Types Of Diastema, Causes, and Treatment Options

A gap between your teeth can spark curiosity, concern, or even pride. In many cases, it’s just a regular part of development or a unique feature of your smile. At other times, it can indicate a dental or periodontal issue that requires attention.

This guide outlines the causes of tooth gaps—called diastemas—along with your options for keeping or closing them.

What is a Diastema?

A diastema is the term for a space or gap between two teeth, most commonly seen between the upper front teeth (called a midline diastema). While it’s often most noticeable in the front, a gap can appear between any two teeth.

Some gaps are small and temporary, especially during childhood when permanent teeth are still coming in. Others are larger or permanent and may require dental care depending on their cause and impact.

Types of Tooth Gaps

Tooth gaps are categorized by their location and underlying cause. Knowing the type helps your dental provider decide whether to monitor or treat it.

Midline Gaps

This is the most common type of diastema, appearing between the two upper front teeth. It often appears between ages six and eight and is usually part of a normal growth phase.

Many midline gaps close on their own when the permanent canines erupt between ages 11 and 13. If the gap persists or exceeds 2 mm, it may require evaluation.

Lower Front Gaps

Gaps between the lower front teeth—called mandibular midline diastemas—are less common. They’re not considered a normal part of dental development.

A persistent lower gap may be associated with tongue posture, swallowing habits, or periodontal disease and should be evaluated by a dentist.

Generalized Spacing

Some people have multiple gaps throughout their smile. This “generalized spacing” can occur when the teeth are small relative to the jawbone or due to genetic traits like microdontia (very small teeth).

Generalized spacing is more than a cosmetic issue if it affects chewing, speech, or oral hygiene.

Gaps from Missing Teeth

If you’re missing a tooth—especially a front one—adjacent teeth can drift, creating a visible gap. Sometimes this is due to a congenitally missing tooth (one that never developed), while in other cases, it results from injury or extraction.

Some gaps are also caused by unusually shaped teeth, such as peg laterals (small, pointed side teeth), which can leave space between the front teeth.

What Causes Tooth Gaps?

Tooth gaps can develop for many reasons, often involving a mix of genetics, habits, and oral health issues. Some gaps close naturally; others may persist or widen over time.

• Genetics and jaw structure ⁠— If your teeth are smaller than your jawbone, you may inherit a spacing pattern from your parents. Tooth–jaw size mismatch is a common cause of both single and multiple diastemas.
  
• Habits and muscle patterns ⁠— Thumb sucking, long-term pacifier use, tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue against the teeth), and chronic mouth breathing can all push teeth apart over time.
  
• Tooth anomalies ⁠— Peg-shaped or missing lateral incisors, extra teeth (mesiodens), or delayed eruption can create or maintain gaps.
  
• Frenum attachment ⁠— The labial frenum—the band of tissue connecting your upper lip to your gums—can prevent the front teeth from closing if it inserts too low between them. A thick or tight frenum may require surgical correction.
  
• Jaw growth and skeletal discrepancy ⁠— Differences in upper and lower jaw size or growth patterns can affect tooth alignment and spacing.

If you or your child has a tooth gap, your dentist will review personal and family history, examine the teeth and gums, and possibly take X-rays to determine the cause.

When in doubt, ask your dentist if the gap is part of a normal growth stage or a sign of something else.

Gum Disease and Tooth Gaps

Tooth gaps that appear or widen in adulthood may indicate periodontal disease. When left untreated, gum disease, especially in its advanced form (periodontitis), can damage the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place.

As the supporting structure weakens, teeth may shift, loosen, or separate. This movement is known as pathologic tooth migration and often leads to a visible gap between the front teeth.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

If gum disease is contributing to a diastema, you might notice more than just a gap. Be on the lookout for these red flags:

• Gum redness or swelling ⁠— Inflammation is a key sign of infection.
  
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing ⁠— This isn’t normal and may point to underlying issues.
  
• Loose or shifting teeth ⁠— A new or widening gap can signal bone loss.
  
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste ⁠— These may result from bacterial buildup.
  
• Changes in your bite or how your teeth touch ⁠— A shifting bite can indicate movement.

If any of these symptoms are present, schedule a dental exam promptly. The earlier gum disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

Treatment Options for Tooth Gaps

Some people choose to keep their diastema, especially if it’s not linked to any health issue. Others prefer to close the gap for cosmetic or functional reasons.

Your dentist will help you decide what’s best based on your goals and the gap’s cause.

