Gap Teeth (Diastema): Should You Close Them?

Not Every Gap Needs Closing

A diastema is a gap between two teeth, most commonly the upper front teeth. Some people have had one since childhood. Others develop a gap later in life as teeth shift.

Gaps between teeth are common. In some cases, they cause functional problems. In many cases, they're a cosmetic preference. And for a growing number of people, they're a feature they'd rather keep.

This guide covers why gaps form, when closing them is worth considering, and what the options look like in terms of procedure, results, and cost.

What Causes Gaps Between Teeth

Several factors can create or widen a gap:

• Jaw and tooth size mismatch. If your jaw is larger relative to your teeth, spaces appear naturally between them.
• Missing teeth. When a tooth is lost or never developed, adjacent teeth may drift, opening gaps in other areas.
• Oversized frenum. The frenum is the tissue connecting your upper lip to the gum above your front teeth. If it extends too far down between the teeth, it can hold them apart.
• Tongue thrust and habits. A swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes forward against the front teeth can gradually force them apart.
• Gum disease. Advanced periodontal disease causes bone loss, which can allow teeth to shift and create spaces.
• Natural ageing. Teeth can drift over decades, particularly if wisdom teeth created crowding pressure earlier in life.

Understanding the cause matters because it affects which treatment approach is appropriate and whether the gap is likely to reopen after treatment.

When Treatment Is Recommended

Not all gaps require treatment. A small diastema between the front teeth with no functional issues is a personal choice, not a dental problem.

Treatment may be recommended when:

• The gap affects your bite. If opposing teeth are landing in the space, it can cause uneven wear or jaw strain.
• Food packing is causing gum problems. Gaps that trap food debris can lead to localised gum inflammation or decay.
• Teeth are drifting progressively. A gap that is getting wider over time may indicate an underlying issue that needs addressing.
• You're unhappy with the appearance. Cosmetic concern is a valid reason to explore options. Your comfort with your smile matters.

If none of those apply and you like your gap, there's no clinical reason to close it. Plenty of people choose to leave their diastema as it is.

Option 1: Composite Bonding

Dental bonding uses tooth-coloured composite resin to build up the sides of the teeth adjacent to the gap, closing it.

How it works. The resin is applied in layers, sculpted to the correct shape, and hardened with a curing light. No drilling is needed in most cases. The procedure is completed in a single appointment.

Pros:

• Conservative. No tooth structure is removed.
• Completed in one visit.
• Lower cost than veneers or aligners.
• Reversible. The bonding can be removed later if you change your mind.

Cons:

• Composite resin can stain or chip over time.
• May need replacement or repair every 5 to 7 years.
• works well for small to moderate gaps. Large gaps may look bulky.

Cost. Bonding typically starts from a few hundred dollars per tooth. Exact pricing depends on the size of the gap and the number of teeth involved.

Option 2: Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. They can close gaps while also improving tooth shape, colour, and symmetry.

How it works. A small amount of enamel is removed from the front of each tooth. Impressions are taken and sent to a dental laboratory. Custom veneers are fabricated and bonded at a second appointment.

Pros:

• Highly durable. Porcelain resists staining and chipping better than composite.
• Can address multiple concerns at once (gap, colour, shape, minor alignment).
• Results typically last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care.

Cons:

• Irreversible. Enamel removal means you'll always need a restoration on those teeth.
• Higher cost than bonding.
• Requires two appointments.

Cost. Veneers start from $1,200 per tooth at Ivy Dental. A gap between the two front teeth would typically require two veneers. For a detailed comparison, see our veneers vs bonding guide.

Book a cosmetic consultation to discuss which option suits your gap, your goals, and your budget.

Option 3: Clear Aligners

Clear aligners move teeth into new positions to close the gap. This addresses the gap by changing where the teeth sit rather than adding material to them.

How it works. Custom-made clear trays are worn over your teeth, applying gentle pressure to shift them together. Treatment duration depends on the complexity of the movement. A small gap between front teeth may take 3 to 6 months. More complex cases take longer.

Pros:

• No alteration to tooth structure.
• Treats the underlying spacing, not just the visible gap.
• Can correct other alignment issues at the same time.
• Removable for eating and cleaning.

Cons:

• Longer treatment time than bonding or veneers.
• Requires wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours per day for results.
• A retainer is needed long-term to prevent the gap from reopening.
• May not be suitable if gum disease or bone loss caused the gap.

Cost. Aligner treatment cost varies with complexity. Simple cases involving a single gap may be less than comprehensive orthodontic treatment.

Which Option Suits You?

The right choice depends on several factors:

Gap size. Small gaps (1 to 2mm) respond well to bonding. Larger gaps may suit veneers or aligners better.

Cause of the gap. If teeth are well-shaped but poorly positioned, aligners address the root cause. If teeth are small, worn, or uneven, bonding or veneers improve shape as well as spacing.

Other concerns. If you also want to change tooth colour or shape, veneers offer a comprehensive result. If the only issue is the gap, bonding or aligners keep things conservative.

Budget and timeline. Bonding is the most affordable and fastest. Aligners require the most time. Veneers sit in between.

Long-term preference. Aligners and bonding are reversible. Veneers are not. Consider which approach aligns with how you feel about modifying your teeth permanently.

Your dentist can advise which options are clinically appropriate for your specific case after examining the gap, your bite, and your gum health.

Embracing the Gap

It's worth noting that a diastema is not a defect. Gaps between teeth are a normal anatomical variation. Cultural attitudes toward gaps vary widely, and many people consider them a distinctive feature of their smile.

If your gap is stable, not causing functional problems, and you're comfortable with how it looks, no treatment is needed. A good dentist will tell you that.

At Ivy Dental, we'll always give you an honest assessment. If closing the gap would improve your oral health or function, we'll explain why. If it's a cosmetic choice, we'll lay out the options and let you decide.

Next Steps

If you're considering treatment for a gap between your teeth, the first step is a clinical assessment. We'll examine the gap, take any necessary X-rays, photograph your smile, and walk you through the options that suit your situation.

Book a consultation at Ivy Dental in Everton Park or Nundah, or call (07) 3266 7120. We'll give you a clear picture of what's possible and realistic before you commit to anything.