A gap between teeth (diastema) is caused by genetics, tooth size, a large labial frenulum, or habits like thumb sucking.
Name
Diastema.
Causes
- Genetics and jaw size.
- Small teeth relative to the jaw.
- A large labial frenulum.
- Gum disease.
- Missing teeth.
- Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
Is it a problem
Usually only cosmetic.
Treatment
Braces, bonding, veneers or frenectomy.
Children
Common gaps close as adult teeth come in.
See a dentist
If gaps appear suddenly in adults, as it may signal gum disease.
Name and common causes
A gap between the front teeth is a diastema. It is common in children, with about 98 percent of 6-year-olds having a gap that often closes when permanent canines erupt. In adults, about 1.6 to 25 percent are reported depending on the population studied.
- Causes include a large labial frenum (tissue between the upper lip and gum) that extends between teeth, teeth smaller than the jaw, missing or small lateral incisors, gum disease that shifts teeth, thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
- Genetics strongly influence the pattern.
- Some cultures consider gaps lucky or attractive.
Treatment
Gaps are often only cosmetic. Options are braces or clear aligners (typically 6 to 24 months), bonding, veneers or a frenectomy. Retainers prevent relapse. See a dentist if gaps appear suddenly in adults, since they may indicate gum disease, and for children if the gap persists after permanent teeth come in around ages 11 to 13.
Name and common causes
A gap between teeth is a diastema, most often between the upper front teeth. Causes include a large labial frenum, tooth size mismatch, gum disease and habits like thumb sucking.
Treatment
Options include braces, bonding, veneers or frenectomy. Some gaps are normal in children.
Why gaps form
A gap between the front teeth is called a diastema. It affects about 1.6 to 25 percent of people depending on population and age, and is common in children until the permanent canines come in. Causes include a large labial frenum, a tooth size mismatch with the jaw, missing or small lateral incisors, gum disease, thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
Treatment options
Options include orthodontics (braces or clear aligners), composite bonding costing about 300 to 600 USD per tooth, veneers at around 900 to 2500 USD per tooth, and a frenectomy for a thick frenum. Gum disease should be treated first because loose, shifting teeth can create new gaps. A retainer prevents relapse. Many people keep the gap with no health problems, and in some cultures it is seen as a mark of beauty.
Based on data from the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists
