Tooth Gap: Causes, Prevention, & Treatments

A tooth gap, also known as a diastema, is an extra space between two or more teeth. It's relatively common, and most people that have it don't have any issues.

However, for some, the gap may be too noticeable and become a nuisance, which is when they decide to remove it for cosmetic reasons. Others might find it inconvenient when chewing food or trying to maintain oral hygiene.

But if you want to consider filling the gap between teeth, it's a good idea to first familiarize yourself with the condition, its causes, prevention, and possible teeth gap treatment options.

With that in mind, let's explore the subject of a tooth gap in more depth below.

Do You Need to Fix a Gap Between Teeth?

The question of whether you should consider teeth gaps filling can be subjective. In fact, before asking the question of how to fix the space between teeth, it might be wise to determine if it’s necessary at all.

In many cases, the gap itself isn't really harmful, with many people considering it a cute and distinguishing feature that they wouldn't want to remove.

But at the same time, there are situations when it might be wise to consider a gappy teeth fix since it can have negative consequences that can impact oral hygiene, tooth decay, difficulty chewing, and even contribute to some diseases.

But perhaps even more importantly, the reasons for fixing a tooth gap should rely on whether it becomes a confidence issue or not. If you are feeling that big gaps in teeth are causing you to feel less confident, want to smile less, or avoid showing your teeth in general, then that's a good enough reason on its own to get the issue resolved as soon as possible.

The best approach you can take is to consult a dental specialist who can look at the gaps between your teeth, evaluating the situation from a health perspective. For instance, in some cases, the gap between teeth can impact chewing and bite, which can cause chipping, a misaligned jaw bite, and many other serious issues.

In some cases, a tooth gap can also become a place prone to bacteria and infections. If that happens, you will be at greater risk of suffering serious health issues, as the bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream, potentially resulting in heart and other organ damage.

What is the Cause of Gaps Between Teeth?

A tooth gap is a fairly common occurrence. And that's because there are many reasons for why it may develop, all of which impact how big the gap is, whether it requires immediate attention and whether it will progress any further.

So, what causes a tooth to gap? Let's explore some of the most common reasons below.

Oversized Frenum

The frenum is the tissue that connects your upper lips to your gums. If it becomes too big, that can cause issues over time, forcing the two front teeth apart and creating a tooth gap. This is a common reason for a gap between front teeth occurring, and the good news is that it's relatively easy to fix if that's the case.

However, many people don't mind the gap created by an oversized frenum, making this one of the more common tooth gap reasons that don't necessarily need to be addressed.

If the patient wants to deal with the issue, a simple procedure can alter or remove the frenum, and then an orthodontist can guide the process of bringing the two separated teeth closer together.

Gum Disease

Another possible reason for diastema is gum disease. Although gum issues don't necessarily cause a tooth gap, if it goes untreated for a long time, that can lead to more severe problems. As the gums constantly form inflammation, they can damage the bone, making the teeth loose.

Over time, as the issue progresses, gaps can form between the teeth, and until the underlying problem is resolved, filling the gap between teeth will not do any good.

Jaw Size

Finally, sometimes the main cause of a tooth gap developing is the size of your jaw. For example, people with bigger jaws might experience teeth gaps more often simply because there's more space for the teeth to move around.

If the teeth are smaller compared to the size of the jaw, there might even be a natural space between the tooth, making it more likely that bigger gaps could form as well.

Sometimes, a tooth gap might even develop later in life, as any misalignment in the bite or jaw could cause them to shift over time because of continuous pressure.

Bad Habits

Sometimes, the reason why a tooth gap may appear overtime is not genetic. A person's habits can also contribute to its development, and even seemingly minor habits can, over time, result in shifts in how the teeth are aligned.

If you suck your thumbs, bite your nails, thrust your tongue between your teeth, these types of habits can contribute to a tooth gap forming. It’s best to be mindful if you are doing them and try to avoid them.

Can You Prevent Diastemas?

When it comes to tooth gaps, the circumstances of how they develop have a significant impact on whether they can be prevented. In some cases, the genetic factors play the biggest role, which means that even if you avoid the negative habits and take care of your teeth, a tooth gap may still appear.

But even though some types of diastemas can't be prevented entirely, there are things you can do to minimize the chance of them happening. 

For instance, by practicing good oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease, which is one of the primary factors contributing to tooth gaps.

But what does a good oral hygiene routine look like?

Well, the first and simplest step is to make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day. Flossing should also be a key part of your daily routine, as it helps prevent debris from getting stuck around your gums and between teeth. This is one of the main reasons why gum infections start in the first place.

At the same time, you should regularly visit your dentist so that they can evaluate the condition of your gums and teeth and make suggestions if you need to consider professional oral hygiene as well.

On top of that, it's crucial to remember the detrimental habits that can cause the tooth gap to appear or return after it's been corrected. Habits such as thumb-sucking should be avoided at all costs, and children whose parents are concerned about diastema should be discouraged from doing them.

How to Fix a Gap Between Teeth?

If you decide that you want to fix your tooth gap, or if it requires attention because of the severity of the gap, there are a few approaches that a dental specialist could recommend to help remedy the situation.

Let's explore them below.

Orthodontic Methods

Sometimes, the best approach to fixing a tooth gap is to reposition them into a more natural alignment, closing the gap in the process. The great thing about orthodontic methods is that there are a variety of safe and non-invasive options, their relative affordability, and consistent results that can be achieved through continual adjustment.

You can use lingual or exterior braces, which both work to slowly close the gap between the teeth, ensuring that the teeth line is even and no gaps are present. Today, there are even more advanced solutions, such as the Inman Aligner, a removable type of brace that offers more discretion and convenience since they don't have to be worn all the time.

Bonding, Veneers, and Crowns

Dental bonding is another growingly popular approach that dramatically reduces the time it takes to see results. Instead of having to wear braces for many months, you can use the dental bonding approach, during which a dental specialist will apply and harden a special resin that will fill the gap and become a natural-looking extension of your teeth.

With just one visit, you can have the tooth gap filled and your teeth looking better. Because of the simplicity of this approach, it's often used when treating a chipped tooth.

If you want a more advanced solution, consider getting a veneer or crown, which is sturdier and also protects parts of the tooth that might have suffered decay.

Surgery

As mentioned before, in the case of an oversized frenum, your dentist may suggest getting surgery to remove the excess tissue, which can often be the root cause of a tooth gap.

In some cases, the gap will close on its own after the surgery is completed. Other times, you may need to consider braces to gradually close it and return the teeth to a proper alignment.

Bottom Line

Many people have tooth gaps. While it's mostly harmless, it can be a nuisance if you don't like how it looks. And in some cases, it might point to a more severe issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

If you want to learn more about the common causes and treatment options for a tooth gap, Gentry Dentistry, a top-rated dentistry in San Francisco, offers a variety of front teeth gap filling solutions. Reach out today, and we'll be happy to guide you through the best options in your situation.