Gaps in Teeth
Gaps can appear between front teeth or anywhere in the smile. Some people like the look, others want them closed for confidence, function, or easier cleaning.
Gaps in teeth usually happen because of spacing, tooth size, gum support, or how the bite meets. Aligners or braces can often close gaps, but it’s important to understand why the gap is there so the result stays stable.
What “gaps in teeth” usually means
A gap (sometimes called a diastema) is space between two teeth. It can be a single noticeable gap at the front, or multiple smaller spaces across the smile. Spacing can be purely cosmetic, or linked to bite, missing teeth, or gum health.
Common reasons gaps form
Natural spacing: teeth are smaller relative to the jaw size.
Tooth shape/size: triangular shaped teeth can leave spaces near the gumline.
Missing teeth: gaps may appear as neighbouring teeth drift.
Bite and habits: the bite can encourage spacing, and habits can influence tooth position.
What typically helps
Treatment is usually about controlled tooth movement to close space and improve contact between teeth. In some cases, long-term stability needs retainers and (occasionally) small refinements over time.
When closing gaps needs a bit more planning
If you’ve had braces before, if there are multiple gaps, or if your teeth don’t meet comfortably, it may be more than simple spacing — and your plan should consider the bite and long-term retention.
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