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Dentist Disaster

Crooked teeth & bite

Gappy teeth

Routine7 treatment options

Gaps between teeth can be harmless, a sign of missing teeth, or occasionally a sign of gum disease. How to tell and what can close them.

How urgent is it? Routine

Usually routine. See a dentist promptly if a gap has appeared recently, teeth feel loose, or your gums bleed, as these can be signs of gum disease.

What it is

Small gaps between the teeth are common and often nothing to worry about. A gap between the two upper front teeth is a normal stage of development in children while the adult teeth are coming through, and it frequently closes on its own.

Gaps that appear in adulthood deserve a closer look. NHS inform notes that teeth moving from their original position, such as a new gap opening between the front teeth, can be a sign of advanced gum disease. A dentist can check your gums and the bone that supports your teeth.

If the gap is healthy and simply bothers you, it can be closed by moving the teeth with orthodontics or disguised by changing the shape of the teeth. If the gap is there because a tooth is missing, the options are about replacing that tooth.

Signs and causes

Common signs

  • Visible spaces between some or all teeth
  • Food packing into the same gap after meals
  • A gap that has appeared or widened recently
  • Teeth that feel loose or look as if they are moving

Usual causes

  • Teeth that are small relative to the size of the jaw
  • Missing or undeveloped adult teeth
  • Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) allowing teeth to drift
  • Normal development in children while adult teeth come through

Ways to fix it

The options a dentist may discuss with you, and when each one tends to be used. Which one suits you depends on an examination.

  1. Gum disease treatment

    If gum disease is causing teeth to drift - this must be controlled before any cosmetic or orthodontic treatment.

    Available on the NHSPreventive

  2. Clear aligners

    Mild spacing in adults with healthy gums who want a removable, discreet option.

    Usually private onlyOrthodontics

  3. Metal braces

    Larger gaps, or gaps combined with other bite problems.

    Sometimes on the NHSOrthodontics

  4. Veneers

    Small gaps between front teeth where you would rather change tooth shape than move teeth, accepting that some enamel is usually removed.

    Sometimes on the NHSCosmetic

  5. Bridges

    When the gap is due to a missing tooth and the neighbouring teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  6. Dental implants

    When the gap is due to a missing tooth and the jawbone is suitable for an implant.

    Sometimes on the NHSRestorative

  7. Retainers

    After orthodontic closure of gaps, to stop them reopening.

    Sometimes on the NHSOrthodontics

What you can do now

  • Clean gaps daily with an interdental brush sized to fit snugly
  • Check whether your gums bleed when you brush or clean between teeth, and mention it to your dentist if they do

Preventing it

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth daily to protect the gums that hold teeth in place
  • Do not smoke - smoking is a risk factor for gum disease
  • Wear retainers after orthodontic gap closure

Common questions

My child has a gap between their front teeth. Should I worry?

Usually not. A gap between the upper front teeth is considered a normal part of development while adult teeth are coming through. Your dentist will keep an eye on it at check-ups.

Can a new gap mean gum disease?

It can. Teeth drifting and new gaps opening are listed by NHS inform as possible signs of periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease, so see your dentist rather than covering the gap cosmetically.

Will a closed gap stay closed?

Not without help. After orthodontic treatment, teeth tend to move back towards their old positions, so retainers are needed to keep gaps closed.

Products that may help at home

These support good daily care; they don’t replace treatment from a dentist. Some links may be affiliate links.

TePe Bridge & Implant Floss

Pre-cut spongy floss with stiff ends that thread under wires, bridges and around implants – handy for anyone with fixed braces.

Features & who it suits

Waterpik Cordless Advanced water flosser

A rechargeable, cordless water flosser that is easier to store and travel with than a countertop unit, at the cost of a smaller…

Features & who it suits

TePe Compact Tuft

A single-tuft brush for precision cleaning where a normal brush struggles – around brackets, along the gumline, crowded teeth…

Features & who it suits

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.