A gap between the upper incisors is called a diastema. This space alone does not require treatment. Age, evolution and cause should be examined before deciding to keep or close it.
A gap means different things at different ages
Spaces during dental development are not assessed in the same way as a recent change in an adult. The AAPD notes that many diastemas in primary or mixed dentition are part of maturation. An isolated space cannot therefore predict a child's final smile.
For a very young child, see the guide to gaps between a baby's teeth. For teenagers or adults, tell the dentist whether the gap is long-standing, changing or accompanied by discomfort. Assessment aims to understand the situation before any aesthetic decision.
What the dentist aims to understand
The appointment may address several questions: is spacing limited to two teeth or more widespread? Are the expected permanent teeth present? Do the arches close satisfactorily? Are the gums healthy enough for treatment? Does the lip frenulum play a role in this specific case?
The AAPD highlights the importance of assessing dentition and eruption abnormalities. The practitioner decides whether further examinations are useful; you do not need to choose an X-ray yourself from an article.
Bring older photographs showing changes if possible, without diagnosing yourself from them. Report recent change, mobility or gum discomfort so these can be examined.
Does the upper lip frenulum always need cutting?
No. Seeing a frenulum between the lip and gum is not enough to indicate an intervention. The AAPD frenulum recommendation coordinates diastema treatment and frenulum management when needed. The order and timing of procedures are part of the plan.
Before accepting an intervention, ask which problem it addresses and how the result will be assessed. Clarify whether it is proposed alone or alongside orthodontics. A promise of automatic closure based only on the frenulum's appearance deserves reconsideration.
Keeping the gap or considering closure
If the concern is aesthetic, start by explaining what you want to change. Wanting to keep the gap is also a preference to respect. The decision should consider the examination, the goal and the consequences of each option.
Options may include orthodontics, restorative care or combined procedures depending on the cause. The AAPD describes this range; it does not identify a universal solution.
Ask the practitioner to explain the intended result, stages, limitations, follow-up and total cost. If orthodontic movement is proposed, also discuss the phase after treatment. Do not compare only an object's price with the cost of a care pathway.
A retraining appliance cannot close a diastema on demand
The Myoforce appliance is a standard appliance for tongue retraining. It is not a series of aligners designed to move your teeth according to an individual plan. No evidence in the MyoForce file supports presenting it as a solution for closing a diastema.
The tongue can be discussed during functional assessment without becoming the automatic explanation for every gap. To distinguish appliances, read about the role of a functional trainer.
Common questions
Is a diastema a disease?
The word describes a space. Its significance depends on examination, age and change over time; it is not by itself a disease diagnosis.
Can teeth be pulled together with an elastic band at home?
Do not try to move your teeth yourself. Request assessment and an appropriate treatment plan if you want to close the space.
Is a before-and-after photograph enough to choose a technique?
No. It does not necessarily show the cause, all the treatment or follow-up of the result. Ask for explanations applicable to your situation.
Sources and review
Guide reviewed on 1 October 2026 by Dr Vladimir Khourda. The references below concern the topics studied; they do not establish the results of a MyoForce product.