Gap Teeth in Kids (Diastema): What to Know

A diastema is the dental term for a gap between teeth — most often the gap between the two upper front teeth. In children, it is one of the most common things parents ask me about, and the short answer is reassuring: in a growing child, a gap is usually normal and often closes on its own.

Here is why. In the mixed dentition years — when baby teeth and adult teeth share the mouth — the front teeth erupt with spacing because the jaws are still growing and the big permanent canines have not arrived yet. When those canines erupt around ages 11 to 13, they press the front teeth together and the gap frequently closes by itself. I see it happen all the time.

When a gap deserves a closer look

A few situations make me watch more carefully. If the gap is very wide, if it persists after the permanent canines are fully in, or if a thick band of gum tissue (the frenum) runs between the front teeth and looks like it is holding them apart — those are worth evaluating. I check all of this at regular checkups, and the age 7 orthodontic evaluation is a natural moment to get the orthodontist's eyes on it too.

What we do — and what we do not do

What we do not do is rush to close a gap in a 7- or 8-year-old. Closing it too early can interfere with teeth that are still erupting. What we do is monitor: measure the gap, watch the erupting canines, and check the frenum. If the gap remains after growth is further along, options range from simple orthodontic alignment to a small frenum procedure if tissue is the cause. Because our pediatric dentists and orthodontists share one office, that decision happens with the full picture in front of us — including space maintenance needs if baby teeth were lost early.

Worried about a gap? Bring it to the next visit and I will tell you exactly where your child is in the timeline. We are at 54 Warren Street, open Monday through Friday 8am–7pm and weekends 9am–4pm. Call 212-561-5303.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child's front-tooth gap close on its own?

Very often, yes — when the permanent canines erupt around ages 11–13, they push the front teeth together. We monitor rather than intervene early.

Does a thick frenum always need treatment?

No. Many children have a prominent frenum that thins as they grow. We only consider a procedure if tissue is clearly holding the teeth apart after eruption is complete.

Can a gap come back after braces?

It can if the cause was not addressed or retainers are not worn. That is why we diagnose the cause first and plan retention afterward.

Is a diastema a sign of a problem?

In a growing child, no — it is usually a normal stage. It becomes a question worth answering only if it persists past the expected window.