Gappy Teeth

 

Is a condition where there are prominent gaps within the upper and lower teeth. Gappy teeth can be caused by:

• Nail biting, pen chewing or lip sucking in children and teens. 
• Can be a sign of underlying gum disease in adults. 
• Larger overbites have the ability to push the upper front teeth forward leading to larger gaps between the front teeth. 

Can gappy teeth be fixed?

Yes, there are several options for fixing this including braces to clear aligners. Occasionally, in kids and early teens when all the adult teeth have not erupted, an upper plate may help to close the gaps.

Can gaps close naturally?

For early to mid teens when the canine teeth erupt, we sometimes can expect the gaps between the upper teeth to close slightly. However, beyond this normally the gaps do not close by itself.

Can gappy teeth cause oral health problems?

• Gaps in teeth can make it easier for food debris, plaque and bacteria to build up in that space. This can lead to cavities or gum problems, particularly if not cleaned well.

• Gaps in upper teeth may also be due to large overbites where the lower lip sits behind the upper teeth. This can have the side effect of pushing the upper front teeth further forwards. 

• Gaps in teeth can also make it difficult to articulate certain phrase ie: “Th” and “S” sounds. It can also make speech exercises more challenging.

Is it normal to have gaps between teeth?

• Gaps between the teeth are usually not normally seen. Sometimes, several teeth may be more narrower and/or smaller in size. 

• It is more important to ensure that the gaps are not worsening overtime. 

• If you’re an adult or child looking to have these gaps closed, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an Orthodontist who can then diagnose what the causes of the gaps are and discuss the most effective ways for you to achieve your new smile.