Gaps Between Teeth (Diastema): Causes and Ways to Close Them

A gap between two teeth — most often the two upper front teeth — is called a diastema. It can appear for several reasons, from a natural mismatch between tooth size and jaw size to a low lip attachment, a missing or unusually small tooth next to the gap, or gum disease that has let teeth drift apart. Depending on the cause and the health of the teeth and gums, a diastema can often be closed with composite bonding, porcelain veneers, or orthodontic treatment such as braces or aligners.

A gap between the teeth is common and is not automatically a dental problem — many people have one and choose to leave it as it is. It becomes worth assessing when it changes over time, when it is linked to drifting teeth or gum disease, or simply when a patient wants it closed for appearance. The right way to close it depends on why it is there: a healthy gap with no other concerns can sometimes be closed with bonding or a veneer alone, while a gap linked to gum disease or drifting teeth usually needs that underlying problem treated first, sometimes alongside orthodontic treatment.

Diastema is the dental term for a visible gap between two teeth, most often the upper central incisors, though a gap can appear anywhere in the mouth. It describes a space rather than a disease in itself — some diastemas are simply how a person's teeth grew in, while others develop later in life. A dentist looks at where the gap is, how wide it is, and whether the surrounding teeth and gums are healthy before recommending whether, and how, to close it.

A gap between the teeth can show itself in more than one way:

If you are not sure why a gap has appeared or whether it is changing, a free online consultation is a simple way to get an initial view — send a photo and our dentists reply with their assessment.

A diastema usually traces back to one of these:

More than one of these can act together, and a dentist checks which applies before recommending an option.

A stable gap that has always been there and causes no discomfort does not need urgent attention. Book an appointment sooner if the gap appears suddenly or keeps widening, if you notice bleeding or swollen gums, if a nearby tooth feels loose, if food regularly gets trapped and is hard to clean out, or if the gap is affecting your confidence and you want to explore your options. A widening gap alongside a loose tooth is worth checking promptly, since together they can point to gum disease affecting the bone that supports the teeth.

The assessment starts with a clinical examination: the dentist looks at the width and location of the gap, checks the gum and bone around it, and checks how the teeth meet when you bite. An X-ray is usually taken where gum disease or bone loss is suspected, or where a tooth next to the gap looks unusually small or is missing beneath the gum.

Our process starts with a free online consultation: send clear photos of the gap and describe any symptoms, and our dentists, led by Dt. Vijdan Aslanoğlu, reply with an initial assessment before you book anything.

Not necessarily. A diastema is not automatically harmful, and many people leave a stable gap untreated, especially when it has never changed and the gums are healthy — leaving a gap alone for cosmetic reasons changes nothing about oral health. It is a different picture when the gap is caused or worsened by gum disease: leaving that unaddressed lets the underlying bone loss continue, which can lead to looser teeth and a wider gap over time. Assessing the cause early keeps more closure options open, including options that avoid more involved treatment later.

A wider gap alongside other concerns about tooth shape or colour is sometimes addressed as part of a broader smile makeover rather than in isolation. On its own, the right way to close a gap depends mainly on its cause and size:

A dentist confirms which of these applies to your gap after an examination.

Real patients

Before and After at Er Dental Clinic

Photos of Er Dental Clinic patients treated for a gap between the teeth. Every case is different — ask us to see veneer cases similar to yours.

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A gap between the teeth is closely linked to the range of veneers and orthodontic options used to close it.

As a general pattern: a small gap in an otherwise healthy mouth is often suited to composite bonding, a gap alongside other shape or colour concerns is often suited to porcelain veneers, and a gap linked to drifting teeth or gum problems needs those issues assessed before any cosmetic option. The width of the gap, the health of the gums, and whether the teeth are otherwise well aligned all affect the final decision, which is why an examination matters more than the size of the gap alone.

When several closure options could apply, the choice often comes down to material and how much of the tooth's shape needs to change. Our dedicated comparison page sets this out in more detail.

At Er Dental Clinic, a gap between the teeth is assessed by Dt. Vijdan Aslanoğlu together with our restorative dentistry team. The process starts with a free online consultation: send photos of the gap and describe any symptoms, and you receive an initial assessment before travelling. At the clinic, a clinical examination and, where needed, an X-ray confirm which option — bonding, a porcelain veneer, orthodontic treatment, or gum treatment first — is realistic for your case, and the proposed plan, materials and cost are set out in writing before treatment begins.

The clinic holds an International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate issued by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health (certificate no. ST-6264), which you can verify on the e-Devlet document verification service at turkiye.gov.tr/saglik-bakanligi-ebys.

Send us a photo of the gap between your teeth on WhatsApp, or through a free online consultation. Our dentists review it and reply with an initial assessment and the closure options that may apply — bonding, veneers or orthodontic treatment — so you can decide with confidence before booking anything. You can also contact us directly with any questions.