Gapped Teeth (Diastema) in Grand Rapids, MI

A diastema is a gap or space between any two teeth, most often seen between the upper front teeth. In Grand Rapids, MI, many children and adults visit local dentists and orthodontists at practices affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health to discuss concerns about gapped teeth—both for health reasons and cosmetic reasons.

Understanding why gaps occur and when treatment is helpful can make it easier to choose the right care with a Grand Rapids dental professional.

What Causes Gapped Teeth?

A gap between the front teeth can develop for several reasons. Some are completely normal parts of growth and development, while others may require dental or orthodontic treatment.

1. Low or Thick Labial Fraenum

The fraenum (also called frenum) is the fold of tissue that connects the inside of your upper lip to your upper gum.

  • If this fraenum attaches too low or is thicker than usual, it can keep the two top front teeth apart.
  • You can usually feel this band of tissue by gently lifting your upper lip.

This is one of the most common causes of gapped upper front teeth seen by dentists in Grand Rapids and across Michigan.

2. Normal Tooth Development in Children

In many West Michigan children, gapped teeth are simply part of normal development:

  • Baby teeth often have spaces between them. This allows room for larger adult teeth to come in later.
  • When adult teeth first erupt, gaps are common.
  • As more adult teeth appear—especially the canine teeth—they often help close these spaces naturally.

Because of this, pediatric dentists in Grand Rapids usually monitor gaps over time rather than rushing into treatment.

3. Missing Teeth

Some children and adults are born missing one or more teeth, either baby teeth or adult teeth:

  • If a tooth never forms in the jawbone, a permanent space can remain.
  • Sometimes a tooth is present in the bone but does not erupt (impacted tooth), leaving a visible gap.

This is a frequent reason for orthodontic referrals in the Grand Rapids area.

4. Extra Teeth

Occasionally, there are extra teeth in the jaw (called supernumerary teeth):

  • These extra teeth can block normal teeth from coming in, leaving gaps or causing misalignment.
  • X‑rays taken at your Grand Rapids dental office can help detect these hidden teeth.

5. Small Teeth or Large Jaws

In some people, the teeth are relatively small compared to the size of the jaws:

  • This mismatch can create spaces between teeth, even if no teeth are missing.
  • This can be a hereditary trait and may run in families.

6. Tongue-Tie and the Lingual Fraenum

A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the lingual fraenum—the band of tissue under the tongue—is too short or tight:

  • In severe cases, this can affect how the tongue rests and moves.
  • Occasionally, the tension and tongue position may contribute to a gap in the lower front teeth.

ENT specialists and pediatric dentists in Grand Rapids sometimes work together to evaluate tongue-tie in infants and children.

Gaps Between Baby Teeth Are Very Normal

For families in Grand Rapids, it’s important to know that gaps in baby teeth are usually normal and often nothing to worry about.

  • When baby teeth start to come through (around 6–9 months), the front teeth may have a noticeable gap.
  • The upper lip fraenum may look low or thick at this age.
  • By around 12 months and beyond, the fraenum often appears less prominent, and more teeth erupt, naturally reducing or closing gaps.

Because normal development can vary, your child’s dentist in Grand Rapids will usually:

  • Monitor spacing over several visits
  • Check how adult teeth are developing with periodic X-rays
  • Recommend orthodontic evaluation only if gaps are likely to persist or cause bite problems

Will Gaps in Adult Teeth Close on Their Own?

Some gaps between adult front teeth may close as more adult teeth come in, especially in the early teen years. However:

  • Larger gaps are less likely to close on their own.
  • Gaps related to missing teeth, extra teeth, or jaw size usually do not resolve without treatment.

Your Grand Rapids dentist or orthodontist can evaluate whether a gap is likely to close or if you might benefit from treatment.

Possible Problems Caused by Gapped Teeth

While many people in Grand Rapids live comfortably with gapped teeth, in some cases diastema can cause issues such as:

1. Bite and Alignment Problems

  • A large gap may leave too little or too much space for other teeth.
  • This can lead to crowded or crooked teeth as neighboring teeth shift.
  • Misalignment can affect how your upper and lower teeth fit together (your bite), which may lead to:
    • Difficulty biting or chewing certain foods
    • Uneven wear on teeth
    • Jaw discomfort in some cases

2. Self-Consciousness and Confidence

In a city as social and professional as Grand Rapids, appearance can impact confidence:

  • Some people feel embarrassed to smile or avoid photos due to a noticeable gap.
  • Teens and adults may seek treatment primarily to improve self-esteem and feel more comfortable at work, school, or social events.