Braces and Aligners

Orthodontic treatment is one of the most reliable methods for closing gaps, particularly larger ones or those caused by tooth misalignment.

• Braces ⁠— Fixed braces use brackets and wires to move teeth gradually. They’re especially helpful when gaps come with other alignment issues.
  
• Clear aligners ⁠— These removable, nearly invisible trays work well for mild to moderate gaps. They're a popular choice for adults and teens.

Orthodontic treatment often requires a retainer to prevent relapse.

Bonding Options

Dental bonding uses tooth-colored resin to close small gaps. It's a quick, conservative solution that doesn’t require enamel removal.

Bonding is often ideal for:

• Closing gaps less than 2 mm wide
  
• Addressing minor chips or uneven edges
  
• Patients who want a reversible option

Bonded material may need touch-ups over time, typically every five to ten years.

Veneers Options

Veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front of your teeth. They can reshape slightly undersized teeth and close moderate gaps.

Porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant, but they require some enamel removal, making the process irreversible. Composite veneers are less costly but may not last as long.

Missing Tooth Restorations

If your gap is due to a missing tooth, your dentist may recommend:

• Crowns ⁠— Used to cover an existing tooth (or an implant) and may be part of a bridge.
  
• Bridges ⁠— A false tooth anchored by crowns on nearby teeth.
  
• Implants ⁠— A titanium post is placed in the jawbone to hold a crown, mimicking a natural tooth.

These options not only close the gap but also restore function. Dental implants can also help prevent bone loss in the jaw.

Treatments for Gaps Caused by Gum Disease

If gum disease caused your diastema, treating the infection is the first step. Closing the gap comes later—if it’s still needed after healing.

Most people begin with deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing. This removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline to reduce inflammation.

You might also receive:

• Antibiotic rinses or gels ⁠— To fight infection
  
• At-home care tips ⁠— Like switching to a soft brush or antibacterial toothpaste

In some cases, small gaps partially close on their own after gum health improves.

For severe cases, surgery may be needed to clean deeper pockets or rebuild lost bone and tissue. This could include:

• Gum flap surgery ⁠— Lifting the gum to access root surfaces
  
• Bone grafting ⁠— Rebuilding bone support
  
• Soft tissue grafting ⁠— Covering exposed roots or reshaping gums
  
• Guided tissue regeneration ⁠— Using membranes to direct new growth

After the gums are healthy, your dentist may recommend braces or restorations to finish closing the gap.

Can You Prevent Tooth Gaps?

You can’t prevent all tooth gaps, especially those caused by genetics, but you can lower your risk for health-related gaps and help your child avoid habit-related ones.

Keeping your gums healthy is one of the best ways to prevent gaps later in life:

• Brush and floss daily ⁠— Use a soft toothbrush and clean between teeth.
  
• Visit your dentist regularly ⁠— Get check-ups and cleanings every six months—or more often if needed.
  
• Don’t ignore bleeding ⁠— Early treatment of gum inflammation prevents long-term problems.
  
• Quit tobacco use ⁠— Smoking increases your risk of severe gum disease.

Tips for Helping Children Prevent Tooth Gaps

Habits like thumb sucking and mouth breathing can influence dental development. These steps can help reduce the risk of spacing problems:

• Stop thumb or pacifier habits by age three
  
• See a pediatric dentist early (by age one)
  
• Watch for open-mouth posture or snoring
  
• Support healthy swallowing and tongue posture

Early dental visits can spot minor concerns before they become major gaps.

When to See a Dentist for Diastema

Some gaps are harmless, but others signal deeper issues. Knowing when to get checked can help you catch problems early.

Call your dentist sooner if you notice:

• A new or quickly growing gap in adulthood
  
• Bleeding, swelling, or pus along the gums
  
• Loose or shifting front teeth
  
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
  
• Pain when biting or chewing

Even if your gap doesn’t hurt, it’s worth checking if something has changed. For kids, an orthodontic screening is recommended by age seven.

Living With A Tooth Gap

Tooth gaps affect people differently. Some see them as part of their identity or even a symbol of beauty. Others feel self-conscious and prefer to close the space.

In some cultures, a midline gap is associated with good luck or attractiveness. Others see it as something to be fixed.

The most important thing is how you feel about it. If your gap isn’t affecting your health or daily function, the choice to keep it or close it is yours. If you’re unsure, talk with your dental provider about your options, risks, and what matters most to you.