Gap Teeth: Common Causes and Solutions

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An illustration of gap teeth

Having gap teeth is among the common malocclusions impacting a number of individuals around the world. While some might have no problem with their tooth gap, others eagerly want to get their gaps filled. Regardless of what you want, it is important to understand teeth gaps, the common causes, potential risks, and the most effective solutions to fill your gaps. This blog will help you understand all this and more.

Understanding Gap Teeth

gap teeth
A smiling girl with gap teeth

Gap teeth also known as diastema refer to having spaces between two teeth. The gaps can appear anywhere in the mouth, however, they are more common and visible in the upper front teeth. The condition can appear in anyone but is more common among children. Gaps between teeth can be the result of different causes discussed below.

Common Causes of Gap Teeth

The following are the common causes of having gaps between the teeth.

Genetics

Genetics plays a key role in determining the size and shape of your teeth. If an individual has smaller teeth, chances are that the gaps may occur naturally. This is a hereditary misalignment; it means if your parents or grandparents have gapped teeth you may develop them too.

Jaw Size

A difference between the size of the teeth and jaw can result in gaps between the teeth. If an individual has smaller teeth relative to the size of their jaw, gaps between the teeth may occur to fill the available spaces.

Missing Tooth

A missing tooth or underdeveloped teeth can be one of the reasons for having gaps between the teeth.

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle factors can lead to gaps between teeth. For instance, prolonged thumb sucking or usage of pacifiers beyond early childhood can impact the alignment of teeth. This repetition of pressure on the teeth may shift them forward creating gaps.

Poor Dental Hygiene

If an individual fails to ensure good dental hygiene it may lead to gum disease or tooth loss which contributes to the development of spaces between the teeth.

Risks Associated with Gapped Teeth

Impacted Appearance

Having teeth gaps means an impacted appearance. It not only affects the smile aesthetics but makes one insecure to smile freely. It may further shatter one's confidence level.

Speech Issues

Large gaps between the teeth often cause disturbances in speech, causing difficulty with certain sounds in some cases.

Bite Problems

Uneven spacing may lead to bite misalignment, which can cause chewing discomfort.

Impacted Hygiene

Food particles can get stuck in the gaps increasing the risk of cavities and gum diseases.

Solutions for Treating Gapped Teeth

Getting any of the dental misalignments fixed has never been this easy. If you are struggling with gaps between your teeth that not only make you insecure about smiling but impact your oral hygiene, get them fixed with whichever of the following methods suits you best.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces or ceramic ones are the most common and effective approach for treating any dental misalignments including teeth gaps. They are composed of metal brackets that are fixed on the tooth surface with the help of wires. Over time, they exert gentle pressure on the teeth and move them to a desirable position that helps fix the gap.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners have emerged as a popular alternative to braces. They are composed of transparent plastic trays that are worn on the teeth. Unlike metal braces, they are not fixed on the tooth surface but are worn for a specified time. They have gained immense popularity among individuals wanting to align their teeth due to their invisibility and discreet nature.

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Dental Bonding

For small gaps, dental bonding is often an effective solution. A tooth-colored resin material is applied to the teeth that help to close the gaps. It is beneficial for anyone looking forward to a painless procedure and instant results.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed on the front of the teeth. They are used to close the gaps between the teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of individuals. They provide a durable and natural-looking solution to hide teeth gaps.

Fix Your Teeth - The Smilepath Way

Clear Aligners
Smilepath Clear Aligners

Smilepath is one of the most credible solutions when it comes to teeth straightening. Get your teeth gaps fixed and let your smile leave a lasting impression wherever you go. Our clear aligners are composed of BPA-free material making your smile journey safe and smooth. With our clear aligner treatment, you get to enjoy a hassle-free procedure.

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Why Choose Smilepath Clear Aligners

Here is why Smilepath can be the best assistance for you when it comes to aligning your gapped teeth.

Affordable Transformation

Smilepath offers an affordable approach to teeth straightening. No need to spend hefty amounts on your dream smile. Check our different aligner plans and choose the one that best suits you. Further, to make it even more accessible, we offer easy installment plans for you.

Faster Treatment

No need to wait for years for a perfectly aligned smile. With Smilepath Clear Aligners get your teeth gaps filled in just four to six months. The duration may vary in severe cases.

Remote Journey

With our clear aligner treatment, you get to enjoy an entirely remote treatment. It means no clinic visits and you can get your smile transformed from the comfort of your home.

How does it work?

The step-by-step process for achieving a straighter, more confident smile with Smilepath:

  • Create teeth impressions
  • Confirm your treatment plan
  • Begin your transformation

Call us at +64 98705733 to learn how clear aligners can help treat gap teeth

Final Thoughts

Gap teeth also referred to as diastema is the presence of spaces between your upper front teeth. They could be the result of different underlying causes; genetics, lifestyle factors, or missing teeth. It not only impacts the overall appearance of an individual but has certain dental concerns as well. However, with the advancements in the field of dentistry, different methods have made it easier to achieve a radiant, gap-free smile. From metal braces to clear aligners, dental bonding, or veneers, any method can be opted for filling the gaps between teeth. Smilepath offers a hassle-free way to address any of your dental misalignments including gap teeth. With our clear aligner treatments, get your teeth aligned effectively within four to six months. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t let your gap teeth hold you back from smiling anytime, anywhere.

FAQs

How to reduce the gap between teeth naturally at home?

Even though there is no hard evidence, minor gaps may be reduced by practicing good oral hygiene, oil pulling, tongue exercises, and a good diet. However, it is best to go to a dentist first to ensure the teeth gaps are not a symptom of a bigger underlying problem.

What does having a gap in your teeth mean?

A gap between teeth or diastema is a common misalignment in which there are spaces between the teeth. It can occur anywhere in the mouth but is more common in the upper front teeth.

Is a gap in teeth attractive?

Some people may find a small gap between the teeth attractive. Whereas, others who do not like it can get it filled with any of the teeth-straightening solutions.

Are gapped teeth genetic?

Yes, genetics is one of the common causes of having teeth gaps. For instance, if the grandparents or parents of an individual had spaces between their teeth, chances are higher of them getting gaps between their teeth.

Can clear aligners fix gap teeth?

Yes, clear aligners are an effective approach to fix gaps between teeth. Over time they exert a gentle pressure on the teeth and move them to a desirable position.

Can braces fix gapped teeth?

Yes, braces are fixed on the surface of teeth that apply a consistent pressure on teeth helping to close the gaps effectively.

How to fix a gap between teeth naturally?

Natural remedies like oil pulling, tongue exercises, calcium and vitamin D rich diet, may be helpful for minor gaps but they cannot completely close bigger gaps. You’ll still need to go to a dentist to achieve the perfect smile.

References:

Abraham R, Kamath G. Midline diastema and its etiology-a review (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25073229/). Dent Update. 2014 Jun;41(5):457-60, 462-4. Accessed 7/15/2022.

Kabbach W, Sampaio CS, Hirata R. Diastema closures: A novel technique to ensure dental proportion (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30367823/). J Esthet Restor Dent. 2018 Jul;30(4):275-280. Accessed 7/15/2022.

Wheeler B, Carrico CK, Shroff B, et al. Management of the Maxillary Diastema by Various Dental Specialties (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29245001/). J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018 Apr;76(4):709-715. Accessed 7/15/2022.

Leonard, J. (2023b, September 24). What is a diastema? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diastema#causes

Diastema. (2025, March 19). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23477-diastema

Abraham, R., & Kamath, G. (2014). Midline diastema and its etiology--a review. Dental update, 41(5), 457–464. https://doi.org/10.12968/denu.2014.41.5.457

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