Real cases from our clinic
Patients of Dr Haim Aseriel, photographed at the clinic and shared with their consent. Drag the line across the photo to compare.
Dental veneers
- Real patients of the clinic
- Published with patient consent
- Every result is individual
How common is a gap in the teeth?
In an institutional study of 1,000 people aged 15 to 34, a gap between the central incisors was found in 5.9% of them (Modak et al., 2025).
A tooth gap is a measurable space between neighboring front teeth, usually the upper central incisors. Prevalence varies between populations, from 1.6% to 25.0% in adults (Hasan et al., 2020), and the wish to close it comes mainly from its effect on appearance and self-confidence. Closing it is part of cosmetic dentistry.
What exactly is a diastema?
In research, a diastema is defined as a space of 0.5 mm or more between the central incisors, measured with a precise gauge (Hasan et al., 2020).
In children, spaced teeth at the front are often a normal stage of development that usually closes as the permanent teeth erupt; in adults, a gap does not close on its own, and treatment is needed if you want it closed. In the study mentioned above, the gap was found in 7.4% of women and 4.4% of men (Modak et al., 2025).
How to fix a gap in front teeth: the main options
Several proven methods can close a diastema; the choice depends on the cause, the size of the gap and the general condition of the teeth. In most cases a conservative method that does not harm the neighboring teeth is possible.
- Orthodontic treatment: suited to large gaps that require real tooth movement over time.
- Porcelain veneers or composite bonding: a quick cosmetic solution for small to medium gaps.
- Frenectomy: for cases where the lip frenum pulls the teeth apart again after treatment.
- Comprehensive restoration: a combination of approaches for complex gaps or when the overall condition of the mouth requires it.
- Gaps between back teeth: usually appear after a tooth is lost and the neighboring teeth drift; they are closed with orthodontic treatment or by replacing the missing tooth with a bridge or an implant.
Closing a gap with clear aligners
Clear aligners close a gap without visible wires, moving the teeth gradually and precisely into position.
Treatment uses a series of custom clear trays, changed step by step according to a digital plan and the dentist's instructions. Clear aligners suit adults who prefer to avoid traditional braces for aesthetic or professional reasons.
Before treatment starts, the dentist checks that the method suits the case.
Closing a gap with porcelain veneers
A patient with a gap of a few millimeters between the front teeth who wants a quick change, without months of orthodontics, is a typical candidate for porcelain veneers, especially when the size, color and shape of the teeth can be improved at the same time.
At the clinic, porcelain veneers are made of metal-free E-MAX ceramic, valued for its translucency and strength. Compared with composite, porcelain keeps its shine and resists staining better over time.
Closing a gap with composite bonding
Composite bonding usually closes a small gap in a single visit, without preparing the natural tooth.
It is a very conservative method: a nano-composite resin is added directly to the tooth and shaped by the dentist, usually without removing any tooth structure. It suits small gaps and gives a natural-looking result at a lower cost than porcelain. Its main advantage: it can be repaired or modified later. When the gap has several causes, bonding can be combined with orthodontic treatment by the clinic's orthodontist.
Why do gaps form between teeth?
A diastema usually has several causes, and their frequency varies between studies. If the cause is not treated, the gap may reopen after it has been closed, so it is diagnosed before choosing a method.
- Harmful habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting): the most common cause in one study, in 28.81% of cases (Modak et al., 2025). They are addressed at the same time as the gap.
- Low lip frenum: found in 18.64% of cases in the same study (Modak et al., 2025); it may need surgery before the gap is closed.
- Heredity: in another study of 100 patients, the dominant factor in 49% of cases (Kapusevska et al., 2014). It does not prevent treatment but calls for long-term follow-up.
- Loss of neighboring teeth: can make teeth drift and open new gaps, and calls for early replacement.
Teeth that are small for the size of the jaw (microdontia), congenitally missing teeth and advanced gum disease can all open gaps, so healthy gums matter before and after teeth straightening.
Do you have to close a gap between your teeth?
Not every diastema needs treatment, but gaps caused by active gum disease or by pressure on neighboring teeth require an examination and treatment of the cause.
From a cosmetic point of view, the decision is yours. However, gaps that open gradually in adults can indicate bone loss around the teeth due to gum disease (periodontitis), so they warrant an examination. A dentist can assess the gums and tell a purely cosmetic gap from an early sign of gum problems.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
How much does it cost to close a gap in your teeth?
The cost of closing a gap depends directly on the method chosen, the size of the gap and the number of teeth involved.
Direct composite bonding is usually the most economical option, while clear aligners or porcelain veneers are a larger investment with a long-lasting result (see porcelain veneers cost). For example, a small single gap may be suited to bonding, whereas several gaps combined with a bite problem call for orthodontic treatment. The clinic does not publish a price list: every patient receives a detailed written estimate after the examination, and itemized receipts that can be submitted to an insurer (coverage depends on the policy).
How long does it take to close a gap between teeth?
Treatment time ranges from a single visit to several months, depending on the method and the complexity of the case.
| Method | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Composite bonding | Usually one visit, with an immediate result. |
| Porcelain veneers | A few visits over several weeks (laboratory work). |
| Clear aligners | Several months, depending on the individual plan. |
| Frenectomy | A short procedure under local anesthesia; healing time depends on the extent of treatment. |
Can a gap between teeth be prevented?
The risk of a diastema can be reduced by treating the modifiable causes early, such as oral habits and gum disease.
Habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can be addressed with behavioral approaches at a young age.
Routine orthodontic follow-up helps detect early a jaw that does not match the size of the teeth.
When the cause is hereditary, full prevention is not possible, but early treatment may reduce the need for more complex procedures later. Regular check-ups help detect developing gaps early, sometimes when a simpler solution is still possible.
Closing a gap between teeth: consultation in Jerusalem
Dr Haim Aseriel, a US-trained dentist (DDS, NYU College of Dentistry), examines the cause of the gap, explains the options in English and gives you a clear treatment plan with a detailed written estimate. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem.
Gap between teeth: frequently asked questions
A gap between the teeth, or diastema, is a space between two neighboring teeth, most often between the two upper central incisors. Studies define a diastema as a space of 0.5 mm or more, and its prevalence in adults ranges from about 1.6% to 25% depending on the population studied.
Gaps between teeth usually have several causes: heredity, a mismatch between tooth size and jaw size, small or missing teeth, habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, a low lip frenum and advanced gum disease. Identifying the cause determines the right treatment.
A gap between the teeth does not always need treatment: when it is purely cosmetic, the decision is the patient's. However, a new gap that opens gradually in an adult can be a sign of gum disease and should be checked by a dentist.
The cost of closing a gap in the teeth depends on the method, the size of the gap and the number of teeth involved. Direct composite bonding is usually the least expensive option; orthodontic treatment and porcelain veneers cost more. An exact quote is given after an examination.
Closing a gap between teeth takes anything from one visit to several months: composite bonding is usually done in a single visit, porcelain veneers in a few visits, and orthodontic treatment takes months. The fastest option is not always the most suitable: the choice depends on the cause of the gap.
Sources
- Modak S et al., Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 2025 – View the study
- Hasan HS et al., Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, 2020 – View the study
- Kapusevska B et al., Prilozi (Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts), 2014 – View the study
