Some people, including myself, have a gap between our two front teeth.

Technically I should describe it as a midline diastema.

And when I say front teeth, I specifically mean the upper central incisors.

For many people around the world, this gap would be considered a flaw. I’ve always wanted to close the gap as I think it isn’t a very attractive/aesthetic form but as I only recently discovered, it is thought of by the French as a desirable, attractive and fortunate feature to have.

There are two French expressions to describe the gap:

In fact, back in 2010 there were a couple of articles which highlighted the fashionability and attractiveness associated with les dents du bonheur. I’ve linked them to the phrases above^^

I’ve always been keen to get my gap closed, and hopefully, when I qualify as a dentist and have some disposable income I will get it sorted. But who knows, maybe I’ll change my mind and just let it be. It is, after all, such a minor little thing that doesn’t affect my life in any significant way.

For the French it is a sign of good luck, so if you believe that then I guess it means my teeth bring me luck! Does that mean that I would be less lucky if I had it closed…?

If I did decide to go ahead and close my diastema, it would most definitely NOT be accepted as an NHS treatment. Cosmetic dental treatments are done privately, and you should think long and hard before going ahead with any cosmetic treatments. As is the case with pretty much all cosmetic treatments, it is the individual’s own choice to have the work done.

When it comes to correcting diastema, there are a number of different options that include:

  • Orthodontic Braces
  • Invisalign, Six Month Smiles, Inman Aligner etc
  • Dental Bands
  • Direct Composite Bonding

Individual diastema will vary, some will be very minimal, others will be big enough to stick a little finger through maybe!

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These are my teeth… 

That’s all for this post – I just thought it was how the French perceive the gap between the two front teeth and wanted to share it with you all! 🙂

Ever since I thought about writing this post I have been noticing many people across London who have some degree of diastema. It is very common and is a wonderfully unique feature of a person’s visage. 

Thanks for reading – I’d be interested to hear what your thoughts are on the gap – if you had one, would you leave it or get it closed up?

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