Gaps between teeth: causes and ways to close them

Yes, in many cases, especially small gaps between the front teeth, using bonding or veneers. But if the space is large, closing it only by adding material can make the teeth look wide and unnatural. In that situation orthodontics, or orthodontics followed by veneers, is often better. Smile design and a mock-up show how each option would look before you decide.

Bonding is quicker, more conservative and usually lower in cost, and suits one or two small gaps. Porcelain or E.max veneers hold their colour better and resist staining, and suit people who also want to change colour and shape. Each has drawbacks; the choice depends on the gap size, the condition of your teeth and your expectations, and is set out in your written plan.

A new gap in an adult can be a sign of gum disease and bone loss, a missing back tooth letting others drift, or pressure from the tongue or grinding. It should not be closed cosmetically before the cause is known. An examination and X-rays show whether the gums need treatment first, and closure options are discussed after that.

Sometimes. If the upper lip frenum is thick or runs down between the front teeth, it can stop them coming together. In that case a frenectomy may be advised, which can be done with a laser, often alongside or before orthodontics. Not every gap is caused by the frenum, so this is assessed at the examination before any procedure is suggested.

If the gap is closed with bonding or veneers it does not reopen in the same way, but new spaces can appear if the original cause, such as gum disease, is not treated. After orthodontics, teeth can move again if the retainer is not worn. That is why the plan covers the cause and regular follow-up, not just closing the space.

The cost depends on the method and number of teeth: bonding, veneers, orthodontics or an implant. No Duhok price is given before an examination; after the assessment at Celebrity Smile Center you receive a written, itemised plan with prices and alternatives. For reference only, veneers at Creative Arts in Dubai start from AED 1,250 per tooth.

It can, if a large gap is closed by widening only two teeth. To avoid this, the space is shared across several teeth and the design follows your facial and lip proportions. A mock-up lets you see the new widths in your mouth before any preparation. If the teeth would still look too wide, orthodontics is suggested first.

Look for a dentist who explains why the gap is there, offers more than one option including orthodontics, and shows you a trial design before any drilling. Dr. Khalid Saeed, known on Instagram as "the celebrity smile maker", works at Celebrity Smile Center in Duhok and Creative Arts in Dubai, and uses a mock-up and a written plan before treatment. Results vary from person to person.