Closing gaps in teeth: what are the options?

Some celebrities, such as singer Vanessa Paradis or actor Jürgen Vogel, wear it as a hallmark: a conspicuous gap between the incisors. But many people prefer to have a gapless smile. Are you one of them? Are you wondering how you can close the gap between your teeth as quickly as possible?

In this blog post you’ll learn:

• how gaps between teeth develop in the first place
• what the options are for closing them
• what the costs are for closing a gap

Dr Kristina Sleiter, specialist orthodontic dentist

‘We understand if you feel uncomfortable with a gap between your teeth. Today, there are gentle ways to correct tooth gaps. Then you can show off your best smile.’

Hardly anyone smiles with perfectly straight rows of teeth naturally. And a slightly twisted tooth or a small gap is often barely noticeable. But larger gaps are a different matter, especially when they are between the incisors. These gaps, which as dentists we call diastemata, catch the eye of people we meet.

There are a range of reasons for large gaps between the incisors:

• Second dentition: gaps usually occur when children’s first adult teeth come through. For the most part, these close automatically by the time second dentition is complete.
• True diastema: a small frenulum causes this type of tooth gap. The so-called labial frenulum is located on the upper and lower jaw on the inside of the lip. If these are too close to the teeth, they can affect growth and lead to a gap.
• False diastema: are your teeth smaller than the width of your jaw? For a straight bite, your teeth and jaw must be in exact proportion. If the teeth grow too small, gaps occur. These are often located between the front teeth.

Should I have my diastema closed?

A larger gap between your teeth is primarily an aesthetic flaw. Of course, like many celebrities, you can wear it as a hallmark. This is assuming you have no other complaints. A diastema can, however, also lead to health limitations:

• Speech defects: a diastema between the two front teeth leads to a lisp. Or you may find it difficult to articulate certain letters.
• Incorrect bite: larger gaps can affect your bite. If the upper and lower jaws interlock incorrectly, functional issues may arise. This includes jaw and neck pain. The enamel may also wear away on one side.
• Shifting teeth: neighbouring teeth may shift or tilt due to larger gaps between teeth. In the worst case, entire rows of teeth can shift.

Do you have health limitations? Then you should have the gaps between your teeth treated. Why not visit our practice – we’ll gladly answer all your questions about diastema treatment.

Yes, today many adults decide to have their teeth corrected.
You can read how this works here: Orthodontics for adults

Please feel free to arrange a no-obligation consultation:

Depending on the cause of the gap between your teeth, there are various methods of closing it. Within orthodontics, these include fixed braces, invisible dental aligners and correction of the frenulum.

How can a gap between the incisors be addressed in children?

These gaps usually close after the transition from milk teeth to adult teeth has completed. If a gap remains between the incisors, this is because the labial frenulum is too low. We can raise this via a minor surgical procedure.

Sometimes the procedure is followed by tooth correction. You can find more information here:

Orthodontics for children

Can adults conceal a tooth gap?

Perhaps you’re wondering how you can simply hide a gap in your teeth? Depending on how large the gap is, adults can conceal it with so-called veneers. The dentist attaches these thin ceramic shells permanently to your teeth using a special adhesive. The laboratory finishes the veneers to such a size that the gap disappears behind them.

Please note: veneers are purely aesthetic. They neither correct your bite nor prevent neighbouring teeth from moving into the gap.

How can a tooth gap be closed in adults?

In the case of a true diastema, we can move the frenulum at any age. In order to close the gap between the teeth, adults usually need to have their teeth corrected following the procedure.

Whether resolution is medically indicated or aesthetically desired, thanks to invisible braces and aligners teeth can be corrected almost unnoticed by friends and family. This allows you to close the annoying gap between your teeth and simultaneously optimise your bite. We will be happy to advise you on all of the options in our practice in Egerkingen.

Can I close the gap between my teeth myself?

There are numerous do-it-yourself methods on the internet. Closing the gap between your teeth with a rubber band, for example. We strongly advise against attempting these kinds of approaches. Attaching foreign objects between your teeth can damage the enamel. Bacteria can also settle more easily and, in the worst case, trigger chronic inflammation.

The cost and duration of treatment vary depending on the method chosen. They depend on various factors:

• Is a surgical procedure necessary (lip frenulum correction)?
• How big is the gap and/or are there several gaps?
• Are fixed braces required? Or can the correction be achieved using an invisible dental aligner?

We’d love to have the opportunity to discuss all the details following an initial examination at our practice. We’ll also provide you with a detailed breakdown of costs.

We can advise you on all of the options in detail. Arrange your appointment now: