For some, gaps in teeth can be iconic, as with Michael Strahan and Lauren Hutton. For others, a small gap in the front teeth can cause a gap in self-confidence as well. Here are nine approaches for how to close a small gap in front teeth.
What causes a gap in front teeth?
Also referred to as diastema, small gaps in a child’s teeth are normal as baby teeth fall out to make way for adult teeth.
In general, your adult teeth fill these gaps. For adults, or children with gaps that do not close, there are a number of other causes.
Teeth and jawbone do not match
It is hard to believe, but small gaps may occur if your teeth and jawbone are not properly sized to each other.
This is not a condition that you can prevent. It just exists when you are born. If your teeth are small and your jawbone is proportionally larger than it needs to be, your body will create gaps between teeth to create a larger chewing surface.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a largely preventable cause of diastema that can weaken a tooth’s grip in the jawbone, making it prone to movement.
Large labial frenum
The labial frenum is a small bit of skin that connects the upper lip to the gum. This skin can continue to grow and create a gap between the front teeth.
Missing or undersized teeth
If a tooth is missing, the remaining teeth will naturally shift around to create the most even distribution of teeth in the mouth. This can cause gaps throughout the mouth.
Genetics
There are also some genetic conditions that can cause diastema. These include:
- Acromegaly: Caused by an excess of growth hormone in childhood
- Ellis-van Creveld syndrome: Occurs when defects appear on two specific genes
- Morquio syndrome: Contributes to abnormal bone development
- Sanfilippo syndrome: A metabolic disorder that can cause diastema and other disorders
Bad habits
Thumb sucking that persists past childhood and a reflexive action called tongue thrusting can cause gaps in teeth. Both of these bad habits can cause a Class 2 malocclusion where the top teeth thrust forward. Small gaps can form in the front teeth.
If the tooth gap is small, it may be tempting to ignore it. Do not give in to this temptation. While the gap itself is not harmful, the shifts it can cause in your bite could be. If you wait to address a small gap, it could grow larger or contribute to the development of more gaps in other areas in the mouth.
How to close teeth gaps naturally
Knowing how to close teeth gaps naturally can save a lot of time and money. Always talk to your dentist before attempting any of these options.
Teeth gap bands
Teeth gap bands are growing in popularity, largely because of the affordable, do-it-yourself nature of this approach. Essentially, teeth gap bands are small rubber bands that are slipped around the two teeth that flank the gap.
Worn at night, most people with a gap of less than 3.5 millimeters will see a noticeable difference in as little as one week (with larger gaps closing in three to six months). The gap bands are applied as needed if the gap begins to reappear.
This approach to closing teeth gaps naturally should still be supervised by a dentist. It is not recommended for gaps larger than 3.5 millimeters, or for teeth that are twisted or otherwise misaligned.
Invisalign
Invisalign also requires dental supervision and fitting but is less invasive than other approaches to close teeth gaps. Small plastic Invisalign trays fit snugly onto teeth and move them gradually towards closing the gap. Your dentist will fit you for the trays (also referred to as aligners) and monitor your teeth’s progress. You’ll wear Invisalign trays all day and night, removing them only to eat brush teeth.
Adult patients who have multiple gaps may appreciate this more subtle approach to closing their gaps.
How to close small gaps in front teeth with your dentist
For larger gaps, you may need to consider methods that are more interventional.
Bonding
Dental bonding uses composite resin to create a slightly larger tooth shape that attaches to the existing teeth with a dental resin.
Of the more interventional approaches, this one is the least invasive and most affordable, but dental bonding is temporary and does not address any underlying issues that caused the gap.
Traditional braces
For widespread gaps or gaps in children’s teeth, traditional braces are one of the most common approaches.
Insurance generally covers traditional braces, with the treatment often followed with a retainer to protect the corrected bite over time.
Crowns and veneers
Both crowns and veneers are an option when the gap is larger than 3.5 millimeters. Crowns are created to fit over an existing tooth (or prepared tooth surface), and veneers are attached to the front of a tooth. Both can be made slightly larger to close the gap.
Dental implants
Dental implants replace a missing tooth by attaching an artificial tooth to the jawbone itself by way of metal implant. This permanent, sturdy fix can also improve the health of the jawbone.
Dental bridges
A bridge is used when the gap is substantial, perhaps spanning the length of two or more teeth. Dental bridges can be implant-supported, attaching to the jawbone, or they can be attached to teeth on either side of the gap.
Surgery
If an oversized labial frenum is the issue, a simple surgical procedure caused a frenectomy removes the tissue and allows the gap to close.
In very rare cases, an oversized jawbone may make closing gaps in teeth impossible. Removing small parts of the jawbone can help.
AZ Dentist is a Phoenix area cosmetic dentist with lots of options for how to close a small gap in your front teeth. Give us a call to get started!
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