--- title: "Diastema (Gap Teeth) Treatment UK: Braces, Bonding and Costs" url: https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/diastema-gap-teeth-treatment-uk description: "Closing a gap between teeth in the UK with braces, aligners, or composite bonding — causes, treatment options, relapse risk, frenectomy timing." updated: 2026-09-19T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- Diastema Gap Teeth Composite Bonding # Diastema (Gap Teeth) Treatment UK A diastema is a gap between two teeth — most commonly between the upper central incisors. It affects a significant proportion of the UK population and can be treated with orthodontics, composite bonding, or a combination. Understanding the cause determines the best treatment approach and prevents relapse. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Compare Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) ## What is a diastema? A diastema is a space or gap between two adjacent teeth. While it can occur anywhere in the mouth, the most clinically significant and most commonly noticed diastema is the midline diastema — a gap between the upper two central incisor teeth. Small diastemas of 1 to 2 mm are common and, in the absence of any functional problem, may not require treatment. Larger gaps — particularly those over 2 mm — are more noticeable aesthetically and are more frequently the reason patients seek orthodontic or cosmetic dental advice. ## What causes a gap between front teeth? The most common cause of a midline upper diastema is a prominent or low-attaching labial frenum — the band of tissue between the upper lip and the gum between the front teeth. A second major cause is tooth-size discrepancy, sometimes called Bolton discrepancy, where the upper teeth are proportionally smaller than the lower teeth, creating space that cannot be fully closed by tooth movement alone. Hypodontia — congenitally missing teeth — can cause spacing throughout a dental arch. Tongue thrust habits, periodontal disease causing bone loss, and genetics also play roles. ## What are the treatment options for a diastema in the UK? For a frenum-related diastema, orthodontic closure with fixed braces or clear aligners is the primary treatment, followed by a bonded fixed retainer and possibly a frenectomy. For small diastemas of 1 to 2 mm with a good bite, composite bonding — where tooth-coloured resin is applied to the edges of both teeth — can be an effective, quick, and relatively low-cost solution. For moderate diastemas of 2 to 4 mm, composite bonding alone may widen the teeth beyond natural proportions, so orthodontic closure first followed by small composite additions is often the best combined approach. ## When is a frenectomy needed and what is the correct timing? Not all prominent frenula need to be removed. Assessment involves examining how low the frenum attaches and whether a blanch test confirms a problematic attachment. If a frenectomy is required, timing relative to orthodontic treatment matters. The standard approach is to close the diastema orthodontically first and then perform the frenectomy after closure while the teeth are still in a retainer. The scar tissue formed by the frenectomy becomes the retention tissue, helping to hold the teeth in their closed position. ## How high is the relapse risk after diastema closure? Diastemas carry one of the highest relapse risks of any orthodontic tooth movement. The fibres of the periodontal ligament and the supracrestal fibres retain elastic memory and actively pull teeth back towards their original position. Without long-term retention, a closed diastema will commonly reopen within months to years. A bonded fixed retainer — a thin wire cemented to the backs of the upper front teeth — is considered mandatory by most orthodontists following diastema closure. Removable retainers alone provide insufficient protection for midline diastemas. ## What does composite bonding versus orthodontic closure mean for aesthetics? Orthodontic closure physically moves the teeth together, preserving their natural size and shape, and is the more conservative treatment for larger gaps. Composite bonding adds material to the teeth to fill the gap without tooth movement and can produce excellent results for small diastemas. When bonding is used to close a gap, the width-to-length ratio of the affected teeth changes, and if too much resin is added the teeth can look overly wide. Bonding also requires maintenance — composite stains, chips, and may need polishing or replacement every five to ten years. ## What does diastema treatment cost in the UK? Composite bonding to close a small diastema costs approximately £200 to £600 per tooth, so between £400 and £1,200 for the two upper central incisors. Orthodontic treatment to close a larger gap costs £2,000 to £5,000 depending on the type of treatment and practice. A frenectomy adds a further £300 to £700 if required. A bonded fixed retainer following treatment typically costs £150 to £350 and forms part of the retention package at most practices. ## Useful related pages [Retention After Clear Aligners](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/retention-after-clear-aligners-uk) [Tongue Thrust and