Gaps Between Teeth
Diastema
Gaps between teeth — clinically known as diastema — refer to spaces between two or more teeth. They are commonly seen between the front teeth but can occur anywhere in the mouth. In some cases, gaps are a natural variation and may not cause concern; in others, they may affect function, appearance or oral health. A professional dental assessment can help identify contributing factors and determine whether management is appropriate.
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Understanding the Condition
What Is Diastema?
Diastema is the clinical term for spacing or gaps between teeth. While most commonly associated with a visible space between the two upper front teeth (the central incisors), diastema can affect any area of the mouth and may involve one gap or multiple spaces across the dental arch.
Gaps between teeth can occur in both children and adults. In children, spacing is often a normal part of dental development — many gaps close naturally as the permanent teeth erupt and the jaw grows. In adults, however, gaps may persist from childhood, develop gradually due to gum disease or habits, or appear following tooth loss or natural changes in tooth position over time.
The size and significance of a diastema varies considerably from person to person. Some gaps are barely noticeable; others are more prominent and may affect function, aesthetics or oral health. A professional dental assessment helps determine the underlying cause, evaluate whether any treatment is needed, and discuss the most appropriate options where management is desired.
Symptoms & Considerations
Visible spacing between teeth
Gaps may be immediately noticeable, particularly between the upper front teeth, or may be more subtle and only apparent on close examination
Food trapping
Spaces between teeth can allow food to become wedged during eating, which may cause discomfort and increase the risk of plaque build-up in those areas
Changes in bite alignment
Where teeth have shifted to create gaps, the way the upper and lower teeth meet may change, potentially affecting chewing comfort or placing uneven pressure on certain teeth
Speech considerations
In some cases, particularly with larger gaps between the front teeth, air may escape during speech, contributing to a lisp or altered pronunciation of certain sounds
Aesthetic concerns
Many patients are conscious of visible gaps, which can affect confidence in their smile — though it is worth noting that some individuals regard spacing as a distinctive or attractive feature
Not all gaps between teeth require treatment. Many are stable and cause no functional or health concerns. A dental assessment can help determine whether any management would be beneficial.
Contributing Factors
Common Causes of Gaps Between Teeth
Diastema can result from a variety of factors — and in many cases, more than one cause contributes to the spacing. Understanding the underlying reasons is key to determining appropriate management.
Natural variation in tooth and jaw size
When the jaw is larger relative to the teeth, or when teeth are naturally smaller, there may be insufficient tooth structure to fill the available space, resulting in gaps between some or all teeth
Missing or undersized teeth
Congenitally absent teeth — most commonly the upper lateral incisors — or teeth that are smaller than average can leave spaces that affect the symmetry and spacing of the dental arch
Gum disease (periodontitis)
Advanced gum disease causes loss of the bone that supports the teeth, allowing them to loosen and drift apart over time. This is one of the most common causes of gaps developing in adulthood
High frenum attachment
A prominent labial frenum — the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum between the front teeth — can physically prevent the central incisors from closing together, maintaining a midline gap
Tongue thrusting and oral habits
Habitual forward pressure of the tongue against the front teeth during swallowing or at rest can gradually push the teeth apart, creating or widening gaps over months and years
Tooth movement over time
Natural age-related changes, previous tooth loss, or the absence of orthodontic retention following earlier treatment can allow teeth to shift position gradually, creating new spaces
Why It Matters
Potential Risks if Not Addressed
While many gaps between teeth are stable and do not cause problems, in some cases spacing can progress over time — particularly if the underlying cause is not identified or managed. Gum disease, for example, can lead to ongoing bone loss that allows teeth to drift further apart, while persistent habits such as tongue thrusting may gradually widen existing gaps.
Spaces between teeth can also create areas where food becomes trapped more easily, increasing the risk of plaque accumulation and localised gum inflammation. Over time, this can contribute to further gum problems, particularly if oral hygiene in these areas is difficult to maintain.
