Say goodbye to gappy teeth

Gap teeth, gappy teeth or diastemas, as they're known medically, refer to the space that appears to be an abnormal gap between teeth. Whilst it's pretty common, with around 25% of people having one, it might be something that requires treatment for either the functional or aesthetic appearance of the teeth and smile. The diastema closes on its own in childhood for many when the permanent, or adult teeth, arrive. The gap is often between the front teeth, but it can also occur between the lower teeth (mandibular jaw).

A midline diastema is the space or gap you see between your central incisors in either the upper or lower jaw. It's pretty common in children and is something that normally resolves during the eruption of adult teeth. In some cases, the gap remains, which is when someone may look for treatment to close it for aesthetic or functional reasons.

Yes, braces and invisible braces can effectively close diastemas. The pressure they exert over time guides the teeth into their optimal position. This is why using a qualified orthodontic company is critical, as your mouth and teeth placement need to be assessed and an appropriate, personalised plan for alignment created for your teeth to straighten and your gap to close without any issues.

Gaps between your teeth don't typically get bigger with age. If you do notice any gum recession or further tooth recession, it could be a sign of gum disease or dental erosion, so we advise you to consult your dentist or orthodontic specialist.

Tooth gaps can be caused by any of a number of causes: genetics, mismatched jaw size, thumb sucking, missing teeth or a frenum that is oversized (the connecting tissue between gums and lips).