Seriously, Don’t Mind Your Tooth Gap

What would you do if Tyra Banks said you could never score a modeling contract with a tooth gap? The only appropriate answer is to smile, shake your head no, and win the whole competition. That’s what Dani Evans, the champion of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 6, did. And it really was the best decision, considering Tyra had a change of heart four years later and widened the space between another contestant’s front teeth.

Although signing up for a modeling contest may not be in your plans, the sentiment still resonates: having a gap-toothed smile isn’t a bad thing. It’s surely not a hindrance to success. “Fixing” the gap is more of a pain than letting it be.

Diastema, the medical term for tooth gap, isn’t technically a dental flaw that needs correction. While it may be associated with certain conditions, such as gum disease or misaligned bite, these cases are rare and more likely to be caused by other factors. Simply put, it’s a matter of aesthetics.

From a dental perspective, diastema occurs when there is an imbalance between the size of the teeth and jawbone. Genetics are mostly responsible for this. So, if your parent has a tooth gap, there’s a good chance you’ll inherit the trait as well. However, it’s possible to develop diastema later in life due to missing or underdeveloped front teeth.

Most treatments involve shifting the teeth, which can be uncomfortable and time-consuming. Teeth bonding or teeth gap filling is a less invasive option, and provides an immediate result, but it only lasts a few years. That said, no treatment is permanent. The gap can open again over time.

These days, a tooth gap is a quirky characteristic coveted by many. Slick Woods, Alek Wek, and Georgia May Jagger have all shown off their parted front teeth in numerous high-profile ads. Madonna’s gap is so beloved that fans paid thousands of dollars to drill their own teeth. And let’s not forget the public outrage over Dakota Johnson’s closed gap (don’t worry, she’s getting it back!).

Interestingly, many cultures see the tooth gap as a symbol of wealth and beauty. Over 30% of Nigerian women have undergone teeth surgery to artificially create diastema – the very same attribute you’ve been told is unattractive. In France, it’s considered lucky to have a gap between the teeth. They even have their own saying, “dents du bonheur,” which literally means “lucky teeth.”

Then, why should anyone feel pressured to hide and alter their smile?

In a sea of people who look the same, your gapped teeth make you stand out. Think of them as beauty marks – like freckles and dimples – that add charm to your visage. Moreover, closing the gap can be both physically and financially taxing. By contrast, embracing your tooth gap requires no effort or expense – just a willingness to accept your authentic self.

As many supermodels and celebrities have shown, your gap doesn’t diminish your looks. If anything, it improves your face card. Plus, there’s nothing more captivating than a confident smile that reflects your true essence.

It’s also worth repeating that, in many cases, a tooth gap doesn’t impact oral health. Even so, protect your pearly whites with closeup Gel Toothpaste with Antibacterial Zinc Red Hot or closeup Gel Toothpaste with Antibacterial Zinc Menthol. Both can blast away up to 99.9% of bacteria and give you an all-day AMA-ZINC fresh breath for up to 12 hours with regular use.

You don’t have to love your tooth gap. Just know that it’s nothing to be ashamed of or hidden away. If anyone ever tells you to close it up, repeat the iconic words of Dani Evans: “This gap is staying, sucker!”