A gap between teeth, known as a diastema, is common, most frequently observed between the two upper front teeth. Many wonder if these spaces will naturally close or if professional intervention is necessary.
Understanding Dental Gaps
A diastema is a space between any two teeth, arising from various factors. One cause is a size mismatch between teeth and the jawbone; if teeth are too small or the jaw is large, gaps can develop.
Certain anatomical features can also contribute to diastema formation. For instance, an oversized labial frenum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth, can create a prominent gap between the central incisors. Missing teeth, whether congenitally absent or lost due to extraction or trauma, can lead to adjacent teeth shifting and creating spaces. Oral habits such as thumb sucking, lip sucking, or tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing, can also exert pressure that gradually moves teeth apart.
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can cause the bone supporting the teeth to deteriorate, leading to tooth loosening and gaps. This can result in tooth migration.
Natural Closure: When and Why it Happens
Natural closure of dental gaps is most common during childhood. Gaps between baby teeth often close as permanent teeth erupt. Adult teeth are generally larger, occupying more space and reducing gaps.
A notable phase in this process is often referred to as the “ugly duckling” stage, typically occurring between ages 7 and 12. During this stage, the erupting permanent upper central incisors may flare outwards, creating a temporary space between them. This temporary diastema often resolves as the permanent canines erupt into place. As the canines emerge, they exert pressure on the roots of the adjacent teeth, guiding the front teeth into a more aligned position and naturally closing the space.
This self-correction is more likely for developmental gaps or those that are relatively small, typically less than 2 millimeters. However, if a gap is caused by an oversized frenum, this natural closure might be limited. The presence of sufficient space for incoming permanent teeth is generally beneficial.
When Gaps Persist and What to Do
When dental gaps do not resolve naturally, particularly in adulthood, it often indicates an underlying cause that requires professional attention. Gaps resulting from factors such as an oversized labial frenum, congenitally missing teeth, or a significant size discrepancy between teeth and jaw are unlikely to close without intervention. In adults, teeth can shift due to various reasons, including age-related changes, gum disease, or grinding habits, which can lead to new gaps or the widening of existing ones.
Consulting a dentist or orthodontist is important to accurately diagnose the cause of persistent gaps and determine the most appropriate course of action. A dental professional can assess the situation and recommend a tailored treatment plan. Various solutions address gaps that do not close naturally.
Orthodontic treatments, such as traditional braces or clear aligners, can move teeth to close spaces. For smaller gaps, restorative dentistry options like dental bonding, where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth surface, or veneers, which are custom-made shells placed over teeth, can cosmetically close the space. If an oversized frenum is the primary cause, a surgical procedure called a frenectomy can reduce its size, sometimes performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to prevent the gap from reopening. In cases of missing teeth, options such as dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures can replace the absent teeth and fill the resulting spaces.