--- title: "Gaps in Teeth UK: Diastema Causes & Treatment Options" url: https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/gaps-in-teeth description: "Gaps in teeth (diastema) come from tooth size, a large frenum, missing teeth or gum disease. Compare aligners, braces, bonding and veneers to close them." updated: 2026-10-15T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- # Gaps in Teeth (Diastema): Causes and Treatment Options Why gaps between teeth form, and every option for closing them: orthodontic treatment such as [clear aligners](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners) or [braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces), cosmetic bonding or veneers, frenectomy, and options when a tooth is missing. The right choice depends on the cause and spacing pattern. ## Signs your teeth may have spacing A visible gap between two teeth Multiple small spaces across the smile Food trapping between teeth when eating Teeth that appear slightly separated or spaced apart ## What does a gap in teeth mean? A gap between teeth — sometimes called a diastema — is a visible space that can appear between the front teeth or between several teeth across the smile, and it is often treatable with braces or aligners. Spacing can be purely cosmetic, or linked to tooth size, bite relationship, missing teeth, or gum support. Understanding why the gap formed helps orthodontists plan stable treatment. ## What causes gaps in teeth? **Natural spacing:** teeth may be smaller relative to the jaw size. **Tooth shape:** triangular teeth can leave spaces near the gumline. **Missing teeth:** neighbouring teeth may drift creating gaps. **Bite relationship:** the way teeth meet can influence spacing. **A prominent frenum:** a thick band of tissue between the upper lip and gum can hold the front teeth apart. **Habits:** thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can push front teeth forward and apart. **Gum disease:** loss of supporting bone lets teeth drift and fan out, so gum health must be stable before any gap is closed. ## Conditions often related to spacing Gaps can sometimes appear alongside other alignment patterns. Looking at the full bite helps determine the most suitable treatment. **Crooked teeth** Teeth may rotate or sit out of line alongside spacing. [Learn about crooked teeth →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crooked-teeth) **Crowded teeth** Some smiles have both crowding and spacing in different areas. [Learn about crowded teeth →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crowded-teeth) **Open bite** Bite patterns can influence spacing stability. [Learn about open bite →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/open-bite) **Relapse after braces** Gaps can reopen without long-term retention. [Learn about relapse →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/relapse-after-braces) ## What treatments close gaps in teeth? Orthodontic treatment usually closes gaps by guiding teeth gradually together while maintaining bite balance. **Clear aligners:** often suitable for mild-to-moderate spacing. [Clear Aligners Overview](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners) **Braces:** useful when multiple spaces or bite adjustments are involved. [Braces Overview](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces) [Closing gaps with braces: timeline and retention](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/braces-for-gaps-in-teeth) **Composite bonding or veneers:** can disguise a small gap between the front teeth by widening the teeth rather than moving them. Best for minimal gaps with no other misalignment. **Frenectomy:** a minor procedure to release a prominent frenum, usually done after orthodontic closure of a front gap to help it stay closed. **Missing tooth gaps:** orthodontics can close the space or reposition teeth so an implant or bridge fits correctly, planned with a restorative dentist. Check Your Spacing Upload guided photos to understand whether the gap is isolated or part of wider spacing. A clinician reviews the assessment before treatment options are suggested. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) Related Problems [All Problems](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) [Crooked teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crooked-teeth) [Crowded teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crowded-teeth) [Crowded teeth treatment cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crowded-teeth-treatment-cost) [Gaps in teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/gaps-in-teeth) [Gaps in teeth treatment cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/gaps-in-teeth-treatment-cost) [Overbite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/overbite) [Overbite treatment cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/overbite-treatment-cost) [Underbite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/underbite) [Underbite treatment options](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/underbite-treatment-options) [Crossbite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crossbite) [Crossbite treatment options](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crossbite-treatment-options) [Open bite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/open-bite) [Teeth sticking out](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/teeth-sticking-out) [One tooth out of line](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/one-tooth-out-of-line) [Relapse after braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/relapse-after-braces) [Retainer does not fit](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/retainer-does-not-fit) [Clear aligner not fitting](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/clear-aligner-not-fitting) [Missing teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/missing-teeth) [Teeth straightening for adults](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/teeth-straightening-adults) [See your future smile](https://virtualconsultant.online/tools/smile-visualisation) [All Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) [Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces) [Adult braces near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/adult-orthodontist-near-me) [Clear braces near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces-near-me) [Emergency orthodontist near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/emergency-orthodontist-near-me) [Clear Aligners](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners) [Ceramic Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/ceramic-braces) [Lingual Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/lingual-braces) [Invisible Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/invisible-braces) [Retainers](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/retainers) [Retainers near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/retainers-near-me) [Replacement retainers](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/replacement-retainers) [Do You Need Braces?](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/do-you-need-braces) [How Long Do Braces Take?](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/how-long-do-braces-take) [Braces for Adults](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/braces-for-adults) [Orthodontic Quote Online](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-quote-without-visiting) [Adult braces UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/adult-orthodontics-uk) [Am I suitable for clear aligners?](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/am-i-suitable-for-clear-aligners) [How