A gap between teeth, clinically known as a diastema, is a common occurrence that people often seek to change for aesthetic reasons. This spacing can occur anywhere in the mouth, but it is most frequently observed between the two upper front teeth. Many individuals search for fast, inexpensive solutions, often overlooking the necessary health and safety considerations involved in moving teeth. Achieving a safe and lasting change requires understanding the underlying cause and utilizing proven, professional dental methods.
What Causes Tooth Gaps
Tooth gaps often result from natural differences between the size of the jawbone and the teeth. If the teeth are too small or the jaw is too large, extra space is created between them. This mismatch is frequently determined by genetic factors, meaning a tendency toward spacing can run in families.
Another common cause involves an oversized band of tissue called the labial frenum, which connects the upper lip to the gum line above the two front teeth. If this tissue is too large, it prevents the front teeth from coming together, leading to a midline diastema.
Certain oral habits can push teeth apart over time, such as persistent thumb sucking or an incorrect swallowing reflex known as tongue thrusting. During tongue thrusting, the tongue presses against the back of the front teeth instead of the roof of the mouth, gradually moving them forward.
A gap can also signal a more serious underlying issue, such as advanced gum disease (periodontitis). This condition causes inflammation and the destruction of the bone and tissue that support the teeth. As supportive structures are lost, the teeth can shift and become loose, causing gaps to appear or widen.
Dangers of Attempting Home Remedies
The desire for a quick, low-cost fix has led to the circulation of dangerous Do-It-Yourself (DIY) methods online, which pose significant risks to oral health. One common method involves using small elastic rubber bands, often called “gap bands,” to physically pull the separated teeth together. While this may appear to move the teeth quickly, the force applied is uncontrolled and can cause severe, irreversible damage.
The primary danger is that the elastic band can easily slip up the tooth root and under the gum line. Once lodged below the gum, the band can destroy the periodontal ligament, the soft tissue that anchors the tooth to the jawbone. This constriction can cut off the blood supply and lead to root damage, severe gum recession, and bone loss. In documented cases, this uncontrolled movement has resulted in the affected teeth becoming loose and even falling out.
Other dangerous home remedies include attempting to use household adhesives, such as superglue. These toxic substances are not designed for oral use and can cause chemical burns to the soft tissues of the mouth, leading to infection and further damage.
Similarly, using dental floss or wire to pull teeth together creates non-uniform, excessive pressure. This destabilizes the tooth and can lead to a misaligned bite, jaw pain, and the creation of new, unintended gaps elsewhere in the mouth.
Any attempt to move teeth must be a carefully calibrated, biological process involving controlled, gentle force over an extended period. When DIY methods cause trauma, the subsequent professional care required to fix the damage often costs far more than the original professional treatment would have. Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the gums and bone risks permanent tooth loss.
Safe and Effective Professional Treatments
Professional treatment for a diastema begins with a dental examination to determine the precise cause of the spacing. For gaps caused by a size mismatch between the teeth and jaw, or those resulting from minor habits, orthodontic treatment is often the most comprehensive solution. This involves using fixed braces or clear aligners to apply continuous, gentle pressure that safely moves the teeth into new positions over several months or years.
For smaller gaps, or where the teeth are slightly undersized, a minimally invasive procedure called cosmetic bonding may be recommended. The dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin material directly to the edges of the teeth, sculpting it to widen the teeth and close the gap. This procedure is typically completed in a single visit and does not require the removal of natural tooth structure.
Another option for purely cosmetic concerns is the application of porcelain veneers. These are custom-made shells permanently bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Veneers effectively mask the gap by creating a broader appearance for the affected teeth, offering a durable and aesthetic result.
If the gap is caused by an overly thick labial frenum, a minor surgical procedure called a frenectomy can be performed to reduce the size of the tissue. Following a frenectomy, the gap may close naturally in young children, but older patients usually require subsequent orthodontic treatment to fully bring the teeth together.