller teeth will have spaces form between the teeth.
Another genetic trait that leads to teeth gaps is a thick or low-attaching labial frenum. The labial frenum is the soft tissue that attaches the upper lip to the gums. A thick or low-attaching labial frenum can prevent the front teeth from coming together, creating a space between them.
Genetics can also play a role in having smaller than normal teeth, even in a normal sized jaw. These can move, creating gaps. Those with teeth removed or who never had some teeth grown in may also see gaps develop because adjacent teeth can shift to cover the empty space.
One of the most prevalent reasons for teeth gaps is bad childhood habits. Children who continue thumb sucking or pacifier use well past eruption of their baby teeth could have gaps and other orthodontic problems later on. This is one of the reasons we recommend an early orthodontic evaluation.
Another bad childhood habit is tongue thrusting, where the child uses their tongue to apply pressure to their teeth. This regular push forward can create spaces and alignment issues over time in both baby and permanent teeth.
Children who breathe through their mouth can end up with teeth gaps. Dentists say mouth breathing as children limits oral cavity growth, which restricts arch space and creates gaps.
Adults can develop teeth gaps. Ongoing gum or periodontal disease can cause gaps because teeth shift as jawbones and supporting tissue weakens. Age-related changes in the periodontal ligament can also gradually increase spacing between teeth.
Should You Close the Gap? (When It’s Healthy to Leave It)
Many want to close teeth gaps for cosmetic reasons but closing teeth gaps may be healthier for some. Teeth gaps can be food traps, lead to gum disease, and cause teeth to shift.
Dentists often recommend closing a gap to prevent teeth shifting. It also protects gums and teeth from bacteria caused by food debris getting trapped. Teeth gaps can affect chewing and function and dentists will recommend treatment in those cases.
Another reason for closing teeth gaps is to improve speech. Some gaps, depending on where they are and how many exist, may cause speech impediments. Resolving the gaps could improve speech and confidence.
Those who have small gaps resulting from small teeth or a small labial frenum don’t always require correction. They are harmless, don’t affect chewing or speech. In those cases, it’s healthier to leave it alone. Wide spaces caused by missing teeth can be more of a concern.
Gaps that should be treated are those that cause long-term dental, health, or functional issues. Below is a list of situations where dental patients should get gaps corrected.
- Preventing bone loss. Wide gaps, like those from missing teeth, lead to a lack of stimulation in the jawbone. That leads to less bone which causes facial changes.
- Bite issues. Shifting teeth can alter your bite. That can cause problems eating and increase wear on your teeth.
- Those at risk for gum disease. Gaps trap food and that can worsen periodontitis.
- Those with speech challenges. Gaps in the front teeth can cause lisps and problems producing specific sounds.
Treatment for tooth gaps includes orthodontic solutions like braces and Invisalign. Cosmetic options include bonding and veneers. A frenectomy, where a surgeon cuts the soft tissue connecting your upper lip to your gum, is also an option.
Leaving a gap, especially one created by missing teeth can present other oral problems like:
- Bone loss. Spaces deprive the jawbone of the stimulation it needs to regrow bone.
- Bite issues. Teeth move into gaps and can create a bite misalignment.
- Increased gum disease. Food can be trapped in gaps.
- Speech issues. Gaps can cause lisps and other speech impediments.
Invisalign vs Braces for Closing Gaps
Orthodontic options are the most common treatment options for correcting teeth gaps because they shift teeth into new or original positions to close the gap. The two orthodontic options available are Invisalign and braces, although there are many types of braces from which to choose.
Invisalign is a popular choice for teenagers and adults because they are practically invisible. They allow people to work, be in pictures, and attend social events without having to explain their braces.
Invisalign comes in several trays you trade out around every two weeks. Each tray gently moves your teeth to the desired position. Those using Invisalign will have fewer visits to the orthodontists and more time between visits.
The downside to Invisalign is that everyone isn’t approved as a candidate. There are some age restrictions as younger children and teens are generally not recommended for it. Some adults may not be suited for it because of other dental issues or a schedule that doesn’t allow for the disciplined approach.
Braces are an option that is open to everyone of any age. New styles and techniques make them more comfortable and workable for children and adults. There are several choices among braces and braces are known as a reliable, solid method for correcting teeth issues including gaps.
