This is one of the questions parents frequently ask me about their children. The answer to it depends on what age the child is.
There is a time, usually about the age of 8 or 9 years, when a gap (diastema) between the front teeth is quite common. The presence of this space is due to the positions and eruption paths of the nearby permanent teeth.
The "Ugly Duckling" Phase
By age 7, the two front teeth (central incisors) have erupted. Then by age 8, the two lateral incisors are in the mouth. But around this time the canines or “eye teeth” are beginning to push on the roots of the four front teeth.
The canines earn the name “eye teeth” because their roots are so long they end up near the eye sockets. Because the canines are so strong, they push the roots of the front teeth together causing the crowns of the front teeth to move away from each other (Figure 2).
Natural Tooth Spacing
The dental appearance of the child during this transitional stage is a frequent concern to parents. The two front teeth appear much larger than the baby teeth they replaced. And now they are pointing away from each other with a big space between them.
This, however, is a normal transitional appearance, which usually self-corrects as the canines erupt at about age 11 or 12 years. As the canines erupt, they push the crowns of the incisors toward the center. This will usually close the space between the central incisors. So, if the permanent canines have not yet erupted, then it is possible the space will close once they erupt.
The Maxillary Frenum
However, if the permanent teeth are in the mouth and there is still a space, there is probably another cause. Most often there is a band of tissue called a frenum that stretches from the upper lip all the way to the roof of the mouth (palate).
This frenum is very fibrous and elastic like a rubber band and will always keep the teeth apart. If you are dissatisfied with the diastema, you should discuss the situation with Dr. Thomas.
Some orthodontic treatment may be possible to close, or at least minimize, the space between the teeth. If orthodontics is not an option for you, either bonding or porcelain veneers might be options to close the diastema. These techniques can be quite esthetic.
Keep in mind that there are some famous people, including supermodel Lauren Hutton and comedian David Letterman, who have diastemas. This condition has obviously not inhibited their success!