A diastema is not always a problem on its own, but in some cases, it may be linked to bite alignment issues, gum health, or habits that influence how the teeth and jaw work together. Understanding the cause of the gap is an important first step in deciding whether treatment is necessary.

At Oasis Dental Studio, our dentists can assess what may be contributing to your diastema and discuss treatment options based on your dental function and overall oral health. You can visit us in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, or Pottsville for a personalised consultation.

What Is Diastema?

A diastema refers to a space between two adjacent teeth that is wider than normal. While small gaps can be harmless, larger spaces may affect how your bite functions or how your gums fit between your teeth.

The gap can appear between any teeth – including front or back – and may affect one or both dental arches. Some diastemas are temporary, especially in children as their adult teeth come through, while others persist into adulthood due to structural or behavioural causes.

Common Causes of Diastema

There are several potential reasons why a teeth gap can develop or remain over time. Identifying the underlying cause helps your dentist recommend the most appropriate treatment or management plan.

Tooth Size and Jaw Alignment

One of the most common reasons for a diastema is a difference between the size of the teeth and the size of the jaw. When teeth are smaller in proportion to the jawbone, there may be extra space between them. In some cases, this occurs naturally due to genetics, while in others, it may be related to tooth development.

Gum (Frenum) Attachment

A thick or low-positioned labial frenum – the tissue connecting your upper lip to your gums – can sometimes extend too far down between the front teeth. This tissue can prevent the teeth from coming together, resulting in a gap. If this is the cause, your dentist may recommend a minor procedure called a frenectomy to allow the teeth to move closer together if needed.

Missing Teeth or Tooth Loss

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can gradually drift or tilt into the open space, causing gaps to appear between other teeth. This often happens over time and may also affect bite function, depending on where the missing tooth is located.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Gum disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth, weakening their support and allowing them to shift slightly. When this happens, gaps can appear, especially between the front teeth. In these cases, addressing the gum disease first is essential before considering any orthodontic or restorative treatment.

Habits and Muscle Function

Certain oral habits, such as thumb sucking, prolonged use of a dummy or bottle during childhood, or tongue thrusting (pressing the tongue against the front teeth while swallowing), can cause teeth to move apart over time. These habits can also influence how the bite develops and how pressure is distributed across the jaw.

Orthodontic Relapse

Sometimes, gaps reappear after orthodontic treatment if retainers are not worn as directed. Teeth can gradually shift back toward their original positions, leading to spacing between them once again.

At Oasis Dental Studio, we assess all possible contributing factors – from bite alignment to soft tissue positioning – before suggesting treatment for diastema.

Types of Diastema

Diastemas can vary in size, location, and cause. Understanding the type of diastema helps guide treatment planning.

Midline Diastema

This is the most common type and occurs between the two upper front teeth (central incisors). It can be related to frenum attachment, tooth size differences, or mild jaw discrepancies.

Generalised Diastema

When gaps appear between several teeth rather than just one space, it may be due to overall spacing issues in the dental arch. This often indicates that the teeth are smaller or the jaw is slightly larger, leading to multiple spaces throughout the mouth.

Localised Diastema

A localised diastema affects a specific area, often linked to missing teeth, misalignment, or habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.

Each type of diastema requires a slightly different approach, depending on whether it affects bite function, speech, or gum health.

Possible Concerns Linked to Diastema

While a teeth gap itself may not always be problematic, certain cases can affect how your teeth and jaw function. These issues can include:

Food trapping: Gaps can make it easier for food particles to become lodged between teeth, increasing the risk of decay or gum irritation.

Gum health: Spaces between teeth can alter how the gums sit, sometimes leading to localised inflammation or difficulty cleaning between teeth.

Bite imbalance: If the spacing affects how the upper and lower teeth meet, it can cause uneven pressure on the jaw joints or surrounding teeth.

Tooth movement: Over time, gaps can change or widen, particularly if gum disease or missing teeth are involved.

Identifying and managing these functional aspects is important, even when appearance is not a concern.

When to See a Dentist

If you’ve noticed a new or widening teeth gap, it’s a good idea to have it assessed, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as gum bleeding, shifting teeth, or discomfort when biting.

You should consider booking an appointment at Oasis Dental Studio in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, or Pottsville if:

The gap between your teeth has increased over time
You have signs of gum disease (such as swelling, bleeding, or bad breath)
You’re missing one or more teeth and notice movement in the surrounding teeth
You’ve had orthodontic treatment before and the gap has returned
You experience food trapping or difficulty cleaning certain areas

Our dentists can help identify whether the diastema is related to natural spacing or an underlying dental condition that needs attention.

Diagnosing Diastema

Diagnosis usually involves a combination of visual assessment, dental imaging, and evaluation of bite function. During your appointment, your dentist will:

Examine the position and spacing of your teeth
Check for signs of gum disease or bone loss
Evaluate your bite alignment and jaw function
Take X-rays or digital scans to assess the underlying bone structure

If a frenum attachment or habit-related cause is suspected, your dentist may recommend additional assessments or referrals to specialists such as an orthodontist or periodontist.

At Oasis Dental Studio, we use digital scanning and imaging to get a clear understanding of the cause behind each diastema. This helps ensure that any treatment provided addresses the root issue rather than just closing the gap itself.

Treatment Options for Diastema

Not all diastemas require treatment, particularly if they don’t interfere with oral health or function. However, if the gap causes issues with cleaning, speech, or bite alignment, there are several ways your dentist can help.

Orthodontic Treatment

If the gap is caused by spacing or alignment issues, orthodontic treatment can gently move the teeth closer together. This can be done using braces or clear aligners, depending on the situation.

Orthodontic treatment not only closes the gap but also ensures the teeth and jaw are properly aligned for even pressure distribution during chewing.

Frenectomy

When a large frenum is preventing teeth from coming together, a minor surgical procedure known as a frenectomy may be recommended. This involves removing or repositioning the tissue to allow the front teeth to move closer. It’s a quick and straightforward procedure that is often followed by orthodontic treatment if needed.

Restorative Options

If the diastema is due to tooth size discrepancies or missing teeth, restorative dental treatment may be appropriate. Options can include composite bonding, crowns, bridges, or dental implants, depending on the cause and location of the gap. These solutions are typically used when the spacing affects chewing or causes food to trap frequently.

Managing Underlying Gum Disease

If the teeth gap is linked to periodontal disease, the first step is to treat the gum infection and stabilise bone health. Once the gums and supporting structures are healthy, further treatment for the gap can be considered.

Habit Correction and Oral Therapy

For diastemas caused by habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, habit correction therapy or myofunctional exercises may be recommended. These help retrain the muscles and prevent further spacing changes.

Long-Term Outlook

A diastema is not always something that requires correction, but when it’s linked to bite or gum problems, timely treatment can prevent further complications. With proper diagnosis and ongoing care, the health and function of your teeth and jaw can be maintained effectively.

Regular dental check-ups are key to monitoring any changes in spacing or alignment. At Oasis Dental Studio, our dentists take a tailored approach to managing diastema – focusing on oral function, bite stability, and long-term dental health rather than just appearance.

Whether you visit us in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, or Pottsville, our goal is to help you maintain a healthy and stable smile through preventive care and appropriate treatment options.

More ODS dental symptoms pages:

Medical references for diastema (teeth gap):

Diastema (Teeth Gap): Causes, Types and Treatment