← All explanationsDiastema

Is a gap between front teeth a disease?

A diastema is a space between neighbouring teeth, often the upper central incisors. It may be a natural variation. A new or widening gap should be examined because changes to the supporting tissues may also be responsible.

For dental trainees & teams

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Teeth are present, with a space between

In a diastema, neighbouring teeth stand apart. The term initially describes their arrangement, not automatically a disease or a missing tooth.

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The causes can differ

Tooth size, the dental arch and development play a role. Missing teeth elsewhere or changes to the supporting tissues may also influence spacing.

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Consider health and wishes separately

A stable, healthy gap does not have to be treated. New changes first need assessment of the cause; aesthetic wishes can then be discussed individually.

Watch the short film Download infographic (German)

At a glance

What is a diastema?

A space between neighbouring teeth.

Must it be closed?

Not automatically, if teeth and supporting tissues are healthy and stable.

When should it be examined?

Especially with a new or widening gap, looseness or bleeding.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.

Short film (German): Is a gap between front teeth a disease?

Open the short film directly: Landscape film (MP4, German) · Portrait film (MP4, German)

Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above

Often confused

Diastema or a missing tooth?

A diastema is a space between existing neighbouring teeth. A gap caused by tooth loss involves a missing tooth, which is a different starting point.

Quick answers

Can the gap change in children?

Yes. Spacing can change as baby teeth are replaced. Developmental stage and the presence of permanent tooth germs help with assessment.

Does the lip frenum have to be cut?

Not routinely. Its position alone does not justify a procedure. The cause of the gap and the overall treatment plan matter.

What if a gap suddenly becomes larger?

It should be examined, especially with looseness or bleeding gums. Do not try to close it yourself with elastic bands.

At the practice

For your consultation

A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Is my gap a stable variation, or is there a cause that should be treated first?

Symptoms, examination findings and personal wishes form the basis of individual treatment planning.

Whether observation or a change is appropriate depends on findings and personal wishes.

Discuss a gap between teethChoose an appointment on Doctolib

Meet Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour

Learning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge

Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.

Midline diastema: A gap between the central incisors.
Dental arch: The curved arrangement of teeth in one jaw.
Tooth migration: A change in tooth position, for example with altered supporting tissues.

Know the difference

A diastema is a descriptive finding. Treatment decisions depend on cause, function, stability and personal wishes.

Knowledge questionWhich statement is correct?

This question supports learning. It does not assess personal symptoms.

Every diastema proves that the dental arch is too short.
A gap may be a healthy variation; new changes need assessment.
Every diastema requires a previously extracted tooth.

Show answer and explanation

A gap may be a healthy variation; new changes need assessment.

Spacing alone is not a diagnosis of disease. A new or widening gap is assessed differently from a stable variation.

Sources for further learning

Sources and context

Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.