If you have a noticeable space between your two front teeth—or anywhere else in your smile—you may have what’s known as a diastema. While some people embrace this natural feature as part of their unique charm, others may feel self-conscious and want to explore ways to close the gap.
The good news is that cosmetic dentistry offers several effective treatments to help create a more even, confident smile.
What Is a Diastema?
A diastema is the medical term for a gap or space between teeth, most often seen between the two upper front teeth. These gaps can range in size and may appear in both children and adults.
For children, a diastema often develops as baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in. In many cases, these gaps close naturally as more adult teeth erupt. In adults, however, a diastema may be caused by several factors, including:
- Differences between tooth and jaw size
- Missing or undersized teeth
- Gum disease or inflammation that affects tooth alignment
- Habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting
- A thick or oversized labial frenum (the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums)
While diastemas aren’t typically harmful on their own, they can sometimes be a sign of underlying dental issues that need attention—especially if the gap is widening or caused by gum problems.
Cosmetic Dental Treatments for a Diastema
If you’d like to close a diastema, your cosmetic dentist can recommend treatment options that best fit your smile goals and oral health. Depending on the size of the gap and its underlying cause, one or more of the following treatments may be suggested:
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to close small gaps. During the procedure, your dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the sides of the affected teeth, shaping it to fill in the space. The material is then hardened with a special light, leaving a natural-looking result that blends seamlessly with your smile.
Bonding typically takes just one appointment and requires little to no enamel removal, making it a quick and comfortable solution.
Porcelain Veneers
For larger gaps or patients looking for a more dramatic transformation, porcelain veneers may be recommended. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that fit over the front surfaces of your teeth to enhance their shape, size, and color.
By slightly widening the teeth on either side of the gap, veneers can create a balanced, symmetrical look while also improving the overall brightness of your smile.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
If your diastema is caused by tooth misalignment or spacing issues throughout your mouth, Invisalign may be the best long-term solution. These clear, removable aligners gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions without the need for metal braces.
Closing the gap with Invisalign can improve not just aesthetics, but also bite alignment and oral health.
Choosing the Right Option
Every smile is unique, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for treating a diastema. During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate the size and cause of your gap and recommend a personalized plan to help you achieve your ideal results.
With today’s cosmetic dentistry advancements, achieving a balanced, confident smile has never been easier.
About the Practice
At Sound Dentistry of New Bedford, our experienced team provides personalized cosmetic and restorative dental care tailored to every patient’s needs. From natural-looking bonding and porcelain veneers to discreet Invisalign aligners, we offer a full range of treatments to enhance both the beauty and health of your smile.
Call us at (508) 321-7874 or request an appointment online.