Correcting excessive spacing

Diastema (for us professionals), or simply spaced or gap teeth is when you have one or
more gaps between your teeth.

Pretty much everybody does when they are young children, as the adult teeth need that
extra space when they come through, and many adults – including a number of
celebrities – feel it’s just something that makes their smile special.

For other people, particularly people with multiple gaps, small teeth, or even missing
teeth, this can lead to them feeling embarrassed about their smile rather than proud of
it.

Why do I have excessive

spacing?
A noticeable gap or gaps can be caused by hereditary issues such as a larger jawbone
or smaller teeth, excess tissue between the teeth and gums, missing teeth, and it can
also be an indicator of Periodontitis – a chronic gum disease.

How do you correct excessive

spacing?
Children and Adolescents

It’s important that your orthodontist is made aware of this issue so that they can monitor
it during childhood. Often the teeth will close up by themselves but if any teeth start to
grow out of alignment or position this can be picked up early and treated with simple
non surgical systems such as braces.

Adults

To correct excessive spacing in adults, invisible braces or clear aligners can work very
well. If the spacing is due to small teeth then veneers or crowns may be necessary, and
bridges implants and partial dentures can be used for missing teeth.