When Should Gapped Teeth Be Treated?

Gapped teeth may benefit from treatment when:

  • The gap is causing bite problems or making teeth more difficult to clean.
  • There are missing or impacted teeth affecting overall dental health.
  • The gap is a source of self-consciousness or affects your confidence.
  • There is an underlying issue such as a low fraenum, tongue-tie, or jaw discrepancy.

If the gap is small, not causing any problems, and you’re happy with your smile, many Grand Rapids dentists may recommend no treatment and simple monitoring.

Dental Specialists Who Treat Gapped Teeth in Grand Rapids

You may see one or more types of dental professionals:

General Dentist

Your general dentist is usually your first contact:

  • Performs exams, X‑rays, and initial diagnosis
  • Discusses whether treatment is needed
  • Provides some cosmetic treatments (e.g., bonding, some veneers)

Many general dentists in Grand Rapids partner with local health systems such as Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids or operate independently in private practices.

Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dentist with additional training in:

  • Diagnosing and treating alignment and bite problems
  • Using braces, clear aligners, and other appliances to move teeth and close gaps

You may be referred to an orthodontist in Grand Rapids if:

  • The gap is large or complex
  • Multiple teeth are misaligned
  • Your bite needs correction

Prosthodontist

A prosthodontist specializes in restoring and replacing teeth, including:

  • Crowns
  • Bridges
  • Dental implants
  • Complex cosmetic and functional cases

They may be involved if:

  • You have missing teeth causing gaps
  • You need a bridge, crown, or implant to restore your smile

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is trained in surgery of the:

  • Teeth
  • Jawbone
  • Jaw joints
  • Face

They may be involved if:

  • A fraenectomy (fraenum surgery) is needed
  • Teeth are impacted and need surgical exposure or removal
  • Jaw surgery is recommended to improve bite and orthodontic outcomes

Grand Rapids residents can access these specialists through major health systems and private specialty practices across Kent County.

Treatment Options for Gapped Teeth

Your treatment plan will depend on:

  • The cause of the gap
  • Your age
  • The size and location of the space
  • Your cosmetic goals and budget

Below are common treatment options offered by dentists and specialists in Grand Rapids.

1. Composite Bonding (Tooth-Colored Fillings)

A tooth-colored composite resin (similar to white filling material) can be used to:

  • Build up the sides of teeth to close small gaps
  • Match the color of your natural teeth
  • Improve shape and symmetry

This is often a conservative and cost-effective option, frequently done in a single visit.

2. Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells (usually porcelain or composite) that are:

  • Custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth
  • Bonded permanently to the teeth
  • Designed slightly wider than your natural teeth to close gaps

Veneers can:

  • Close small to moderate gaps
  • Improve color, shape, and alignment appearance
  • Provide a long-lasting cosmetic solution

Many cosmetic dentists in Grand Rapids offer veneers as part of a complete smile makeover.

3. Crowns

A crown is a cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth:

  • Used when a tooth is damaged, heavily filled, or misshapen
  • Can be shaped to help close or reduce gaps
  • Often used in combination with bridges or implants

4. Bridges

A dental bridge is a permanent restoration that:

  • Joins several crowns together
  • Includes one or more artificial teeth to fill a space where teeth are missing
  • Is anchored to neighboring natural teeth or implants

Bridges are a common option when:

  • A gap is caused by missing teeth
  • Implants are not an immediate option

5. Dental Implants

A dental implant is:

  • A metal screw (usually titanium) placed into the jawbone
  • Acts as an artificial tooth root
  • Supports a crown, bridge, or denture

Implants can:

  • Replace missing teeth that cause gaps
  • Help maintain jawbone health
  • Provide a long-term, stable solution

Oral surgeons and implant dentists in Grand Rapids commonly work together to plan these treatments.

