How Much Space Should There Be Between My Teeth?
Healthy, natural teeth should have tight contact between teeth with no visible teeth spacing, or gaps, between them. Properly aligned teeth with tight contact points help prevent food bits from becoming trapped in your teeth. A condition called diastema is the result when gaps are larger than 0.5 millimeters (roughly 1/50 of an inch), which is considered noticeable when you smile.
Too much space between your teeth can lead to food buildup and potential gum disease if you do not take good care of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Teeth spacing can form anywhere in your mouth, and gaps can be more noticeable if you happen to have space between your upper front teeth. If you have a large gap, or gaps, and you do not like the way your teeth look, ask your dentist about teeth spacing and your options for closing a gap or reducing its size.
What Causes Teeth Spacing?
Teeth spacing, referred to clinically as diastema, affects both adults and children. It is a condition that can be caused by several factors:
- Teeth and Jawbone Size. In some patients, because of the size of their teeth and jawbone, gaps can form when teeth are too small for the jawbone. As a result, teeth are spaced too far apart.
- Gum Tissue Overgrowth. Diastema can also be an issue if you have tissue overgrowth in the gumline bordering your two upper front teeth. The overgrowth can pull on your front teeth and cause them to separate, leaving a gap.
- Gum Disease. Diastema can also develop from gum disease. Inflammation damages the gums and tissue supporting your teeth, which can lead to gaps, possible loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss.
- Incorrect Swallowing. In older children and adults, diastema can develop from incorrect swallowing. Instead of the tongue being positioned at the roof of the mouth while swallowing, it may push against the front teeth, causing what dentists call tongue thrust, which puts pressure on the front teeth and can cause gaps to form over time.
- Certain Habits. Children who suck their thumb may be vulnerable to gaps forming because the sucking motion puts pressure on the front teeth, causing them to move forward. Gaps sometimes correct once a child’s permanent teeth grow in.
- Genetics. Many people are prone to diastema due to genetics. Family traits you might inherit that can cause teeth spacing include missing teeth, teeth that are too small, and overgrowth in gum tissue between your two front teeth, which can pull on teeth and cause a gap to form.
What are Treatments for Teeth Spacing?
Teeth spacing can be corrected through orthodontic intervention, or a combination of both orthodontic and prosthetic work:
- Braces are an effective method for correcting teeth spacing. Options for treatment with braces include metal, ceramic, and invisible aligners.
- Dental bonding can be used to fully close gaps caused by teeth spacing, especially when gaps are the result of having very small teeth. For dental bonding to be effective, your teeth must be properly positioned before your dentist can begin the bonding procedure. For best results, orthodontic treatment is usually required prior to bonding.
- Veneers are very thin tooth-colored plastic or porcelain shells that fit over your teeth. Your dentist will first remove a small amount of natural tooth material so the veneers can be properly applied.
- Retainers serve as a protective measure after orthodontic treatments. Your orthodontist will recommend either plastic or metal retainers that you will wear at night to prevent teeth spacing from recurring.
- Bonded retainers are another treatment option. Because gaps will reappear if not properly tended to after treatment, your orthodontist may recommend a bonded retainer (glued behind your teeth) to keep aligned teeth in place.
Take Care of Your Gums to Prevent Teeth Spacing
A gap or gaps between your teeth do not always have a negative impact on your overall dental health. But if you notice a new gap or a gap that is changing in size, see your dentist as soon as possible, especially if you also notice red, irritated, and swollen gums; bleeding gums; or a loose tooth or teeth. In addition to treatment for teeth spacing, you will first need treatment for gum disease.
Related Article: Do Spaces Between Teeth Widen with Age?