Having gap teeth, also known as diastema, can be caused by genetics, tooth size differences, or missing teeth.
While some people love their unique smile, others might feel self-conscious and want a more uniform look.
If you want to close the gaps, there are effective treatments like Invisalign, composite bonding,
porcelain veneers or a combination of all three
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Treatment options
Treatments for gappy teeth
Find out more about the treatments we use to fix gappy teeth, and book at your nearest clinic.
Composite bonding
Closes small gaps, usually in one visit. £410 per tooth.
Available at Fleet Street · Notting Hill · Harrods · Manchester
Invisalign
Closes larger or multiple gaps. From £2,199.
Available at Fleet Street · Notting Hill · Harrods · Manchester
Porcelain veneers
Closes gaps while changing shape and colour. £995 per tooth.
Available at Fleet Street · Notting Hill · Harrods · Manchester
Dental implants
Fills a gap left by a missing tooth. From £2,500.
Available at Fleet Street · Notting Hill · Harrods · Manchester
Now Available
Problems gappy teeth can cause
Feeling Self-Conscious
Gaps in your teeth can make you feel embarrassed about your smile.
Food Getting Stuck
Food can get stuck in the gaps, making it harder to keep your teeth clean and causing cavities or gum health problems.
Speech Problems
Big gaps can sometimes affect how you talk, causing a lisp or trouble saying certain sounds.
Bite Issues
Gaps can change how your top and bottom teeth fit together, which might lead to problems when biting.
How to close a gap in your teeth
The best way to close a gap depends on its size, how many gaps there are, and why they formed. These are the options we use:
Composite bonding
For small gaps, especially a gap between the two front teeth, tooth-coloured composite is added to the sides of the teeth to close the space. It is usually done in one visit, with no drilling or injections. £410 per tooth, and a front gap usually involves two teeth.
Invisalign clear aligners
For larger gaps, several gaps, or gaps alongside crooked teeth or a bite problem, Invisalign moves the teeth together so the gap closes naturally. Treatment for small spacing can take around 3 months, from £2,199.
Porcelain veneers
Veneers close gaps while also changing the shape and colour of the teeth. They suit people who want a complete smile makeover. £995 per tooth.
Gap from a missing tooth
If the gap is where a tooth used to be, it is best filled with a dental implant or bridge. See our guide to replacing missing teeth.
Gaps between teeth near the gum (black triangles)
Small dark triangles between the teeth near the gum line usually appear when the gums shrink back. Once the gums are healthy, composite bonding can often fill them in.
Sudden gap between your front teeth as an adult
A new gap that opens up in adulthood can be a sign of gum disease, a tongue-thrust habit or teeth moving after a lost tooth. It is worth having it checked before choosing a cosmetic fix. Read more about loose teeth.
Can you close a gap in your teeth naturally at home?
No, and it can be dangerous to try. Elastic “gap bands” can slip under the gums and destroy the bone holding the teeth, and teeth can be lost as a result. Gaps should only be closed with a dentist’s supervision.
What causes gaps between teeth?
There are several potential reasons why someone may develop crooked or misaligned teeth.
Gappy Teeth
Gappy teeth, also known as spacing or gaps between teeth, can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, missing teeth, or jaw discrepancies. Composite bonding is a common solution where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the teeth to close the gaps. This procedure is minimally invasive and can provide immediate results for improving the appearance of gappy teeth.
Diastema
Diastema is the medical term for gaps between teeth, particularly noticeable between the upper front teeth. Invisalign is an effective treatment option for correcting diastema. It uses clear, removable aligners that gradually move teeth into the desired position. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, comfortable to wear, and allow for easy oral hygiene maintenance since they can be removed when eating or cleaning. This treatment is suitable for mild to moderate cases of diastema and provides a discreet and effective solution for achieving a straighter smile.
Gap in front teeth: bonding, Invisalign or veneers?
All three can close a gap between the front teeth. This is how they compare:
| Composite bonding | Invisalign | Porcelain veneers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it closes the gap | Adds tooth-coloured material to the sides of the teeth | Moves the teeth together | Thin porcelain shells cover the front of the teeth |
| Best for | Small gaps between the front teeth | Larger or multiple gaps, or crooked teeth too | Gaps plus shape and colour changes |
| Time | Usually one visit | From around 3 months | 2 or 3 visits |
| Removes tooth | No | No | A thin layer of enamel |
| Price | £410 per tooth | From £2,199 | £995 per tooth |
For many people the best result comes from combining them: a short course of Invisalign to bring the teeth together, then bonding to perfect their shape.
Pricing
How much does it cost to fill a gap in your teeth?
Your first consultation is free, and every treatment can be spread over 24 months at 0% finance. Closing a gap between the two front teeth with composite bonding usually involves two teeth, so it starts from £820.
Free consultations · 0% finance over 24 months
Composite bonding
£410
Per tooth. Small gaps, often in one visit
Invisalign Express
£2,199 (from £92/month)
Small spacing, around 3 months
Invisalign Lite
£3,199 (from £133/month)
Several gaps or mild crowding, 6 to 9 months
Porcelain veneers
£995
Per tooth. Gaps plus shape and colour changes
Dental bridge
from£999
A gap from a missing tooth
Dental implant and crown
from£2,500
A gap from a missing tooth, permanently
See every treatment and price on our pricing page.
Gappy teeth questions
What is a gap between the front teeth called?
A gap between teeth is called a diastema. It is most common between the two upper front teeth.
What causes gaps between teeth?
Common causes are teeth that are small for the jaw, a large piece of gum tissue between the front teeth (the frenum), missing teeth, gum disease, and habits such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking.
How do you fix a gap in your front teeth?
Small gaps are usually closed with composite bonding in one visit. Larger gaps, or gaps with crooked teeth, are best closed with Invisalign. Veneers close gaps while also changing the shape and colour of the teeth.
Can composite bonding close a gap?
Yes. Composite bonding is one of the quickest ways to close a small gap, often in a single appointment with no drilling. Very large gaps may need Invisalign first so the teeth do not look too wide.
How much does it cost to fill a gap in teeth?
At Rüh Dental, composite bonding costs £410 per tooth, so a gap between the two front teeth starts from £820. Invisalign starts from £2,199 and veneers are £995 per tooth.
Can Invisalign close gaps?
Yes. Invisalign moves the teeth together to close gaps, and can fix crooked teeth and bite problems at the same time. Small spacing can close in around 3 months.
Can you close a gap between teeth naturally at home?
No. Elastic gap bands and other DIY methods can slip under the gums and cause serious damage, including losing teeth. Gaps should only be closed by a dentist.
Does flossing create gaps in teeth?
No. Flossing does not create gaps. If your gums were swollen, flossing helps them become healthy and shrink back, which can make existing small gaps more visible.
Why do I have gaps between my teeth after a deep clean?
Swollen gums can fill the spaces between teeth. After a deep clean, the inflammation settles and the gums tighten, revealing gaps that were already there. It is a sign of healthier gums.
Why is a gap appearing between my front teeth?
A new gap in adulthood can be caused by gum disease, teeth moving after a lost tooth, or tongue pressure. Have it checked by a dentist before choosing a cosmetic treatment.
How long does it take to close a gap in teeth?
Composite bonding usually closes a small gap in one visit. Invisalign can close small spacing in around 3 months, and larger gaps take longer.
Will the gap come back after treatment?
Teeth closed with Invisalign can drift back without retainers, which are included with every Invisalign plan. Bonding stays in place but may need polishing or touching up every few years.
Start Your Smile Journey Today
At Rüh Dental, we do things differently. We call it the Rüh difference.
We believe in better than the traditional dentistry of yesteryear that’s left a legacy of fear and therefore neglect because of historic experiences.
Contact Us
Ruh Dental (Fleet Street) Limited (09473949), Ruh Dental (Notting Hill Gate) Limited (10288078) and Ruh Dental (Manchester) Limited (11669648) are registered in England. Registered office: 1st Floor Metropolitan House, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AG.
