How Dental Bonding Can Fix Gaps Between Your Teeth

Gaps between teeth, especially the ones that show when you smile or talk, can be a real cosmetic concern.

The good news? Dental bonding using a tooth-colored material called composite can deliver amazing results in just one visit. The procedure is quick, painless, and affordable.

Keep reading to learn what causes these gaps, how bonding can close them effectively, and what other treatment options are available.

What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?

Gaps between teeth appear when the teeth no longer touch each other properly or when the gums recede.

Normally, your teeth make contact at specific spots called interproximal contacts. Just below these points, the gums form a small triangle-shaped tissue known as the papilla, which fills the space between the teeth.

When the teeth are too far apart—like in cases of diastemas—or when the papilla is too short or has receded, the space between your teeth becomes more noticeable and can look unattractive.

When Are Gaps Between Teeth Considered Normal?

Gaps between teeth aren’t always a problem—and they don’t always need treatment. In fact, many people naturally have small spaces between their teeth that don’t affect their smile or cause any hygiene concerns.


For example, if your genetics gave you short papillae or triangular-shaped teeth, it’s perfectly normal for your teeth to appear slightly spaced.

However, gaps can become an issue if they make you feel self-conscious or if they trap plaque, making it harder to clean your teeth properly. Over time, this can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Common Dental Conditions Associated with Gaps Between Teeth

Several factors can contribute to gaps between teeth. Here are some of the most common:

1. Diastemas

A diastema is a gap between two teeth—usually the front ones. This can happen when there’s a mismatch between the size of your teeth and your jaw. It can also be caused by habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or even a frenulum (a piece of tissue) that prevents teeth from closing together properly.

2. Triangular Tooth Shape

Sometimes, the teeth next to the gap are shaped like triangles or are smaller than usual. This makes them touch at the tip but leave space near the gum line, creating a visible gap.

3. Receding Gums

When gums recede, they pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots. This creates spaces between the teeth and gums called black triangles, which can make the gaps look more pronounced.

4. Crowded or Misaligned Teeth

Teeth that are out of alignment or crowded can also cause gaps to form. When teeth aren’t positioned correctly, it’s harder for them to sit closely together, leading to spacing issues.

How Can Dental Bonding Fix Gaps Between Your Teeth?

Dental bonding is often the first-line option for closing gaps between teeth. That's because it’s affordable, painless, and offers instant results, especially when compared to treatments like veneers or braces.

The procedure is quick and usually done in just one visit.

Your dentist starts by roughening and etching the surface of your teeth to help the bonding material stick better. Then, they’ll choose a shade of composite resin that closely matches the natural color of your teeth.

Next, the material is directly applied to the areas where gaps exist and then shaped and smoothed.

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Bonding?

You are a good candidate for composite bonding if:

• The gaps between your teeth are small or moderate
• Your teeth are well aligned or only slightly crowded
• Your teeth are healthy or have only minor damage

However, if your teeth are severely crowded or misaligned, you may need an orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners to correct the issue first.

Also, if your teeth are stained or dark, it’s better to whiten them before bonding. That’s because the bonding material is matched to your current tooth color and doesn’t change once applied.

There are a few factors you should know about that can impact the long-term success of composite bonding.

• Poor oral hygiene.


• Smoking or overconsuming pigmented foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, or chocolate. These can stain the composite material over time.


• Severe tooth damage or extensive decay. In this case, a stronger solution like a dental crown may be required.

Other Alternatives to Dental Bonding

If dental bonding isn’t the right fit for your needs, other treatments can help close gaps and improve your smile—such as orthodontics, veneers, or crowns.

Orthodontic Treatment

This approach works by gradually moving your teeth into the correct position, which can naturally close gaps. While orthodontics usually takes longer than bonding to show results, it’s the most effective solution for severe alignment issues or bite problems.

Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells—usually made of porcelain or composite—that cover the front surface of your teeth. They can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth and are often used to close gaps.

However, unlike bonding, veneers:

• Usually require 2 visits
• Are more expensive
• Involve removing a small amount of tooth enamel

Dental Crowns

Also called caps, crowns are used to restore teeth that are badly damaged or decayed. They cover the entire tooth and can also improve appearance and shape by closing gaps.