Did you know that 50-60% of kids under 5 have a gap between their front teeth? In most cases, a gap between teeth will close on its own by age 8 or 9. If you are a parent or patient with gap teeth that do not close naturally, you may be wondering what causes this gap. Can it be fixed? Does it need to be fixed? At Zombek Orthodontics, we’re here to tell you that it is not medically necessary to correct gap teeth with braces in many cases. Many celebrities with gap teeth choose not to change their smiles – and regular people too! So if you love your beautiful gap teeth and there are no other problems present, great! As orthodontists, we can help you determine whether the gap between your front teeth is a cause for concern and, if so, what kind of treatment will be most helpful.
The technical term for a tooth gap is “diastema.” While it can happen anywhere in the mouth, most people think of the gap between the upper two front teeth when they use the phrase “gap teeth.” Gap teeth can result from several different causes. Some of the most common are:
While it’s not always necessary to “fix” gapped teeth, many patients do ask us how to close a gap in teeth. At Zombek Orthodontics, we offer several treatment options to close a gap between front teeth.
At Zombek Orthodontics, we provide self-ligating braces that don’t use elastics, so they’re more comfortable than traditional metal braces. We also recommend LightForce braces (a brand of clear braces) to our patients. LightForce braces are custom-designed based on the unique shape of your tooth, jawline, and facial structure, which creates the perfect fit throughout treatment. Traditional braces typically take 12-24 months, but LightForce braces are designed to provide maximum efficiency. So your treatment may take even less time.
Invisalign clear aligners are another great way to close a gap in your teeth. Invisalign is a popular choice for gapped teeth and other dental issues, such as overbite, crossbite, or underbite. Invisalign treatment can happen in as little as six months, but an average case takes 9-15 months.
Are you wondering if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign? We can help you find out.
Other treatments are available for gap teeth, including veneers. Veneers are shells of material that fit over the front of your teeth to provide a more perfect smile. Because they tend to be slightly larger than your teeth, they can fix small gaps in teeth. But veneers aren’t for everyone, and they do have to be replaced after several years of use.
Dental bonding is sometimes used to fix gapped teeth and get a quick result compared to other methods. With dental bonding, your dentist applies a resin to your teeth to fill the gap and uses a special light to harden the resin. The downside of dental bonding is that it isn’t as stain-resistant as your natural teeth or crowns, so you must be careful what you eat and drink.
Dental implants might be a good solution if your gap teeth are the result of missing teeth. A dental implant can replace a missing tooth and keep your front teeth from getting a gap.
In a few cases, particularly those with an enlarged frenulum, dental surgery may be necessary to remove a gap between front teeth and keep the gap from returning. Patients may sometimes need a frenectomy to remove the excess frenulum.
While there are many potential causes for a gap between your teeth, these gaps (like other tooth alignment issues) are genetic in some cases. Gaps can certainly be hereditary. If both parents had a gap between their front teeth, there is a strong chance the child will have one too.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder — and cultural norms can have a lot to do with what we see as beautiful. In some cultures, gapped teeth are actually preferred and seen as a sign of beauty. While it’s not necessarily the traditional standard in the United States, there are many celebrities who have embraced the gap between their teeth. If no other dental issues are present, gapped teeth may not need treatment. Absent other issues, it’s purely a cosmetic choice.
Do gap teeth close on their own?
Sometimes, yes. A gap between the front teeth is very common in young children and often closes naturally by age 8 or 9 as the permanent teeth come in. If the gap doesn't close on its own after the adult teeth are in, it's unlikely to resolve without treatment.
Is a gap in your teeth bad for your health?
Not always. A small gap between the front teeth, with no other dental issues, is generally a cosmetic concern, not a medical one. However, gaps caused by gum disease, missing teeth, or habits like thumb sucking can come with real dental health implications that are worth addressing.
Can Invisalign fix gap teeth?
Yes. Invisalign is one of the most common treatments for closing gaps between teeth. It works well for diastema, and treatment can take as little as six months for straightforward cases. An exam will tell us whether Invisalign is the right fit for the size and cause of your gap.
How long does it take to fix gap teeth with braces?
It depends on the size of the gap and whether other alignment issues need to be addressed at the same time. A small gap with no other concerns can sometimes be closed relatively quickly. More complex cases involving bite correction or multiple gaps may take 12 to 24 months. LightForce custom braces, which we offer at Zombek Orthodontics, are designed for efficiency and may shorten treatment time.
What is the fastest way to fix a gap between front teeth?
Dental bonding is typically the fastest option — it can often be completed in a single visit with your dentist. However, bonding is a cosmetic fix and doesn't address any underlying bite issues. For a more comprehensive and long-lasting result, braces or Invisalign are usually the better choice.
Gap teeth don't always need treatment, but when they do, there are more options than most people realize. At Zombek Orthodontics, we'll look at the full picture — the cause of the gap, your bite, and your goals — and give you an honest recommendation. If you're in the Weston or Hollywood, FL area and want to find out what's right for you or your child, schedule a consultation with Dr. Zombek.
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