6. Removable Appliances

A removable appliance (such as a retainer with a built-in tooth or spring) can:

  • Gradually move teeth to close small gaps
  • Temporarily replace a missing tooth for appearance

These may be used in children, teens, or adults, often as a more affordable or temporary solution.

7. Fixed Appliances (Braces)

Traditional braces are:

  • Brackets attached to the teeth with wires and rubber bands
  • Adjusted over time to move teeth into better positions
  • Very effective for closing larger gaps and correcting overall alignment

Orthodontists in Grand Rapids frequently use braces to:

  • Close gaps
  • Straighten crowded or crooked teeth
  • Correct bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)

8. Clear Aligners (Invisible Braces)

Clear aligners are:

  • Custom-molded, transparent trays that fit over your teeth
  • Worn for most of the day and changed every few weeks
  • Designed to gradually move teeth and close gaps

They are sometimes called “invisible braces” and are popular among Grand Rapids adults and teens who want:

  • A discreet orthodontic option
  • Fewer dietary restrictions than traditional braces

9. Fraenectomy (Fraenum Surgery)

A fraenectomy is a minor surgical procedure to:

  • Remove or reduce a fraenum that is causing a gap
  • Most commonly done for a low upper lip fraenum or a problematic tongue-tie

Key points about fraenectomy:

  • Often performed before or during orthodontic treatment
  • Helps prevent the gap from reopening after braces or aligners
  • Can sometimes be done with laser or traditional surgical techniques

In some cases, surgery on the jaws or supporting structures may also be recommended to:

  • Improve the fit of the bite
  • Enhance the results of orthodontic treatment

Local Considerations for Dental Health in Grand Rapids

Living in Grand Rapids and West Michigan can influence oral health in a few ways:

  • Cold winters: People may drink more hot, sugary beverages (like cocoa or specialty coffees), increasing the risk of cavities around existing gaps or crowded areas.
  • Seasonal sports and activities: Hockey, basketball, and outdoor recreation can increase the risk of dental injuries that may lead to broken or missing teeth and new gaps.
  • Access to fluoridated water: Grand Rapids was one of the first U.S. cities to fluoridate its water, which can help reduce cavities, but regular dental checkups are still essential.

Regular visits to a local dentist help ensure that any gaps, alignment issues, or early signs of dental disease are identified and managed promptly.

Where to Get Help for Gapped Teeth in Grand Rapids, MI

If you’re concerned about gapped teeth—for yourself or your child—start with a visit to a local dentist or pediatric dentist.

Local resources include:

  • General and Family Dentists in Grand Rapids

    • Many practices throughout Kent County offer exams, X‑rays, bonding, veneers, and referrals to orthodontists and specialists.

  • Orthodontic Practices (Braces and Aligners)

    • Available across the Grand Rapids metro area, including offices affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health

    • Provide information on public dental programs, preventive care, and community clinics for eligible residents.
    • Visit the Kent County Health Department website or call their main line for current dental program details.

  • American Dental Association “Find a Dentist” Tool

    • Search for licensed dentists in Grand Rapids, MI by specialty, location, and insurance participation.

If you need low-cost or public dental services in the Grand Rapids area, ask:

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician
  • The Kent County Health Department
  • Local community health centers

for updated information on clinics currently accepting new dental patients.

Key Points About Gapped Teeth (Diastema)

  • A diastema is a gap or space between teeth, most often seen between the upper front teeth.
  • A low or thick upper lip fraenum is one of the most common causes of gapped front teeth.
  • Other causes include natural development, missing teeth, extra teeth, small teeth, large jaws, and tongue-tie.
  • Gaps between baby teeth are usually normal and often close on their own as more teeth come in.
  • Gapped teeth may cause bite problems, difficulty cleaning, or self-consciousness about appearance.
  • Treatment options include composite bonding, veneers, crowns, bridges, implants, removable and fixed appliances, clear aligners, and fraenectomy.
  • Many gaps can be safely left alone if they don’t affect function or confidence—your Grand Rapids dentist can help you decide what’s best for your situation.

If you live in or near Grand Rapids, MI, and are concerned about gapped teeth, scheduling a dental exam is the best first step toward understanding your options and protecting your long-term oral health.