The gap between teeth is a phenomenon that many consider a charming individual feature of a smile, but dentists warn: in some cases, such a gap can affect oral health and require specialist attention. We explore when diastema is harmless and when it warrants a visit to an orthodontist.
What is the Gap Between Teeth
The space between teeth, most commonly between two upper incisors, is referred to in dentistry as a diastema. It can be small — only 1–2 mm, or significant — up to 10 mm or more. This phenomenon is widespread and occurs in approximately 8–20% of people across different age groups.
The gap can appear in both children and adults. In young children, diastema often disappears on its own after the transition from primary to permanent teeth, while in adults, it is more often due to genetics, tooth size, or the position of soft tissues (for example, the labial frenum).
Why Does It Form
Main Causes of Diastema:
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Heredity — genetically determined wide jaw shape or small teeth.
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Soft tissue anomalies — especially a low-attached frenum of the upper lip, preventing the teeth from closing.
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Harmful habits and functions — prolonged thumb sucking or incorrect tongue position during swallowing.
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Periodontal changes — in rare cases, wide gaps arise due to gum diseases and loss of bone tissue.
When the Gap is a “Feature”
If the gap is small, does not increase over time, does not cause pain, does not interfere with tooth cleaning, and does not affect speech, doctors consider it a variation of normal. Many people turn diastema into a characteristic part of their appearance — as actresses and musicians have done, incorporating it into their image.
Dentists note that the aesthetic aspect is a personal choice: if a person is satisfied with their smile and experiences no discomfort, correction is not necessary.
When There is a Health Risk
Although diastema itself is not always dangerous, there are situations that require attention:
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Hygiene difficulties: gaps between teeth are more likely to collect food debris and plaque, increasing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation.
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Speech problems: for some people, the gap may affect the pronunciation of certain sounds.
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Discomfort while chewing: especially if diastema is combined with an improper bite.
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Aesthetic and psycho-emotional factors: for some individuals, the gap may cause complexes, reduced self-confidence, and avoidance of smiling.
How the Issue is Resolved
Modern dentistry offers several safe methods for correcting diastema:
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Orthodontic systems (braces, aligners) — move teeth into the desired position.
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Veneers and composite restorations — close the gap for aesthetic purposes.
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Surgical correction of the frenum — if it prevents the natural closure of the incisors.
The decision on the necessity of treatment is made individually, taking into account the size of the gap, the condition of the teeth, and the patient's wishes.
