Thinking of a DIY or natural way to close your teeth gap? Here's What You Need to Know.

A confident, straight smile can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself. Teeth gap, also known as diastema, is a common dental issue that many Australians experience. This can affect your confidence as well as how you feel about your appearance.

You’ve probably come across plenty of “DIY” tips on social media promising fast and inexpensive ways to close those gaps. It’s completely understandable to be curious about these at-home fixes!

But these at-home methods come with serious risks and can cause irreversible damage to your smile.

We get it – the idea of a "natural" or budget-friendly solution is appealing. However, leading dental organisations both here in Australia and around the world consistently show that trying these fixes yourself can lead to severe harm. We are committed to offering top-notch care right in your neighbourhood.

What Exactly Are Teeth Gaps (Diastemas)?

Teeth gaps, or diastemas, can appear for a few different reasons:

• It might be genetic – just how your teeth naturally grew.

• Sometimes, this is due to a large labial frenum, the piece of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums.

• Missing teeth can also create spaces.

• Childhood habits like thumb sucking can sometimes play a role.

• Even gum disease or bone loss can lead to gaps forming.

  
  

Everyone's smile is unique, and some people absolutely love their gap – it's part of who they are! But if you'd prefer to close yours, whether for how it looks or how it feels, the most important first step is always to talk to a qualified dental professional. We're here to help you figure out what's best for your unique smile.

The Hidden Dangers of DIY Teeth Gap Solutions

Those DIY methods you see online often involve everyday household items like rubber bands, dental floss, nail files, or abrasive products. They might seem harmless, or even "natural," but honest, peer-reviewed research consistently shows that these practices can lead to long-term, painful damage.

Rubber Bands and Elastic Fixes Can Cause Tooth Loss 

This is one of the scariest risks. Those tiny elastic bands can easily slip right under your gum line, cutting off the blood flow to the bone and tissues that support your teeth.

This can quickly lead to:

• Irreversible gum and bone damage

• Nasty gum infections

• And heartbreakingly, permanent tooth loss

  
  

A World Journal of Clinical Cases report (Baishideng Publishing Group, 2017) and warnings from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) highlight these exact dangers—some involving children needing complex surgery after just a few days of using elastic bands (American Association of Orthodontists, n.d., "The risks of DIY braces").

Filing or Reshaping Your Teeth at Home Destroys Enamel 

Your tooth's enamel is its superhero shield – it's the protective outer layer, and here's the crucial bit: it doesn't grow back. Trying to file your teeth down with sandpaper, nail files, or any abrasive product can result in:

• Lasting tooth sensitivity

• A much higher risk of cavities

• Yellow or stained teeth

• And even cracked or chipped teeth

  
  

The AAO is very clear: filing your own teeth is incredibly dangerous and should simply never be attempted (American Association of Orthodontists, n.d., "Can you file your own teeth?").

DIY Tooth Movement Can Lead to Bite and Jaw Problems 

Moving teeth might look simple, but it's a precise science that needs careful planning and consistent, gentle force. Trying to shift your teeth without professional supervision can easily cause:

• A misaligned bite (where your top and bottom teeth don't meet correctly)

• Jaw strain or TMJ disorders (that's pain in your jaw joint)

• Frequent headaches and general pain

• And even difficulty chewing your favourite foods

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The truth is that fixing these problems later often costs much more, not only in dollars but also in discomfort, than getting proper treatment would have initially.

Non-Sterile Tools Can Cause Infections

When you use anything that isn't completely clean and sterile in your mouth, it opens the door wide for bacteria. This increases your risk of painful infections, some of which can even spread to other parts of your body if they're not treated quickly.

Do "Natural" Remedies Actually Work for Gaps?

You might see "natural" ways to close gaps promoted by some social media influencers, like oil pulling or specific tongue exercises. But the science doesn’t support these claims.

Oil Pulling: 

It's true that oil pulling might help with general gum health by reducing some bacteria. However, studies show no evidence at all that it can physically move teeth or close existing gaps. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) confirms there’s just "insufficient reliable evidence" to back oil pulling as a dental treatment that moves teeth (CNET, n.d.; Dallas Dental Concierge, n.d.).

Tongue Exercises: 

While certain exercises can definitely help with overall oral posture and muscle strength, they can’t physically move teeth to close gaps. Real tooth movement needs sustained, controlled forces, not just intermittent muscle work. In fact, sometimes incorrect tongue posture can actually cause gaps, not fix them (Wasserman et al., 2013)!

Diet Changes: 

Eating a healthy, balanced diet packed with essential minerals like calcium and vitamin D is fantastic for strong teeth and bones. It supports your overall oral health, but it won’t magically close existing gaps between your teeth.

So, while these habits can be good for your general oral health, they are definitely not a substitute for professional treatment if you're trying to close a gap.

What Australian Dental Experts Say

Top dental organisations in Australia warn strongly against DIY orthodontics.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) 

The country's peak body for dentists, the Australian Dental Association (ADA), clearly warns against "do-it-yourself orthodontics." It emphasises that trying these fixes yourself "significantly increases the risk of infection and damage." This can sadly lead to costly corrective work or even the irreversible loss of a tooth (Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch, n.d.).

Orthodontics Australia's Expert Warning

Orthodontics Australia, which is part of the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO), also strongly warns against online aligners and other DIY methods. They highlight the serious risks to your teeth, jaw alignment, and overall long-term oral health. They're quick to point out the extensive specialist training required for orthodontists to safely move teeth – something you simply can't replicate at home, which is why professional guidance is so crucial (Orthodontics Australia, n.d.).

Safe, Proven Ways to Close Teeth Gaps

Your oral health is a vital part of your overall well-being. More than one in three Australian adults feel self-conscious about their dental appearance (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024), so wanting to find a solution for gaps is perfectly natural. However, the key is to address these concerns safely and effectively.

At Bradbury Dental Surgery, we offer personalised, evidence-based treatments designed specifically for your smile and goals. Depending on what's causing your diastema and its size, here are some professional options we might recommend:

Orthodontic Treatment (Braces or Clear Aligners like Invisalign): 

For many people, this is the most effective and long-lasting solution. Braces or clear aligners apply gentle, controlled pressure over time to safely and gradually move your teeth into the correct position. 

Dental Bonding: 

For smaller gaps, we can use a tooth-coloured resin that's carefully applied to your tooth and shaped to fill the space. Then, we harden it with a special light. It's a quick and effective cosmetic procedure.

Porcelain Veneers: 

These are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They can beautifully mask gaps and improve the appearance of your smile.

Dental Implants or Bridges: 

If your gap is actually due to a missing tooth, these restorative options can replace the tooth, naturally close the space, and restore function.

Frenectomy:

If an oversized labial frenum is contributing to your gap, a minor surgical procedure called a frenectomy can remove or reposition the tissue. This is often combined with orthodontic treatment to close the gap fully.

Why You Should See a Dentist

Before you turn to social media for advice, please remember to consult a dental professional who truly understands your oral health history and your unique goals. Getting timely and accessible care is incredibly important, and that's exactly what we strive to provide at Bradbury Dental Surgery.

Our experienced team is here for you. We will:

• Accurately diagnose the real cause of your gap.

• Clearly explain all your safe, effective options.

• It helps you make a choice that protects your smile and your overall health in the long term.

  
  

Let's Talk to Bradbury Dental Surgery Today!

Please, don’t risk your smile on unproven DIY trends. As a family-oriented practice offering comprehensive dental services, including emergency care, we are committed to helping you achieve the confident, healthy smile you deserve—safely and professionally.

Call us: (02) 4628 2151