Orthodontics](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/tongue-thrust-orthodontics-uk) [Composite Bonding After Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/composite-bonding-after-braces-uk) [Missing Lateral Incisors UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/missing-lateral-incisors-orthodontics-uk) [Bolton Discrepancy UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/bolton-discrepancy-orthodontics-uk) This guide is for general information only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for advice from a registered dentist or orthodontist. ### Compare next steps [Orthodontist Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [Clear Aligners Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners-near-me) [Invisalign Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/invisalign-provider-near-me) [Browse Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) ### Ready for a clearer starting point? Upload guided photos and receive an indication of likely treatment options and pricing before booking appointments. [Get an Online Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) ### Frequently Asked Questions Can a gap between teeth be closed without braces? Yes, for small diastemas of 1 to 2 mm. Composite bonding is a common alternative — tooth-coloured resin is shaped onto the edges of the adjacent teeth to fill the gap without any tooth movement. For larger gaps, orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners is usually required to move the teeth together before any cosmetic finishing. The best approach depends on the gap size, the bite, and the overall aesthetics of the smile. Will a gap between front teeth come back after treatment? There is a significant relapse risk for diastemas, particularly midline gaps between the upper front teeth. Fibres in and around the gum actively pull teeth back. A bonded fixed retainer cemented to the back of the teeth is the most effective way to prevent this. Removable retainers alone are not considered reliable enough protection for diastema closure — consistent and permanent retainer wear is essential to maintain the result. Should I have my frenum removed before or after orthodontic treatment? The standard approach is to perform the frenectomy after orthodontic closure, not before. The reason is that the scar tissue formed by the frenectomy becomes the tissue that holds the teeth in their closed position. Performing the frenectomy first can complicate tooth movement and the scar tissue may still be problematic. Not all frenula need to be removed — your orthodontist and oral surgeon will assess whether it is necessary as part of your specific treatment plan. How much does diastema treatment cost in the UK? It depends on the method. Composite bonding for a small gap usually comes to £400 to £1,200 for both upper front teeth, while braces or clear aligners to close a larger gap typically cost £2,000 to £5,000 privately. If a frenectomy is needed it adds around £300 to £700, and a bonded retainer afterwards is usually £150 to £350. NHS closure is only available to under-18s whose overall bite reaches the IOTN threshold, which a simple midline gap often does not. Is composite bonding or braces better for gap teeth? It depends on the size of the gap and the overall bite. Composite bonding is faster, cheaper, and appropriate for small gaps where the bite is good — but it requires maintenance and the teeth are not actually moved. Orthodontic closure preserves natural tooth shape and is better for larger gaps or where other bite issues also need addressing. Many patients benefit from a combination — orthodontic closure followed by composite finishing for ideal aesthetics and natural-looking proportions. Is diastema treatment available on the NHS? NHS orthodontic treatment for a diastema depends on whether the IOTN score reaches the treatment threshold. A simple midline diastema with no other occlusal problems typically scores in IOTN grade 2 or 3, which generally does not qualify for NHS-funded orthodontic treatment. If the diastema is part of a more complex malocclusion, the overall IOTN score may be higher and NHS treatment may be possible for eligible patients under 18. Adults are rarely eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment for a diastema. Explore your options Quick links Not sure where to start? Use these quick links to explore orthodontic treatments, typical costs, and helpful guides that explain what different options involve. Whether you're researching braces or clear aligners, comparing pricing, or just getting a feel for what comes next, you can browse at your own pace and come back when you're ready to request a quote. 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Upload guided photos and get a tailored recommendation for your teeth and bite. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Find an Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) Citation details Title Diastema (Gap Teeth) Treatment UK: Braces, Bonding and Costs Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2024-06-01 Updated 2026-09-19 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/diastema-gap-teeth-treatment-uk](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/diastema-gap-teeth-treatment-uk)