Gaps in Teeth
Gaps between teeth can appear anywhere in the smile. Orthodontic treatment such as clear aligners or braces can often close spaces and improve tooth contact depending on the spacing pattern.
Signs your teeth may have spacing
What gaps in teeth usually means
A gap between teeth is sometimes called a diastema. It can appear between the front teeth or between several teeth across the smile.
Spacing can be purely cosmetic, or linked to tooth size, bite relationship, missing teeth, or gum support. Understanding why the gap formed helps orthodontists plan stable treatment.
Common causes
Natural spacing: teeth may be smaller relative to the jaw size.
Tooth shape: triangular teeth can leave spaces near the gumline.
Missing teeth: neighbouring teeth may drift creating gaps.
Bite relationship: the way teeth meet can influence spacing.
Conditions often related to spacing
Gaps can sometimes appear alongside other alignment patterns. Looking at the full bite helps determine the most suitable treatment.
Some smiles have both crowding and spacing in different areas.
Learn about crowded teeth →What usually helps
Orthodontic treatment usually closes gaps by guiding teeth gradually together while maintaining bite balance.
How Gaps Are Usually Closed
Orthodontic treatment begins by understanding why spacing has developed.
Once the cause is clear, teeth can be guided gradually into better contact.
Not sure where to start? Use these quick links to explore orthodontic treatments, typical costs, and helpful guides that explain what different options involve. Whether you're researching braces or clear aligners, comparing pricing, or just getting a feel for what comes next, you can browse at your own pace and come back when you're ready to request a quote.
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