Closing Gaps Between Teeth in Leicester
Gaps between the teeth — a noticeable space between the front teeth is called a diastema — are extremely common, and for some people they're a much-loved part of their character. For others, they're a source of self-consciousness or a spot where food constantly gets trapped. There's no right or wrong here: whether to close a gap is entirely your choice. But if you'd like to, there are gentle, effective ways to do it. This page explains why gaps form, when they're worth addressing for health reasons, and the options available.
Why Do Gaps Form Between Teeth?
Gaps appear when there's a mismatch between the size of your teeth and the space available in your jaw — the opposite situation to crowding. Sometimes the teeth are simply smaller or narrower than the jaw they sit in, leaving room to spare. Other common causes include a prominent band of tissue between the two front teeth (the labial frenum), missing teeth that allow the others to drift, and habits like tongue-thrusting or, in childhood, thumb-sucking. Gum disease can also cause teeth to move and gaps to open up later in life. Because the cause shapes the best solution, identifying it is always the starting point.
When Do Gaps Matter?
Many gaps are purely cosmetic and perfectly healthy — plenty of people keep theirs happily. But sometimes a gap is worth addressing for practical reasons. Spaces can trap food and make certain areas harder to clean, and larger gaps caused by missing teeth can let the remaining teeth drift and affect your bite over time. If a gap has appeared recently or is widening, that can occasionally signal gum disease, which is worth checking. So the question isn't just "do I like it?" but sometimes "is it affecting my oral health?" — and we can help you weigh both.
How We Close Gaps Between Teeth
The right treatment depends on the size of the gap, its cause, and what you want to achieve.
How We Correct an Overbite or Overjet
The right approach depends on how deep the bite is and what's causing it, and we'll always explain our reasoning clearly. Overjet or overbite can both be corrected with orthodontics. Orthodontics can either be removable like clear aligners or fixed such as braces.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
For gaps caused by spacing or drifting, Invisalign is often ideal. The clear, removable aligners gently move your teeth closer together over time, closing the gap discreetly and — importantly — in a way that keeps your bite working properly. It's a particularly good option when there's more than one gap or when the whole smile would benefit from alignment.
Composite bonding
For a small single gap, composite bonding can be a quick, minimally invasive fix. Tooth-coloured material is carefully shaped onto the adjacent teeth to close the space in a single visit — a bit like an artist filling in a canvas. It's an excellent choice for smaller cosmetic gaps.
Veneers or Replacing Missing Teeth
Larger gaps, or gaps left by missing teeth, may be better addressed with veneers or with a replacement such as a denture, dental implant or bridge. We'll explain when each makes sense so you can choose with confidence.
What to Expect From Treatment
We start by looking at what's causing the gap and discussing what you'd like the end result to be. With Invisalign, we can often show you a preview of your finished smile before you decide. You'll get a clear, honest breakdown of the options, timeframes and costs, plus any finance options to spread the cost. And as with any tooth movement, a retainer afterwards keeps everything in its new position — because teeth naturally try to drift back, and a gap can quietly reopen without one.
Book a Free Invisalign Consultation in Leicester
Whether you'd like to close a gap for looks, for comfort, or for your long-term oral health, there's a discreet, effective option to suit you.
Want to explore it? Book your free Invisalign consultation at Smile Serenity in Leicester — we'll assess your teeth, talk through your options, and help you decide what's right for you. Book online or call our friendly team on 0116 4030109
