Dental Diastema: Causes and Treatments

21 Nov 2025 | Blog Posts, Orthodontics FAQ

What is a dental diastema? Do you have a small gap between your two front teeth? Have you ever wondered if this is something to be corrected, or on the contrary, a character trait to keep? The dental diastema, this gap that divides as much as it fascinates, deserves a little attention. Because yes, there’s a lot to be said about those few millimeters that make all the difference in a smile.

What is a dental diastema, exactly?

A dental diastema refers to a visible gap between two teeth, most often between the upper incisors (those two large front teeth). It can affect both children and adults, and contrary to what you might think, it is rather common.

Think of some celebrities such as Vanessa Paradis, Lauren Hutton or Brigitte Bardot. Their diastema has become a real signature, a distinctive element of their charm. For other people, this gap is more of a source of complex. It’s a really personal feeling.

The size of the diastema varies greatly from person to person. Some have a barely noticeable gap, such as a thin line between the teeth. Others display a space of several millimeters, perfectly visible when they smile. There is no standard here, just natural variations.

What is interesting is that the diastema does not always appear at the same time in life. Some children are born with it (or develop it with their first teeth), while others see it appear in adolescence or even adulthood. The reasons? There are many of them.

Where does this small gap between the teeth come from?

Diastema can have several origins, and understanding the cause in your specific case is essential if you are considering treatment.

Genetics often play a major role. If your parents or grandparents had a diastema, there’s a good chance you’ll develop one too. It’s a bit like inheriting the color of their eyes or their figure. Your bone structure, the size of your teeth in relation to your jaw, all of this is transmitted.

Missing teeth can create a domino effect. When one or more teeth are missing (congenitally or following an extraction), the adjacent teeth tend to move to fill the gap. This gradual movement can create or enlarge a diastema elsewhere in the mouth.

Lingual thrust is a factor that is often underestimated. Some people have the habit of pushing their tongue against their front teeth when swallowing or talking. In the long term, this constant pressure can cause the teeth to spread apart. It’s a bit like pushing a door gently but continuously; she ends up moving.

Lip tie can also be involved. This is that small piece of tissue that connects your upper lip to your gums, just above the front teeth. In some people, this frenulum is too thick or too long, which naturally creates a gap between the incisors. Look in the mirror; you can easily see it.

Finally, the oral habits of childhood sometimes leave traces. Thumb sucking for years or using a pacifier for too long can change the position of the teeth. Parents know this well, but it’s not always easy to get toddlers to give up these comforting habits.

Is it really necessary to treat a DEntary diastema?

This is an excellent question, and the answer is far from automatic. Not always. In fact, some people deliberately choose to keep their gap as an integral part of their smile, their visual identity.

From a purely aesthetic point of view, it is really a matter of personal preference. If you love your diastema, it makes you unique and you feel good about it, why change it? There is no medical obligation to correct a gap between the teeth if it does not cause any functional problems.

However, in some cases, a diastema can cause problems with bite (the way your upper and lower teeth fit together). When the gap is large, it can sometimes affect chewing or create uneven wear of the teeth. These are situations where a treatment becomes more relevant from a dental point of view.

Self-esteem also comes into play, and it’s a factor that can’t be ignored. If your diastema bothers you to the point of hiding your smile in photos, putting your hand in front of your mouth when you laugh, or avoiding certain social situations, then it may be worth exploring treatment options. Your psychological well-being is as important as your dental health.

Some people also mention pronunciation problems. A very pronounced diastema can actually affect the way certain sounds are produced, especially the “s” and “t”. If you’ve noticed a slight lisp or difficulty with certain words, it could be related.

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What solutions are available to close a diastema?

If you decide to correct your diastema, you should know that there are several approaches. The choice will depend on your specific situation, budget, and preferences.

Traditional brooches

Good old metal braces are still a very effective option. They allow the teeth to be gradually moved to close the gap, while correcting any other alignment problems. Treatment usually lasts between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case.

The advantage? They work for virtually all types of diastema, even the most important ones. The small disadvantage? Their visibility, even if many adults perfectly assume their temporary metallic smile.

Clear aligners (Invisalign type)

This is the preferred solution for many adults. These invisible aligners do the same job as traditional braces, but in a much more discreet way. You change your aligner every one to two weeks, and gradually, your teeth come together.

The immense advantage of clear aligners is their removability. You can remove them to eat, for a special occasion, or to brush your teeth. But be careful, you need discipline; For the treatment to work, you need to wear them for at least 20 hours a day.

Bonding

For mild diastemas, dental bonding can be a quick and cost-effective solution. The dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the inner sides of your incisors, giving the illusion that the gap is filled. It’s like an artistic touch-up right in your mouth.

The process usually takes a single visit, and the results are immediate. On the other hand, this solution is purely aesthetic; It doesn’t actually move your teeth. The resin can also stain over time (coffee, tea, red wine) and require periodic touch-ups.

Dental veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite that cover the visible side of your teeth. They help hide the diastema while improving the shape, color, and overall appearance of your smile.

It is a more permanent and expensive solution than gluing, but the results are spectacular. Porcelain veneers, in particular, are very resistant to stains and can last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance.

Lip frenulum surgery (frenectomy)

If your diastema is caused by a labial frenulum that is too thick or too long, a small surgery may be necessary. Frenectomy involves cutting or reshaping this piece of tissue to allow the teeth to come together naturally.

It is usually a simple procedure that is done under local anesthesia. Often, this surgery is combined with orthodontic treatment to achieve the best possible results.

How much does it cost to correct a diastema?

Let’s talk about numbers, because that’s often what influences the final decision. The price depends a lot on the method chosen.

For a complete orthodontic treatment (traditional braces or Invisalign aligners), expect to pay between $3,000 and $8,000. The range is wide because several factors come into play: the duration of treatment, the complexity of your case, the region where you live, and the expertise of the professional.