Where teeth have shifted significantly, changes in bite alignment can occur, potentially affecting how the teeth meet and distributing chewing forces unevenly. In some cases, this can contribute to wear on certain teeth or discomfort. Addressing spacing at an earlier stage — where appropriate — may help avoid the need for more complex treatment later. Your dentist can advise on whether monitoring or active management is recommended.
Your Options
Treatment & Management Options
Management of gaps between teeth varies based on the cause, size and location of the spacing, as well as the patient's goals and overall dental health. A personalised approach is recommended.
Monitoring
Where gaps are stable, not increasing, and not causing functional or health concerns, your dentist may recommend monitoring with regular check-ups rather than active intervention.
Learn MoreOrthodontic Treatment
Clear aligners or fixed braces can gradually reposition teeth to close gaps and improve alignment, with treatment planned to suit the specific pattern of spacing.
Learn MoreComposite Bonding
Tooth-coloured composite resin can be applied to the edges of teeth to close small to moderate gaps, providing an immediate improvement in a single appointment in many cases.
Learn MorePorcelain Veneers
Custom-made veneers can be used to close gaps while also addressing shape, colour or proportion, providing a comprehensive aesthetic solution for the front teeth.
Learn MoreGum Disease Management
Where spacing is caused or worsened by periodontitis, treating the underlying gum condition is an essential first step to stabilise the teeth and prevent further drift.
Learn MoreHabit Management
Identifying and addressing contributing habits such as tongue thrusting can help prevent gaps from recurring or worsening following treatment.
Learn MoreYour First Step
Importance of Professional Dental Assessment
Not all gaps between teeth require treatment — and an important part of any assessment is determining whether management is needed at all, or whether monitoring is the most appropriate approach. A thorough examination allows your dentist to evaluate the cause, stability and significance of any spacing.
During your assessment, your dentist will examine the position and alignment of your teeth, assess the health of your gums and supporting bone, review any contributing factors such as habits or missing teeth, and discuss both functional and aesthetic considerations. This information forms the basis of a personalised treatment plan — or, where appropriate, a recommendation for ongoing monitoring.
Where treatment is indicated, the options available will depend on the specific nature of the spacing. Your dentist may discuss orthodontic approaches, restorative options such as composite bonding or veneers, management of underlying gum conditions, or strategies to address contributing habits. The goal is always to provide care that is proportionate, evidence-based and tailored to your individual needs.
What to Expect
- 1Thorough examination of tooth spacing, position and alignment across the dental arch
- 2Assessment of gum health, bone support and any signs of periodontal disease
- 3Review of contributing factors including habits, missing teeth and medical history
- 4Discussion of whether treatment is recommended or monitoring is appropriate
- 5Explanation of available options with clear, balanced information about each approach
- 6Personalised care plan developed around your specific needs and goals
Two Convenient Locations
Visit Us in Central London
Assessment and treatment planning for spacing issues and other dental concerns are available at our London clinic, where professional evaluation can help determine appropriate care options.
South Kensington
Now Open20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL
Mon & Wed: 9 am – 6 pm
Tue & Thu: 9 am – 8 pm
Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
Sat & Sun: 10 am – 4 pm
1 min from South Kensington tube (District, Circle & Piccadilly)
City of London
Opening May 20265 Ave Maria Lane, City of London, London EC4M 7AQ
Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
3 min from St Paul's tube (Central line) · 5 min from Blackfriars
Common Questions
Gaps Between Teeth FAQ
Your Dental Team
Experienced Dentists
All our dentists are GDC registered and experienced in assessing and managing gaps between teeth, providing thorough evaluation and personalised treatment planning.
Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi
Principal Dentist & Clinical Director
GDC: 195843
Dr. Reza Davari
Dentist
GDC: 302422
Dr. Kamran Yazdi
Dentist
GDC: 197926
Dr. Andreia Phipps
Dentist
GDC: 229601
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Assessment for Gaps Between Teeth
Concerned About Spacing?
If you are concerned about gaps between your teeth or have noticed changes in spacing, a professional dental assessment can help identify possible causes and determine appropriate management options based on your individual needs.
