Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in St. Louis, MO
While some gaps in your smile are a harmless cosmetic quirk, larger spaces can cause issues such as inefficient chewing.
If you are self-conscious about gapped teeth or need treatment to improve your oral health, your dentist can recommend a solution.
Do I need to worry about gaps?
Gaps Are Common for Children and Usually Harmless, But Sometimes Require Treatment
Gaps between Baby Teeth
Known as diastema, gaps between teeth are especially common in kids. As children grow up, these spaces tend to close naturally when the adult teeth erupt.
Permanent Diastema
If gaps remain after all the adult teeth erupt, they become permanent and will require professional diastema treatment.
Gaps from Missing Teeth
Another common type of gap is caused when teeth fall out or require extraction. These types of gaps require prompt treatment to prevent serious side effects, such as shifting teeth.
Let’s take a look at some different types of diastema…
Different Types of Gaps Require Different Treatments
A gap left by an extracted tooth will involve a different treatment process – such as a dental bridge – than gaps caused by natural jaw development or childhood habits.
Are certain people more likely to develop permanent gaps?
Genetics and Childhood Habits Can Increase The Chance of Diastema
Many of the factors which cause gaps and other types of misalignment are genetic, including the size of your teeth and jaw. Often, gapped teeth run in families.
Certain bad habits which are common in childhood can also lead to the development of gaps, including thumbsucking.
What causes gapped teeth?
There Are Many Reasons You May Develop Gaps In Your Smile
Large Frenulum
A frenulum or frenum refers to the band of tissue under the top lip, underneath the tongue, and inside the cheeks. If the tissue is longer than normal, it can cause gaps between the front teeth, either in the top or bottom jaw.
Extra Teeth or Small Teeth
Smaller than average teeth or extra teeth that block others from coming in can leave gaps in your smile.
Large Jaws
In some cases, the jaw is relatively large compared to the size of the teeth.
Missing Teeth
You may have been born without certain teeth, which leaves a space behind in the jaw.
Are gaps between teeth normal?
Diastema Are Very Common In Young Children
However, this percentage decreases dramatically with age. Most childhood gaps will close on their own as permanent teeth erupt.
*According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
What should I do if I have gaps in my smile?
Your Doctor Can Tell You If Your Gaps Need Treatment Or Not
For many patients, gaps are simply a cosmetic concern but some diastema can affect your oral health. Leaving large gaps untreated can cause other teeth to shift or increase your risk of gum disease. It is important to ask your doctor about gaps in your smile.
During your appointment, the doctor will examine your smile to assess the health of your teeth and gums. They may also take an x-ray or another type of scan to examine the tooth roots and see if any teeth are trapped below the gums, causing gaps. Be ready to discuss your medical and dental history so your doctor can determine the cause of your diastema.
Can I prevent gaps from forming?
While Most Diastema Are Hereditary, Early Evaluation May Help Prevent Issues
Minimize Bad Habits in Childhood
If you are concerned about your child developing gaps, you can help their jaw develop properly by stopping thumb sucking and pacifier use at an appropriate age. Ask your doctor about the best time to wean children off of these habits.
Consult an Orthodontist Early
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends all children see an orthodontist by the age of seven. This early evaluation can help identify potential problems and implement strategies to ensure teeth erupt properly.
Maintain Good Oral Health
Since issues such as periodontal disease can cause gaps to form between teeth, proper brushing and flossing can help prevent gaps from forming. You should also attend regular cleanings and exams to ensure your gums remain healthy.
Do I really need to go to a dentist if I have gapped teeth?
Preventing Gaps Requires Early Intervention
“Not all diastemas can be treated the same… Timing is often important to achieve satisfactory results.”
Wen-Jeng Huang, DDS and Curtis J. Creath, DMD, MS
Orthodontic Treatment Is A Common Way To Correct Gaps
Braces and other orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign®, are commonly used to fix diastema. Orthodontics can adjust teeth to close gaps and create a healthier, more comfortable bite.
What if I don’t want braces?
A Range of Treatments Exist To Address Gaps
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are a good option for the front of your smile and can adjust the size of teeth.
Dental Bonding
Your doctor can also hide gaps using a malleable composite resin material.
Periodontal Treatment
Gaps caused by periodontal disease require treatment to restore gum health.
Dental Restorations
Gaps caused by lost or naturally missing teeth can be filled using a restoration.
Frenectomy
Frenectomy, a simple surgery, can reduce the size of gaps caused by a large frenum.
I’m ready to fix the gaps in my smile. What should I do?
Contact a Doctor Today
If you feel self-conscious about gapped or missing teeth, you have many options to improve the health and appearance of your smile. Find out more about your next steps by contacting a doctor today
What Patients Are Saying!
Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in St. Louis, MO
Kelsie Wall
2 February 2026
If I could leave more than 5 stars I would. Alyssa has been amazing at every appointment. She eases my fears before I can even express them and answers every question I have. I cannot rave enough about my experience. I never dread my appointment, which I cannot say the same about my regular dentist. Thank you so much for your amazing care!