to compare orthodontists](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/how-to-compare-orthodontists) [Lost or broken retainer](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/lost-or-broken-retainer) [Fixed vs removable retainers](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/fixed-vs-removable-retainers) [Broken braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/broken-braces) [Loose bracket](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/loose-bracket) [Orthodontic emergency advice](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-emergency-advice) [IOTN Score Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [NHS Eligibility Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [Braces Cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/braces-cost) [Braces cost near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/cheap-braces-near-me) [Clear aligners cost near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners-near-me) [How to take orthodontic photos](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/process/how-to-take-orthodontic-photos) [Browse Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) ### Frequently asked questions Can gaps close naturally? Most gaps in adult teeth will not close on their own. The exception is some spacing in children's primary teeth, which may reduce as adult teeth erupt. In adults, teeth naturally drift over time but this rarely closes gaps predictably or in a way that improves alignment. Orthodontic treatment is needed to close gaps deliberately and stably, followed by long-term retention to prevent them reopening. Do gaps come back after treatment? Gaps have a particular tendency to reopen if retainers are not worn consistently after treatment. This is especially true for diastemas — gaps between the upper front teeth — where the frenum (the soft tissue band above the gap) can also contribute to reopening. A fixed bonded retainer behind the front teeth provides passive long-term retention. Removable retainers worn nightly are also essential to maintain the closed position. Are aligners good for closing gaps? Clear aligners are well suited to closing gaps, particularly single spaces or general mild-to-moderate spacing across the arch. They can move teeth predictably into contact, and the force required to close spaces is within the reliable range of modern aligner systems. Very large spaces, or cases involving bite correction alongside gap closure, may still be better managed with fixed braces, depending on the overall treatment plan. Why do I have a gap between my front teeth? A gap between the front teeth — called a diastema — can have several causes. Natural tooth size variation, where teeth are smaller relative to the jaw, is common. A thick upper frenum (the tissue between the front teeth and the upper lip) can physically prevent front teeth from meeting. Missing or reduced lateral incisors can also leave space. Some gaps are genetic; others develop due to tongue posture habits or previous tooth loss elsewhere in the arch. How long does closing a gap in teeth take? Treatment time depends on the size of the gap and whether the bite also needs adjusting. Small gaps with aligners may close in 6–12 months. More complex spacing involving the bite, multiple gaps, or missing teeth management can take 12–24 months. A clinician can estimate time after a clinical assessment. Will I need a retainer after gap closure? Yes — retainers are essential after any gap closure treatment. Gaps have a particular tendency to reopen if retainers are not worn consistently after treatment. A fixed bonded retainer behind the upper front teeth is often recommended specifically for diastema closure to provide long-term passive retention. Does NHS treatment cover gaps in teeth? NHS orthodontic treatment for under-18s can cover gaps in teeth when the spacing is clinically significant and meets the IOTN grade 4 or 5 threshold. Spacing that causes bite problems or is related to missing or extra teeth is more likely to qualify. Pure cosmetic diastemas — where the only concern is the appearance of a gap between the front teeth — may not reach the NHS threshold and would need to be treated privately. Your dentist can assess the spacing pattern, score it using IOTN criteria, and make a referral if appropriate. ## Treatment Costs — What to Expect in the UK Costs below are rough guidance only and vary between practices. This page contains general information, not clinical advice or a diagnosis. Clear Aligners ### £1,500–£3,500 Private treatment. Range depends on complexity, brand, and number of aligners required. [Clear Aligner Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/clear-aligners-cost) Braces ### £1,500–£3,500 Private treatment. Metal, ceramic, and lingual braces vary in price. Complexity affects duration and cost. [Braces Cost Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/braces-cost) --- NHS Orthodontic Treatment NHS treatment for gaps is available to under-18s in England if the gap affects bite or function and meets the IOTN threshold. Gaps treated for cosmetic reasons alone are typically private. NHS orthodontic treatment is free at the point of care for eligible patients. Adults are generally treated privately in the UK. [Check NHS Eligibility](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) Understanding Tooth Spacing ### How Gaps Are Usually Closed Orthodontic treatment begins by understanding why spacing has developed. Once the cause is clear, teeth can be guided gradually into better contact. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) Takes about 5 minutes • No obligation 1. Understand the spacing pattern Spacing pattern is evaluated. 2. Choose the treatment Treatment depends on spacing pattern. 3. Guide teeth together Spaces close gradually. 4. Maintain stability Retainers maintain results. Treatments [Explore](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) Problems [Explore](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) Costs [Explore](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) 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. Explore [Get Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) [Browse Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) [Teeth Straightening](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/teeth-straightening) [Browse Problems](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) [Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) [Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [NHS Eligibility Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [IOTN Score Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [How To Take Orthodontic Photos](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/process/how-to-take-orthodontic-photos) [Online Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/online-orthodontist-uk) [Research Papers](https://virtualconsultant.online/research) [Social Channels](https://virtualconsultant.online/social) ## Want to see if gaps in teeth can be treated? A guided photo assessment can show whether your alignment looks like crowding, relapse after braces, or a bite pattern that orthodontic treatment could improve. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Explore Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) Takes about 5 minutes No obligation Citation details Title Gaps in Teeth UK: Diastema Causes & Treatment Options Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2024-06-01 Updated 2026-10-15 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/problems/gaps-in-teeth](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/problems/gaps-in-teeth)