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Gapped Teeth: Understanding Diastema and How to Close the Gaps
  • General Dentistry

Gapped Teeth: Understanding Diastema and How to Close the Gaps

Written by:Dr. Panteha Bigdeli
Gapped Teeth Hero
October 1, 2025
4 Minutes
5

Gaps between teeth, medically known as diastemas, are a common dental condition that can affect both appearance and oral health. While some people see them as a unique feature, others wish to close them for functional or cosmetic reasons. Modern orthodontics now offers a variety of solutions, from traditional braces to discreet Invisible braces such as Invisalign, each designed to address both the look and function of your smile.

Why Do Gaps Between Teeth Develop?

There are several reasons why gaps appear. Genetics are often involved, with mismatched jaw and tooth sizes creating natural spaces. Childhood habits like thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use can also influence tooth position. In adults, gum disease can weaken the bone supporting the teeth, leading to gradual spacing.


In other cases, missing teeth or bite misalignment cause surrounding teeth to drift. When these conditions are left untreated, gaps can become more pronounced over time, sometimes alongside Crooked Teeth or other alignment concerns.

The Impact on Oral Health

Although gaps may seem harmless, they can contribute to functional issues. Food often becomes trapped in these spaces, increasing the risk of plaque build-up and gum inflammation. Over time, this can raise the likelihood of periodontal problems.


Larger gaps can also affect speech clarity, especially with sounds that require precise contact between the tongue and teeth. Addressing these issues early can help prevent more complex problems later.

Why Do Gaps Between Teeth Develop


Treatment Options for Gapped Teeth

Treatment depends on the size of the gap, its cause, and the patient’s oral health. Common options include:

  • Braces: Effective for both mild and severe spacing, especially when combined with bite correction.
  • Ceramic Braces: Aesthetic fixed braces with tooth-coloured brackets.
  • Invisalign: Clear aligners that gradually close gaps while offering flexibility for eating and cleaning.
  • Dental Bonding or Veneers: Cosmetic solutions for smaller gaps without moving teeth.

Many patients comparing types of braces find that aligners are a better fit for their lifestyle, while fixed appliances are preferred for complex cases.

Comparing Braces and Invisalign for Gapped Teeth

Choosing the right treatment depends on your goals, oral health, and the complexity of your case. Here’s how they compare:

Feature Braces Invisalign
Visibility Metal or ceramic brackets visible during treatment Clear, nearly invisible aligners
Cleaning Requires brushing around brackets and wires Aligners removed for normal brushing and flossing
Comfort May cause irritation from brackets and wires Smooth edges, minimal gum irritation
Treatment Control Effective for all spacing complexities Best for mild to moderate spacing
Dietary Impact Avoid hard and sticky foods No food restrictions, aligners removed when eating

For patients asking How long does Invisalign take, the answer varies by case. Mild spacing might close in just a few months, while more complex gaps may require 12 to 18 months. Braces can have similar timelines but are sometimes faster for severe spacing.

Invisalign for Gapped Teeth


The Benefit of Early Evaluation

Early orthodontic assessment can help prevent worsening gaps. In children, early intervention can guide proper tooth eruption. For adults, starting treatment sooner can avoid gum problems, bone loss, and the progression of Crooked Teeth.

AuraDent’s Expertise in Gapped Teeth Correction

At AuraDent, every treatment plan is customized. Using advanced imaging and planning, our specialists recommend the best approach, whether it’s braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign. The focus is on closing gaps while ensuring a stable, healthy, and long-lasting result.

Take the First Step Towards a Confident Smile

Closing the gaps in your smile is not just about aesthetics, it’s about improving oral health, function, and long-term stability. At AuraDent Dubai, our experienced orthodontists use precision diagnostics and tailored treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcome for each patient.


Whether you are considering Invisible braces, traditional braces, or Invisalign, your journey starts with a detailed consultation. We will assess your case, answer your questions, and explain exactly how we can help.


Book your free consultation today and discover the treatment that will bring you closer to the smile you’ve always wanted. Let your smile become your aura.

FAQs about Gapped Teeth

Gaps, also called diastemas, can result from several factors including genetics, differences between jaw size and tooth size, missing teeth, gum disease that causes bone loss, and childhood habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting. In some cases, a large labial frenum (the tissue between the upper front teeth) can also create spacing.
Although small gaps are sometimes only a cosmetic concern, they can make it easier for food particles to lodge between teeth. This increases the risk of plaque build-up, gum inflammation, and tooth decay. In certain cases, gaps can also influence speech clarity or create an uneven bite, which may affect chewing efficiency.
Invisalign can effectively close many mild to moderate spacing issues by gradually moving teeth into the correct position. However, very large gaps or complex cases involving severe bite misalignment may respond better to other options, such as traditional braces or a combination of orthodontic methods. A thorough assessment is necessary to determine the best approach.
The timeline depends on the size of the gap, the underlying cause, and the chosen treatment method. With Invisalign or braces, smaller gaps can close in as little as 6 months, while larger or more complex spacing can take 12 months or longer to correct.
Yes, there is a risk of gaps reopening if retainers are not worn as advised. After treatment, teeth naturally have a tendency to shift back to their original positions. Wearing retainers as directed by your orthodontist is the only way to ensure the results remain stable over time. 

Dr. Panteha Bigdeli

Dr. Panteha Bigdeli is the Founder and CEO of AuraDent™ and Sweden’s #1 Invisalign® provider. She combines expert dental training with a passion for personalized, cutting-edge orthodontic care.