A space between teeth, clinically known as a diastema, is a very common dental feature. While some people consider it a unique part of their charm, many others seek to correct it for a more uniform smile. Fortunately, modern orthodontics provides highly effective and discreet ways to close these gaps.
What Causes a Gap Between Teeth?
Identifying the source of a diastema is key to choosing the right treatment. Common causes include:
- Oversized Labial Frenum: The small band of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums can be too large, physically preventing the front teeth from coming together.
- Tooth-to-Jaw Size Mismatch: Gaps can form naturally when the teeth are too small relative to the size of the jaw arch.
- Genetics: A predisposition for a diastema is often hereditary.
- Tongue Thrust: An incorrect swallowing pattern where the tongue presses against the front teeth can push them apart over time.
- Gum Disease: In adults, bone loss around the teeth can cause them to become loose and drift apart, creating spaces.
Modern Solutions for Closing a Diastema
Several effective options exist to fix a tooth gap, from comprehensive orthodontic treatments to faster cosmetic fixes.
Invisalign Treatment: Often the preferred choice, especially since Invisalign is so effective for adults. The clear aligners apply precise forces to move the teeth together, providing a lasting solution that corrects the root cause of the problem. Our guide on Invisalign for diastema closure explains this process in detail, and the treatment duration can be relatively short for these cases.
Dental Veneers: This is a cosmetic solution. A dentist bonds thin porcelain shells to the front of the teeth, making them slightly wider to visually mask the gap. It is a very fast alternative but does not physically move the teeth.
The Special Case of the Labial Frenum
If an oversized frenum is the cause of the gap, orthodontics alone may not be a permanent fix, as the space could reopen. In these situations, a minor surgical procedure known as a frenectomy is often recommended. This quick procedure removes or repositions the tissue, allowing the teeth to stay together permanently after they have been moved.
How to Ensure the Gap Stays Closed
After any orthodontic treatment to close a gap, the retention phase is absolutely essential to stabilize the result. Without it, teeth have a strong tendency to drift back to their original spots. When you review your options, such as Vivera retainers vs. other options, your orthodontist will prescribe either a removable retainer for nightly wear or a fixed wire bonded behind the teeth to protect your investment.
Whether to keep or close a diastema is a personal decision. If you opt for correction, Invisalign offers a premier, discreet, and highly effective method to achieve a perfectly straight smile. A professional consultation is the best first step to determine the cause of your gap and discover the ideal treatment path for you.