Teeth small for the jaw
When teeth are narrow relative to the jaw, spaces are left between them. Small or peg-shaped upper side incisors are a common example.
Diastema and spacing
Gap Between Teeth Treatment in Dubai
A gap in the front teeth can be closed by moving teeth, by adding to them, or both. A gap that has recently appeared needs its cause checked first.
- Specialist orthodontists
- Bonding and veneers in-house
- Gum health checked first
Tell us whether the gap has always been there or appeared recently; it changes what we check first.
Real patient caseGap between the upper front teeth, before and after.
Quick answer
How do you close a gap between teeth?
A gap between teeth, or diastema, is closed either by moving the teeth together with braces or clear aligners, or by widening the teeth with composite bonding or veneers. Often the two are combined. At Creative Arts in Dubai we first check the cause: a gap that has appeared recently can be a sign of gum disease, which is treated before any cosmetic work.
27 yearsIn-house dental laboratory in the same building
Written planItemised treatment plan before you commit
Open daily10:00–20:00, seven days a week
Jumeirah 3614 Jumeira St, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai
Causes
Why gaps form between teeth
Gaps that have always been there and gaps that are new usually have different causes.
A prominent frenum
The band of tissue between the upper lip and gum can extend between the front teeth and hold them apart.
Gum disease
Loss of the bone supporting the teeth lets them drift and fan out. New gaps in adults are a warning sign.
Missing teeth
When a tooth is missing or was never formed, neighbours drift into the space and open gaps elsewhere.
Habits
Tongue thrusting or long-term thumb sucking can push front teeth forward and apart.
How urgent is it?
Is a new gap between your teeth a concern?
A long-standing gap is a cosmetic choice. A gap that appears or widens in adulthood should be assessed promptly.
Book an assessment soon
- A gap that has appeared or widened in the last months
- Teeth that feel loose or have started to fan forward
- Gums that bleed, have receded or look swollen
- A gap next to a tooth that is sore on biting
Can be planned whenever suits you
- A gap you have had since childhood
- Small even spaces with healthy gums
- A gap left after orthodontic treatment many years ago
Treatment options
Diastema treatment options, simplest first
Which option suits you depends on the size of the gap, the size of your teeth, and whether your bite also needs correcting.
| Option | When it fits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Gum treatment first | New or widening gaps, bleeding gums or loose teeth | Treats the cause; cosmetic closure waits until gums are stable |
| Clear aligners (Invisalign) | Spacing across several teeth, with or without bite issues | Moves teeth without removing tooth structure; months of wear and a retainer afterwards |
| Fixed braces | Larger gaps or where the bite also needs significant correction | Precise control of movement; visible and needs a retainer afterwards |
| Composite bonding | Small gaps between teeth that are slightly narrow | Usually one visit and little or no drilling; resin can stain and chip, but is repairable |
| Porcelain veneers | Gaps combined with small, worn or discoloured teeth | Changes shape and colour together; some enamel is usually removed |
| Replace a missing tooth | The gap is where a tooth is missing | Often combined with orthodontics to redistribute space first |
Closing a large gap with bonding or veneers alone can make teeth look too wide. In that case, orthodontics first often means a more natural result. See Invisalign vs braces.
Real cases
Gaps closed at Creative Arts
Unretouched photographs of patients treated at our clinic. Results depend on the case.
Individual results vary. Photographs are shown with patient consent.
At the appointment
How a gap assessment works
History of the gap
Has it always been there, or is it new? This one question decides what is checked first.
ConversationGum and bone check
Gum pockets are measured and X-rays taken where needed, to rule out gum disease or a missing tooth.
ExaminationBite and tooth size
An intraoral scan shows how much space there is, how the teeth meet and whether orthodontics is indicated.
RecordsOptions, including combinations
Orthodontic, cosmetic and combined plans are compared in writing, with timelines and trade-offs.
Before treatment
Who treats you
Dentists who close gaps between teeth
A specialist orthodontist for tooth movement, with cosmetic and gum care from our general dentists.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the quickest way to close a gap between front teeth?
For a small gap, composite bonding is usually quickest, often completed in a single visit. It works well when the teeth are slightly narrow. For larger gaps, bonding alone can make teeth look too wide, and aligners or braces give a more natural result even though they take longer.
Can a gap come back after it is closed?
Yes. After orthodontic closure, teeth tend to move back unless a retainer is worn as instructed, and a bonded wire behind the teeth is sometimes used. If the gap was caused by gum disease or a tongue habit, the gap can reopen unless that cause is managed.
Why has a gap appeared between my teeth as an adult?
The most important cause to rule out is gum disease, which reduces the bone supporting the teeth and lets them drift. Other causes include a missing tooth nearby and changes in the bite. A newly appeared gap should be examined before any cosmetic treatment.
Do I need veneers to close a gap?
Usually not. Many gaps are closed with orthodontics or composite bonding alone. Veneers are considered when the gap comes with other concerns, such as small, worn or discoloured teeth, so that shape and colour can be changed at the same time.
Does the frenum need to be removed?
Not always. A frenum between the front teeth is only treated if it is judged to be holding the teeth apart or causing the gap to reopen after orthodontics. Whether it needs attention is assessed at the examination.
Should a child's gap be treated?
Gaps between baby teeth are normal and help make room for the larger adult teeth. A gap between the upper front adult teeth often narrows as the side teeth and canines come through. Our children's dentists can check whether it needs an orthodontic opinion.
Can gaps be fixed without braces?
Small gaps often can, with composite bonding or, for some cases, veneers — the right choice depends on tooth size and how many gaps there are. Larger gaps, gaps caused by the bite, or several gaps are usually better closed with orthodontics, sometimes followed by bonding.
Keep exploring
Related treatments
AlignersInvisalign clear alignersClosing spaces with removable clear aligners.BracesFixed bracesWhen braces give more control over tooth movement.BondingComposite bondingClosing small gaps by adding tooth-coloured resin.GumsGum treatmentTreating gum disease that can cause new gaps.ConditionCrooked teethCrowding and uneven teeth, and every way to straighten them.ConditionProtruding teethSpacing often comes with front teeth that flare forward.TreatmentOrthodontics in DubaiSpecialist orthodontic assessment and treatment.
Book a consultation
Request a consultation
Tell us what you would like to change. The clinic replies within working hours with an appointment time.
- Address614 Jumeira St, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai
- Opening hoursClinic open daily, 10:00–20:00
- Phone+971 4 342 4444 · WhatsApp +971 56 677 7537
Book Your Consultation
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Talk to a dentist about your case
A consultation ends with a diagnosis and a written, itemised plan — not a sales pitch. Book online, message us on WhatsApp, or call the clinic.