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Conditions · Children, teens & adults
Gaps Between Teeth (Diastema): When to Treat and How
Gaps between teeth, called diastemas, are spaces between two or more teeth, most often the upper front teeth. In young children a front-tooth gap is often a normal stage that narrows as the canines come in. For teens and adults, Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee at Yonsei Baro, Isu Station, finds the cause before closing the space.
Gaps between teeth at a glance
| Question | In brief |
|---|---|
| What it is | A space between two or more teeth; a single gap between the upper front teeth is called a midline diastema |
| Common causes | Small or missing teeth, an extra tooth, thumb sucking or tongue thrust, a prominent lip frenum, gum disease in adults |
| Usually noticed | Ages 6–10, when a front-tooth gap is often normal; in adults, sometimes as a new gap appearing |
| How it’s assessed | Digital scan to measure tooth sizes, X-ray or 3D CT for missing or extra teeth and bone levels, gum check, smile and face analysis |
| Treatment options | Braces or clear aligners; orthodontics combined with veneers or implants when teeth are small or missing |
| Typical approach: children | Usually watch and wait until the upper canines erupt, unless an extra tooth, a missing tooth or a habit is involved |
| Typical approach: adults | Gums checked and stable first; then braces or aligners, with a fixed retainer often advised to stop the gap reopening |
Is a gap between my child’s front teeth normal?
Very often, yes. When the upper front adult teeth first come in, usually between about 7 and 9, they commonly fan out with a gap between them. This is sometimes called the “ugly duckling” stage. The developing canines sit high above the roots of the front teeth and push them apart; as the canines come down, typically around ages 11 to 12, the gap usually narrows or closes by itself.
It is worth an orthodontic check if the gap is very wide, if it remains after the canines have erupted, or if adult teeth seem to be missing. An X-ray can show whether an extra or missing tooth is the real cause. Our guide on when a child should see an orthodontist lists other signs to look for.
What causes gaps between teeth?
A gap is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Common causes include:
- Tooth-size mismatch: teeth that are small for the jaw, or narrow, peg-shaped upper side teeth
- Missing teeth: some people are born without one or more adult teeth
- An extra tooth developing between the upper front teeth and keeping them apart
- Habits: long-term thumb sucking or a tongue that pushes forward can tip front teeth outward. See habit and functional appliances
- A prominent frenum: the band of tissue between the upper lip and gum can contribute to a midline gap
- Gum disease: in adults, loss of bone support can let front teeth drift and spread
How are gaps between teeth closed?
When teeth are a normal size, Invisalign or other aligners, or braces , can move them together; braces may be preferred when gaps come with a larger bite problem.
When teeth are small or missing, closing every space can leave teeth looking too narrow or tipped. Dr. Lee may instead move teeth so the space is shared out evenly, then plan restorations with your dentist. Read about orthodontics before implants and crowns and minimal-prep veneers .
Can just one gap be closed?
Sometimes. Limited treatment of the front teeth is an option only after Dr. Lee has confirmed it won’t upset how the rest of the teeth meet.
How Dr. Lee assesses gaps
A digital scan lets Dr. Lee compare tooth widths, showing whether the gap comes from small teeth or from tooth position. X-rays or a RAY Quantum 5D CT scan reveal missing or extra teeth, roots and bone levels, and a RAY Face scan helps plan front-tooth proportions against the lips and face. Any gum disease needs to be stable before teeth are moved.
Will the gap come back after treatment?
Gaps, especially between the upper front teeth, have a known tendency to reopen. For this reason Dr. Lee often recommends a thin fixed retainer bonded behind the front teeth as well as a removable one. See retainers after orthodontic treatment .
Gaps between teeth FAQs
At what age should a front-tooth gap close by itself?
A gap between the upper front teeth commonly narrows as the permanent upper canines come in, typically around ages 11 to 12. If a wide gap is still present after the canines have erupted, it is unlikely to close on its own. An earlier check makes sense if the gap is unusually large or teeth seem to be missing.
Could my child’s gap be caused by an extra tooth?
Occasionally. An extra tooth can develop between the roots of the upper front teeth and hold them apart, sometimes without ever coming through the gum. It can only be confirmed with an X-ray or CT scan. If one is found, the timing of any removal is planned around the child’s growth and nearby teeth.
Does the tissue under my upper lip need to be cut to close a gap?
Not usually. A prominent frenum can contribute to a midline gap, but many gaps close and stay closed with orthodontics and a good retainer alone. Any decision about minor gum surgery is normally made after the gap has been closed. If it were ever needed, we would refer you to an appropriate specialist.
Why has a new gap appeared between my teeth as an adult?
New gaps in adults can come from gum disease and bone loss, a missing or recently extracted tooth, or tongue pressure. Because gum health affects whether teeth can be moved safely, the first step is a gum assessment by your dentist or a gum specialist. Orthodontic treatment follows once the gums are stable.
Is bonding or a veneer a better way to close a small gap?
It depends on the cause. When teeth are naturally small, bonding or veneers can close a gap in fewer visits. When teeth are a normal size but spaced out, orthodontics moves them together and keeps natural enamel. Dr. Lee can explain which applies to you, or how the two might be combined.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, DDS, PhD
Board-certified orthodontist (Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare) · Adjunct Professor of Orthodontics, Yonsei University · Last updated October 2026
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Treatment results and duration vary from person to person. Orthodontic treatment can cause temporary discomfort and, in some cases, root shortening, gum recession or tooth decay if oral hygiene is poor; teeth can relapse if retainers are not worn as instructed.
Wondering whether a gap needs treatment?
Book an examination for yourself or your child. Dr. Lee will look for the cause and explain, in English, whether to treat now, later or not at all. Isu Station Exit 2 · Open until 9 PM Mon & Thu · Saturdays 9 AM–2 PM.