How To Reduce Teeth Gap?
Learn about various treatments and methods to reduce teeth gaps, including orthodontic options and home remedies, for a more confident smile.
Written by
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Diastema, or the gap between teeth, is a common dental condition that occurs for various reasons. Starting from genetics to mismatched jaw and tooth sizes and habits like thumb sucking all contribute to this outcome. Even though diastema is not a serious condition, it can create oral hygiene problems. With time, food items accumulate in these gaps and can cause infection in the gums and affect the surrounding teeth. So, knowing the problem and treatment options can help individuals better manage this condition.
Professional Dental Treatments
There are different ways to treat teeth gaps, one of them being professional options. These orthodontic solutions effectively improve dental gaps. So, the options available are:
Braces: Teeth braces can recover dental issues, such as gapped, crooked, crowded, or rotated teeth. The braces also improve thesmile of the individual and the overall function of the teeth. There are different types of braces, such as ceramic and metal braces.
Aligners: Aligners are transparent (nearly invisible) plastic shells that are placed over teeth. They put mild pressure that gradually repositions the teeth in their original position. Aligners are suitable for mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Additionally, individuals with healthy teeth can close their teeth gap through cosmetic treatments. These are:
Dental Bonding: The dentist applies a resin material with a tooth-coloured composite to fill the gap. After that, the teeth will be polished and shaped for a natural appearance.
Porcelain Veneers: These are customised shells that fit at the front surface of the teeth. They can conceal stains, cracks, chips, and cosmetic imperfections of teeth. There are different types of veneers available based on specific requirements.
Non-Invasive Treatments
Besides the orthodontic treatment, other non-invasive treatment options also help minimise the dental gap. The options available here are dental bands and tooth-coloured fillers.
Dental bands or gap bands are small rubber or elastic bands tied around two teeth to close the gap. Usually, orthodontic bands with traditional braces are used together for this process. However, this is not particularly an effective option for closing the dental gaps. Thus, these are not recommended or standard treatment options from dentists.
Using dental fillings with tooth-coloured fillers is a type of restorative treatment procedure. Generally, dentists apply this mode of treatment to repair dental cracks, minor chips, or cavities. Currently, however, doctors are also using it to fill dental gaps. The tooth-coloured fillers are made with composite porcelain and resin. Also, amalgam fillers are available for dental fillings.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Diet plays a vital role in maintaining good oral hygiene, which also protects the teeth. So, here are some tips for better dietary practices:
The best foods for better oral hygiene are milk, cheese, chicken, and nuts. These foods are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which protect tooth enamel. People with lactose intolerance can eat broccoli and spinach, which contain high amounts of calcium.
Crunchy vegetables and fruits such as apples, cucumbers, pears and melons have high water content. This dilutes the effects of sugar and increases saliva. Thus, they protect teeth from decay and other symptoms.
The best beverages for teeth are water and unsweetened water.
Also, there are some natural remedies and appliances to maintain healthy oral hygiene. Here are some natural ingredients that provide the best results:
Neem: A solution of neem powder extracted from neem tree branches can positively improve gum health.
Cranberry: It prevents bacteria from sticking to teeth.
Oil Pulling: According to Ayurveda, oil pulling helps maintain strong oral hygiene and removes toxins and harmful bacteria. Researchers found that 20 to 30 minutes of coconut or Arimedadi oil pulling will be helpful.
Saltwater: Gargling with salt water can reduce harmful bacteria from gum. Thus, salt water helps relieve swelling and pain.
Aloe Vera Mouthwash: A mouthwash of 100% pure aloe vera juice can reduce gingivitis and plaque.
The Role of Genetics in Teeth Gaps
Research from the American Dental Association shows that periodontal diseases and dental caries are complex diseases that include multiple genetic, behavioural, and environmental risk factors.
In terms of genetic factors, people usually inherit various traits like a larger jaw relative to tooth size or abnormal spacing between teeth that contribute to diastema. Additionally, genetic conditions like missing lateral incisors or oversized labial frenum (the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums) can contribute to tooth gaps.
While genetics influence dental spacing, they do not entirely dictate oral health outcomes. Advances in orthodontic treatments, such as braces, clear aligners, and dental bonding, offer effective ways to address teeth gaps regardless of genetic predisposition.
However, before moving ahead, individuals must consult a dentist to factor in pointers like age, bone structure, and overall oral health before opting for corrective procedures.
Prevention of Teeth Gaps
While it is possible to cure teeth gaps, individuals should focus on preventing them in the first place. With the proper oral hygiene practices, they can easily achieve that. Some suggestions will include:
Individuals should brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Using dental floss, a special brush, or a plastic or wooden pick is recommended by the dentist to clean the gap between the teeth.
Drinking fluoridated water to protect the teeth from any kind of disease.
Maintaining a good dietary habit that includes avoiding sugary foods and drinks such as candy, cake, cookies, soda, etc. \
Avoiding cigarettes is necessary as it increases the chance of gum disease.
Apart from maintaining oral hygiene, individuals must visit the dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleaning. Individuals with a higher risk of gum disease require frequent visits to the dentist. For individuals with a higher risk of tooth decay, the dentist recommends a fluoride treatment, fluoride gel or mouthwash for home use.
Risks and Considerations of Teeth Gap Reduction
While reducing a teeth gap can enhance aesthetics and improve oral health, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and long-term considerations associated with various treatments. Some of the potential complications are:
Braces and aligners may cause temporary discomfort, tooth sensitivity, or gum irritation.
Dental bonding and veneers may wear down or discolour over time, requiring replacements.
Improperly performed treatments can lead to bite misalignment or damage to natural teeth.
Some procedures may result in gum recession or increased tooth sensitivity.
Additionally, some long-term effects and maintenance tips that individuals should remember include:
Retainers may be required to prevent teeth from shifting back after treatment.
Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor progress and address potential issues.
Bonding and veneers may need periodic touch-ups or replacements for long-lasting results.
Good oral hygiene and proper care are necessary to maintain treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Teeth gaps, while common and often harmless, can impact both oral health and the appearance of the person. However, it is easier to manage this condition with the right diet, better oral hygiene, and, in some cases, professional treatment. Since it is not a serious condition, one can be at peace but must not ignore the teeth gap and clean it regularly. So, with the right approach, achieving a healthy and confident smile is possible.
Consult Top Dentists
Consult Top Dentists
Dr. Ankit Khandelwal
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
13 Years • BDS, MDS ( Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery) , PGDCC, Fellowship in Head & Neck Oncology
Kolkata
Gajanan Multispeciality Clinic, Kolkata
(75+ Patients)
Dr. Smita Rani Satpathy
Dentist
5 Years • BDS
Bhubaneswar
INNOVATIVE SMILE, Bhubaneswar
Dr. Ayan Bhattacharya
Endodontist
6 Years • BDS, FOMFS,FCE,FAME
Kolkata
CG INCURE, Kolkata
Dr. Korrai Bala Raju
Dentist
10 Years • BDS, MDS (Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics)
Hyderabad
M&M Dental Hospital, Hyderabad
Dr R D Geeta
Dentist
10 Years • BDS, MDS (Conservative & Endodontics)
Gurugram
White Lily Dental., Gurugram
