Prevention/illnesses | 16.9.2026
A tooth gap is rarely a medical concern. Despite this, many people choose to have them corrected for aesthetic reasons. Find out about the various treatment options available and when health insurance will step in to cover the costs.
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A tooth gap – medically referred to as a ‘diastema’ – is a visible space between two or more teeth. These gaps can be congenital and frequently run in families, though they can also develop progressively over time.
Not every tooth gap requires treatment. “Many diastemas pose no risk from a medical perspective and are corrected solely for cosmetic reasons,” explains specialist orthodontist Dr Johner. “In fact, in some cultures, a tooth gap is considered a sign of beauty or a symbol of good luck.”
There are various underlying reasons for a tooth gap. Common causes include:
In children, tooth gaps are often part of normal dental development. In adults, however, the sudden appearance of a new gap can sometimes indicate underlying gum disease, such as periodontitis.
A true diastema is a congenital space that is typically permanent. The position and size of the teeth dictate the extent of the gap.
Treatment is generally only recommended if the gap bothers the person. Smaller gaps can often be corrected using clear aligners – transparent, removable braces that gradually guide the teeth into alignment. For more substantial gaps or pronounced misalignments, fixed appliances such as traditional braces are usually the preferred choice.
A midline diastema specifically refers to a gap between the two upper middle incisors, a feature particularly common in children.
“Historically, it was believed that this was caused by a pronounced lip frenulum, which would be cut surgically to close the gap”, explains specialist orthodontist Dr Alexander Johner. “Today, we take a more conservative approach. Gaps often close naturally as permanent teeth erupt and the adjacent teeth move closer together.”
Small gaps between the front teeth can frequently be corrected using aligners. Alternatively, the gap can be closed using composite bonding or visually masked with veneers – wafer-thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of the teeth. For severe misalignments, a fixed brace may still be advisable.
A tooth gap is often part of a child’s development. Many gaps close naturally during the transition from baby to adult teeth.
Studies show that almost all six-year-olds have a gap between their front teeth. As the canine teeth erupt, this space usually narrows or disappears entirely. According to Dr Johner, fewer than 5% of young people aged between 12 and 18 still have a diastema.
Treatment is generally only indicated if the gap becomes permanent or causes emotional distress for the child (or concern for the parents).
Supplementary dental insurance is highly advantageous for children, especially since no dental certificate is required before the child’s fifth birthday. And if braces do become necessary down the road, young adults remain entitled to cost contributions up to the age of 20.
Several options are available for closing a tooth gap. The most suitable method depends heavily on its size and root cause. Depending on these factors, providers may recommend fixed braces, a transparent aligner, composite resin to build up the teeth or ceramic veneers.
While a tooth gap rarely impacts overall health, post-treatment care is vital. “Wearing a retainer is essential after any orthodontic treatment,” emphasises Dr Johner. This thin wire or custom tray prevents the teeth from shifting back towards their original positions and causing the gap to return.
Traditional fixed braces (also known as train track braces) are particularly effective for larger tooth gaps and complex structural misalignments.
Because the brackets are bonded directly to the teeth, they work around the clock. “This approach is often more reliable than clear aligners because patients cannot forget to wear them,” notes Dr Johner. Fixed braces offer precise control over tooth movement, with treatment typically lasting between one and three years, or longer in more complex cases.
Clear aligners offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces, making them highly popular with adults.
These transparent trays are ideally suited for treating minor gaps or isolated spaces between the front teeth. In milder cases, small gaps can visibly diminish within just a few months.
However, aligners are rarely recommended for large, multiple gaps or severe misalignments, where fixed braces tend to prove far more effective.
Minor gaps can often be closed using composite bonding. During this procedure, the dentist applies a tooth-coloured composite resin to the sides of the teeth and shapes it to seamlessly close the space.
Bonding is incredibly conservative because it requires no removal of healthy tooth structure. This fast, cost-effective method is best reserved for small gaps.
Longevity depends on the material used, the patient’s dental care regime and the amount of biting force placed on the resin. In many cases, the composite bonding remains stable for several years.
Veneers are custom, wafer-thin ceramic shells that are permanently bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Often dubbed the ‘Hollywood solution’, they offer an exceptionally natural, flawless and aesthetically pleasing correction of small tooth gaps.
The cost of closing a tooth gap varies greatly by treatment method.
Minor cosmetic fixes can start at around 2,000 francs, whereas more extensive orthodontic treatment can exceed 12,000 francs.
The main cost drivers include:
Composite bonding is one of the cheapest solutions whereas veneers and extensive treatment with braces are far more expensive. Veneers are extremely durable, often costing up to 2,000 francs per tooth, including the laboratory fabrication and specialist fees.
Basic health insurance only covers dental corrections in exceptional, medically severe cases, such as distinct jaw misalignments or serious, debilitating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Patients have to pay for purely aesthetic treatments like veneers themselves. Conversely, for medically necessary orthodontic work, supplementary dental insurance can offset a significant portion of the costs.
The exact coverage depends heavily on the specific health insurer and policy. Taking out supplementary dental insurance early is highly recommended for children. For instance, supplementary dental insurance from KPT covers the cost of braces and orthodontic care up to the age of 20.
Supplementary dental insurance with benefit class 4 protects you against the high costs of braces by refunding 75% of the costs up to the age of 20 with no maximum financial limit. It also covers high-quality dental care, including dental hygiene and caries prevention.
Dr Alexander Johner is a specialist orthodontist and board member of the Swiss Orthodontic Society (SGK/SSODF). He practices in Murten, Switzerland.
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