If you have diastema (a gap) between your front teeth, it can be a very noticeable part of your smile. Diastema can be caused by many different things, and the cause of your gap-toothed grin may determine which treatment is best for you. Here are some things you can do to deal with your gap. 

Braces: Braces are a good solution for repairing most gaps. Braces will generally be required on all of the teeth, since moving one tooth can affect the placement of the others. If your gap is the only problem with your teeth, your orthodontic treatment might take only six months or less. Many gaps can also be fixed using removable braces, which many adults prefer because they are less noticeable.

Frenectomy: The frenum is a thin band of tissue that extends from your lip to the gums. Sometimes a gap between the front teeth is caused by a frenum that is too large or that attaches too low to the gums. If this is the case, you may need a frenectomy, which is a surgery to remove part of the frenum that interferes with your teeth. If your gap is caused by your frenum, many orthodontists will recommend this surgery before they put braces on your teeth. This will prevent your teeth from moving apart after your braces come off.

Teeth Effect Bands: Teeth effect bands are bands that you slip over your teeth while you sleep to pull your teeth closer together. These bands are inexpensive, but risky. Many orthodontists warn that these bands can cause more damage to your bite than you realize, and you may end up with you needing more orthodontic care in the future.

Cosmetic Dentistry: If your bite in in alignment and your gap is the only part of your smile that you wish to change, your gap can be repaired without any orthodontic intervention at all! A cosmetic dentist can add porcelain veneers to your front teeth to make them closer together. Another cosmetic dentistry option is dental bonding. Compared to orthodontics, these cosmetic dentistry procedures are inexpensive and quick.

Learn to love it: If none of these methods seem to fit your needs, you have another option to consider: learn to love your gap. From Michael Strahan and Lauren Hutton, to David Letterman and Madonna, American popular culture is filled with people who have gaps in their teeth! Let them inspire you to love your imperfect smile. A cosmetic dentist can whiten your smile and make it as healthy and brilliant as possible to give you the extra confidence boost you need.