Dental bonding is much more affordable. Expect to pay between $300 and $600 per tooth, sometimes less depending on the clinic. For a diastema involving two incisors, you could therefore get away with $600 to $1,200. This is clearly the most economical option.

Dental veneers are a larger investment. A veneer usually costs between $800 and $2,500 depending on the material (composite or porcelain) and the dentist. To correct a diastema, you’ll need at least two facets, so budget between $1,600 and $5,000.

Frenectomy, if necessary, typically costs between $200 and $500. Often, this procedure is at least partially covered by dental insurance if it is deemed medically necessary.

It is important to note that these prices are average estimates for Canada. Rates can vary greatly from region to region, and even from clinic to clinic within the same city.

And what about insurance?

This is the question that everyone is asking. Does dental insurance cover the correction of a diastema? The answer is… That depends.

If the diastema causes functional problems (chewing difficulties, speech problems, gum problems), there is a good chance that part of the treatment will be covered. Insurance companies then consider it to be a medical need rather than a purely cosmetic one.

For orthodontic treatment, many insurance policies include coverage that typically ranges from 50% to 80% of the cost, up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500 to $3,000. Some enterprise plans offer higher maximums.

On the other hand, if the correction is purely aesthetic, insurance rarely covers the costs. Veneers and dental bonding often fall into this category.

My advice? Call your insurance company before you start anything. Ask specifically if the correction of a diastema is covered in your situation. Also ask the dentist to provide a pre-authorization or a detailed treatment plan to submit to your insurer. It avoids unpleasant surprises.

Are there any risks in not treating a diastema?

In some cases, the gap can become worse over time, especially if it is caused by a continuous lingual thrust or by a problematic frenulum. What starts out as a cute little space can become more pronounced over the years.

A large diastema can sometimes lead to gum health problems. The space between the teeth creates an area where food can get stuck more easily, and if the cleaning is not flawless, gum inflammation can develop.

Some people also report mild speech problems, such as a slight hissing or chirping, especially with the “s” and “t” sounds. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but when it does, it can be a source of social embarrassment.

That said, for many people, a diastema does not cause any problems in the long term. It’s simply an anatomical feature, just like having green eyes or curly hair. A professional opinion during a dental examination can determine whether your specific diastema needs attention.

The special case of children

In children, the situation is a little different. Many children have a gap between their temporary teeth (baby teeth), and this is perfectly normal. In fact, it’s actually pretty common and usually not worrisome.

In many children, the gap between the upper incisors closes naturally when the permanent teeth arrive. The permanent canine teeth, in particular, push on either side of the incisors and exert pressure that tends to bring the front teeth closer together. It’s a fascinating natural process to observe.

Orthodontists generally recommend waiting until all permanent teeth have come out before considering treatment. It usually happens around the age of 12 or 13. Intervening too early may be useless if the problem corrects itself.

However, regular follow-up with the dentist is important. If the frenulum seems to be the cause, or if the gap is widening instead of narrowing, early intervention may be recommended. Each case is unique.

How do you choose the right solution for you?

A consultation with a specialist is really the best way to find out which treatment is right for your particular situation. During this consultation, several elements will be evaluated.

The dentist or orthodontist will first look into the cause of your diastema. Is it genetic? Linked to a labial frenulum? Caused by missing teeth? The answer directly influences the type of treatment recommended.

The size of the gap also matters. A 1-millimeter diastema does not require the same approach as a 4- or 5-millimeter deviation. For small spaces, gluing or veneers may be sufficient. For larger ones, comprehensive orthodontic treatment is often preferable.

Your age and gum health also come into play. Orthodontic treatments work at any age, but the duration may be slightly longer in adults because the bones of the jaw are fully formed.

Don’t forget to discuss your budget and expectations as well. A good professional will present you with several options with their respective advantages, disadvantages and costs. You can then make an informed decision that aligns with your priorities.

Some questions I get asked a lot

Can the diastema come back after treatment? Yes, this is possible if you do not wear your retainer after orthodontic treatment. Teeth have a memory and may want to return to their original position. That’s why retention aligners are so important.

How long does the correction take? It varies enormously. A collage is done in one visit. Orthodontic treatment for a simple diastema may take 6 to 12 months, while a more complex case will require 18 to 24 months.

Is it painful? Orthodontic treatments cause some sensitivity, especially at the beginning and after adjustments, but it is usually not painful. Bonding and veneers are painless procedures. Frenectomy involves mild discomfort during healing.

Can I correct my diastema at home? No, and please don’t try. We see homemade methods with rubber bands or other tricks circulating on the internet. This is extremely dangerous and can cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums. Always consult a professional.

Final Words

Whether you decide to correct or keep your diastema, the key is to be well-informed and comfortable with your decision. Knowing your options and consulting a professional allows you to make an informed and confident choice.

Your smile belongs to you. It tells part of your story, your personality. If you love your diastema and it makes you unique, embrace it fully. If, on the other hand, it bothers you and you want to correct it, know that effective solutions exist and are more accessible than ever.

How about we talk about it?

Every smile has its story. Maybe you’ve learned to live with this small space a long time ago. Maybe you didn’t even know that there were different options available to you.

But what if… Was there a simple, accessible, and personalized solution?

At Archambault & Morton, we take the time to properly assess your situation. We rely on a human relationship and trust. We adapt each treatment to your daily reality. We collaborate with a network of professionals for a complete follow-up.

In short, you are not just another case. You are a person, with a story, a rhythm, a goal.

Make an appointment for a free consultation and let’s explore the possibilities for your smile together. Either way, take the time to think, ask questions, and do what feels right for you. After all, it’s your smile, and it deserves your full attention.