Prevention/illnesses | 16.9.2026
Closing tooth gaps (diastema): treatment and costs
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.
What is a tooth gap (diastema)?
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.”
Causes of tooth gaps
There are various underlying reasons for a tooth gap. Common causes include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Microdontia (teeth that are unusually small)
- Dental misalignment
- A prominent lip frenulum (the band of tissue connecting the lip to the gums)
- Missing or undeveloped teeth
- Changes during the transition from baby to adult teeth
- Shifting teeth in adulthood
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.
