Cosmetic
Dental Bonding vs Veneers: Cost, Lifespan and Looks
Bonding or veneers for chips, gaps or stains? Cost, lifespan and looks compared.
3 min readBy Hiral Desai, DDS, MDS, D. ABDSM
What Causes a Gap Between Teeth, and How to Close It
Gaps between teeth are common and have many causes, from genetics to gum disease. Here is what causes them and the options for closing a gap.
The short answer
A gap between teeth (called a diastema) is usually caused by genetics, teeth that are small or missing, a large labial frenum, habits like thumb sucking, or gum disease. Depending on the cause, it can be closed with bonding, veneers, clear aligners or braces, a frenectomy, or an implant or bridge if a tooth is missing.
Key takeaways
- Many gaps are inherited and harmless
- A new or growing gap can be a sign of gum disease and should be checked
- Bonding and veneers close small gaps quickly
- Clear aligners or braces move the teeth themselves
Do you have a gap between your teeth? Gaps are very common. They have many possible causes, from genetics and habits to gum disease and small or missing teeth. Just as there are many causes, there are many ways to close a gap.
What causes gaps between teeth?
Genetics
Your genes affect how your teeth and jaw develop. If gaps run in your family, you may be more likely to have them. Some people inherit a larger jaw and smaller teeth, which naturally leaves extra space.
Missing or undersized teeth
Some people are born without certain teeth (congenitally missing teeth), which can leave noticeable gaps. Others have teeth that are small for the space in their jaw, so the teeth don't fit snugly together.
A large labial frenum
The labial frenum is the small piece of tissue that connects your upper lip to your gums. When it is too large, it can push the front teeth apart and keep them from closing together.
Thumb sucking and other habits
Long-term thumb sucking or pacifier use can push the front teeth forward and create a gap. Pressing your tongue against your front teeth when you swallow can also cause spacing.
Gum disease and bone loss
Periodontal disease weakens the gums and bone that support your teeth. As it progresses, teeth can loosen and drift apart. A gap that is new or getting bigger should always be checked. Read Is a Deep Cleaning Necessary? to learn how gum disease is treated.
Bite and alignment problems
Some gaps come from natural misalignment or teeth that came in out of position. Orthodontic treatment can move the teeth into place.
How to close a gap between teeth
| Option | Best for | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Bonding | Small gaps | Tooth-colored resin is added to the sides of the teeth |
| Veneers | Small gaps plus shape or color changes | Thin shells are bonded to the front of the teeth |
| Clear aligners or braces | Gaps from spacing or alignment | The teeth are moved together |
| Frenectomy | Gaps caused by a large frenum | Extra tissue is removed so teeth can move together |
| Implant or bridge | Gaps from a missing tooth | The missing tooth is replaced |
Clear aligners or braces
Braces and clear aligners close gaps by gradually moving the teeth together. Clear aligners are a discreet option for adults who don't want traditional braces.
Dental bonding or veneers
Bonding uses tooth-colored resin to fill in the space. Veneers are thin shells placed on the front of the teeth that can close gaps and improve shape and color at the same time. Both give quick cosmetic results. Compare them in Dental Bonding vs Veneers.
Frenectomy
If a large frenum is causing the gap, a frenectomy removes the extra tissue so the front teeth can move closer together. It is often combined with orthodontic treatment.
Dental implants or bridges
If the gap is from a missing tooth, a dental implant or a bridge can replace it. Implants replace the tooth root, while a bridge fills the space with an artificial tooth attached to the neighboring teeth.
When to see a dentist
A gap can be a natural part of your smile or a sign of an underlying problem. If a gap affects your confidence, or if it is new or getting bigger, see a dentist. Regular checkups help catch problems early, before a small gap becomes a bigger concern.
Want to close a gap in your smile? Book a cosmetic consultation.
Book a consultationClosing gaps in Tustin
We offer bonding, veneers and clear aligners for patients from Tustin, Irvine, City of Orange, Santa Ana and the rest of Orange County. Larwin Square Dentistry is at 604 E 1st St in the Larwin Square Shopping Center in Tustin. We're open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Call (714) 505-9462 or book online.
Questions patients ask
Can a gap between teeth close on its own?
Gaps in children's teeth sometimes close as adult teeth come in. In adults, gaps usually stay the same or get bigger, so closing them takes treatment.
What is the fastest way to close a gap between teeth?
Bonding or veneers can close a small gap in one or two visits. Aligners or braces take longer because they move the teeth.
Why is a gap suddenly forming between my teeth?
A new or growing gap can be a sign of gum disease, bone loss or a bite problem. See your dentist so the cause can be found and treated.
Is a gap between teeth bad?
Not always. Many gaps are harmless. But a gap can trap food, and one caused by gum disease or a missing tooth should be treated.
Find the right way to close your gap
The best option depends on the cause of your gap and the look you want. Book a consultation and Dr. Desai will walk you through your choices.
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This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Book a visit for advice about your own teeth.