Traditional braces are the metal braces everyone knows. They are the most affordable but not the most stylish. Clear or ceramic braces offer a better style choice for those concerned with how orthodontics look. They have clear brackets and arches that downplay the look. Damon braces are another option worth discussing.
Lingual braces are attached behind teeth so no one can see them. However, they are more expensive and can be uncomfortable as your tongue rubs against them.
Braces come in different price ranges and are equally effective. Orthodontic visits are scheduled about 6 weeks apart.
The one big difference between using Invisalign or braces is food. With Invisalign, you take them out to eat and you don’t have to change your diet. Braces require you to eliminate some things like popcorn or candy because they can damage the arches. Braces also require more careful brushing and cleaning to remove food from around the wires.
You still must clean your Invisalign trays daily but take them out to wash them. You brush your teeth normally.
Both Invisalign and braces are effective. The cost and treatment times are fairly comparable, so the decision on which to choose depends on how you want the orthodontic process to go, whether you want to manage it with trays or have less responsibility with braces. A lot of your decision may depend on the look you want during treatment as well as the final cost.
Bonding and Veneers: The Non-Orthodontic Option
Those who have no dental issues and want a cosmetic option to cover their teeth gaps have two choices in bonding and veneers. Both are permanent options. Dental bonding has a lifespan of 10 years but can last much longer if properly maintained. Veneers can last 10 to 20 years.
Both are made from composite or porcelain substances and both look like your natural teeth. Both require the same type of maintenance. The biggest difference is bonding can be done to close one tooth gap while veneers are best used to close multiple gaps on the same row.
Bonding is done by the dentist etching or “roughing up” your tooth to apply the bond. The composite bond is applied, shaped, hardened, and polished. Bonding can fix imperfections in teeth like chips, microcracks, and tooth gaps. It can be used to reshape an area to close the gap and is often used to close teeth gaps in front teeth.
Veneers don’t fix dental imperfections. They cover them. Veneers are a shell that is attached to the front of your teeth. Attachment is much the same as in bonding. Teeth are etched and the dentist attaches the veneer using a cement.
Veneers only cover the front of your teeth, so your natural teeth show on the backside. Veneers can address a number of problems with teeth like worn down, stained, chipped teeth. It is best used when you have many imperfections besides the tooth gap or when there are multiple gaps due to small or misshaped teeth.
Both options are permanent because of the etching done on the teeth, which removes enamel. Bonds and veneers will need replacing if they are damaged or fail.
What Treatment Actually Costs
The cost of treatment for closing teeth gaps depends on the exact treatment you get. It’s a wide range between getting braces and cosmetic options. Insurance may cover some of the cost if there is a medical or oral health reason behind it. It often doesn’t cover cost if the treatment is purely cosmetic.
Typical Canadian costs include:
- Traditional braces: generally $3,000 to $10,000 CAD.
- Invisalign: typically $3,500 to $8,500 CAD.
- Dental bonding: one of the most affordable cosmetic options, averaging $200 to $500 CAD per tooth.
- Composite veneers: often $250 to $1,500 CAD per tooth.
- Porcelain veneers: generally $800 to $2,500 CAD per tooth.
Complete smile makeover cases involving multiple veneers can range from $12,000 to $40,000 CAD.
Costs also vary by province and city. Larger urban centres such as Toronto and Vancouver typically have higher treatment fees than smaller communities throughout Canada.
Price should never be the only factor in choosing treatment. Longevity, function, oral health, and the provider’s experience are equally important considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tooth gaps close naturally?
Some gaps in children close naturally as permanent teeth erupt. In adults, gaps rarely close on their own and may actually widen over time.
Is it unhealthy to have a gap between your teeth?
Not necessarily. Small genetic gaps are often harmless. Treatment is generally recommended only when gaps affect speech, chewing, oral hygiene, or bite function.
What’s the fastest way to close a tooth gap?
Dental bonding is usually the fastest option and can often be completed in one appointment. Orthodontic treatment takes longer but addresses the underlying tooth positioning.
Are tooth gaps hereditary?
Yes. Genetics plays a major role in jaw size, tooth size, and soft-tissue attachments, making hereditary factors among the most common causes of diastema.
If a gap is affecting your bite, your speech, or your confidence, the first step is finding out whether it needs treatment at all. Book a consultation and we will walk you through your options.