Aya Khalil💕, [2/9/2025 2:48 AM]<br />Diastema is the clinical term for a gap between teeth. While gaps can develop anywhere in your mouth, diastema is most common between your two front teeth (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24655-teeth)(midline (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24655-teeth) diastema).<br /><br />Aya Khalil💕, [2/9/2025 2:48 AM]<br />There’s only one sign of diastema: A gap between your teeth. If your teeth and gums (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24972-gums)are (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24972-gums) healthy, there usually aren’t any other symptoms.<br />If gum disease caused a gap between your teeth, you may notice pain, redness, swelling or other gum disease symptoms.<br /><br />Aya Khalil💕, [2/9/2025 2:48 AM]<br />Many people are genetically prone to diastema. That’s why the condition sometimes runs in families. This may be caused by:<br /><br />Aya Khalil💕, [2/9/2025 2:48 AM]<br />Missing teeth.<br />Teeth that are too small.<br />An oversized frenum (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/frenum-mouth-frenulum) (the band of connective tissue that connects your lip to your gums).<br />In some cases, diastema may develop because of an abnormal swallowing reflex. For example, your tongue should press against the roof of your mouth when you swallow. However, if you press your tongue against your front teeth instead, the repetitive pressure can cause a gap to form over time.<br />For some people, gaps between their teeth form as a result of advanced gum disease. With this condition, infection erodes your jawbone, causing gaps and loose teeth.<br /><br />Aya Khalil💕, [2/9/2025 2:48 AM]<br />If your teeth are healthy and you simply wish to close the gap between your teeth, there are several cosmetic dental treatments available, including:<br />Dental bonding (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10922-dental-bonding). (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10922-dental-bonding) Your dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin material to conceal the gap. Then, your teeth are shaped and polished for a natural appearance.<br />Porcelain veneers (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers). (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers) These are custom-made ceramic shells that permanently adhere to your front tooth surfaces. They can close down a gap between the teeth for a more uniform look.<br />Braces (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/10899-braces--retainers). (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/10899-braces--retainers) If the gap is large, you may need braces or clear orthodontic aligners to physically move your teeth closer together. (In mild cases, your dentist can usually fix diastema without braces.)<br />Frenectomy (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22714-frenectomy). (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22714-frenectomy) An oral frenum is a band of tissue that connects your lip to your gums. If this piece of tissue is too thick, it can push your teeth apart, creating a gap. A frenectomy releases this band of tissue. In many cases, frenectomy is performed in combination with another cosmetic procedure, such as dental bonding or veneers.<br />Dental bridge (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10921-dental-bridges). (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10921-dental-bridges) If the gap between your teeth is due to a missing tooth, your dentist may recommend a bridge to replace it. To place a bridge, you must have two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth will be altered to serve as anchors for your new restoration.<br />Dental implant (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10903-dental-implants). (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10903-dental-implants) Like a dental bridge, an implant replaces a missing tooth. But with a dental implant, there’s no need to alter the neighboring teeth. An implant is a threaded titanium post that replaces a missing tooth root. Once it’s healed, a dental crown (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns) is used to restore it and close the gap between your teeth.