Maryann
8 December 2025
Long overdue review of this excellent practice. I have had four separate procedures over the last 18 or so months, All utilizing IV sedation. As a retired nurse I was very concerned that best practices were implemented for patients under conscious sedation. Dr. Schlaikjer has a crash cart with the appropriate reversal agents and code supplies. The monitors in the room were the same I used in the critical care setting. The Dr is ACLS certified and his staff are BLS certified. The staff including the front desk were top notch. The ladies at the desk went above and beyond helping me with my insurance claim. Both my dentist and orthodontist recommended Dr. Schlaikjer and I am so grateful they did.
Jonathan Baker
9 January 2025
Dr. Justin Schlaikjer and his team are exceptional—thorough, gentle, and genuinely caring. My gum graft procedure went smoothly with excellent results and minimal downtime. Their kindness and non-judgmental approach make every visit a positive experience. Highly recommend!
Elaine Siebert
30 July 2024
Where to start… Office is extremely friendly, super professional, and great with communication. Dr. Schlaikjer is upfront, honest, and a perfectionist there’s no one else I would rather trust with my dental care.
Hayleigh Locke
12 April 2024
I’ve had a gum graft, bone graft and implant done by Justin and I am extremely satisfied. It’s been a year since my implant and any dentist or orthodontist that sees my implant compliments it and the healed tissue around it. Very minimal pain from the surgeries but the healing process is kinda long. Overall 10/10 experience and I recommend anyone that needs a graft or implant to go to Justin.
joseph bova conti
2 February 2024
Dr. Schlaikjer is amazing! So kind, professional and friendly! My experience with an implant was flawless. From day one I had confidence in Dr. Schlaikjer! Add to that - the staff!!! The staff is awesome, efficient and so accommodating! This has been an incredible experience. I highly recommend Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff!!!
Charles Clarke
26 January 2024
I have a been a practicing Dental Specialist for over 30 years in South County. I am only treated by the best people in the field. I was blown away by how easy it was having implants placed Dr Schlaiker and his trusty Robot. In my case I had implants replacing congenitally missing molars on both sides of my lower jaw. I had seen an implant surgeon previously who thought it was too close to the nerve to be done (which could have left my lip permanently paralyzed) . After having the 3D CBCT taken and then evaluated by Dr Schlaiker he assured me that with the use of his Robot technology it was indeed possible. In fact, he could do it all in one appointment under IV sedation!!! Yesterday morning I had the procedures performed with zero discomfort! I am the typical male and am terrified of medical and dental procedures that I am awake for. I did not remember anything! Last night my wife told me I had her stop at the Steak and Shake for a milkshake after the appointment. I did not even remember that!! I took the pain medicine prescribed last night and nothing this morning. I am sitting here eating ice cream :) Life is good. Thank you to Dr Schlaiker and his amazing office staff (including the robot) for making what could have been a scary appointment….enjoyable!
Charlie M
22 January 2024
Wonderful people. Dr S carefully explains every procedure. It's weird, but my two favorite Docs are my periodontist and my urologist. My teeth and gums are in much better shape than when I first came in a few years ago.
Pourya Maryam Shamsi
22 November 2022
Dude. I was referred to Dr. Justin for gum grafting. I was like “another waste of money on something hooey”. Boy I was wrong. He did his work which took about 2 months for the whole two part procedure and wow. What a difference. My gums look all shiny and new. As if I never had a recession. Loved it. Now I want to do the rest of my teeth/gum 😂😂. Looks really nice.
Tim Schoemehl
10 September 2022
This Dr is amazing. I would recommend him to anyone in need of periodontal work! His staff is also amazing! Thank all of you very much!
Dragica Junuzovic
29 May 2022
Thank you dr Schlaikejer for you profesional work .Everything is so simple with you, except your last name.😉 And,you are sorounding with good tim of assistence. I will recomended you to peaple who wants have a beautiful smile😅
Toni Brinker
8 November 2021
By far, the BEST experience I’ve ever had at a medical office. The staff/doctor was so accommodating, and made me feel super welcome and comfortable. At one point during my visit I told them I felt like I was at a spa! They treat their patients so well and give you their undivided attention. I was dreading this visit, but it was actually enjoyable! Dr. Schlaikjer was very informative and took his time, he was funny (as well as the staff), and I know I can trust him, which can be hard to find when it comes to healthcare. They truly, truly care about their patients, and I will definitely be back.
Mike Manion
22 October 2021
Dr Schlaikjer and his staff are very professional and friendly. If I knew how painless and easy the procedure was, I would have come in sooner. They are GREAT! Thanks, Patti Manion
Mirsada Perkanovic
9 July 2021
Dr Schlaikjer and his team did outstanding job! I was very impressed from start to finish. After I talking to my friends and intervjuing several oral surgeons, I was pleased that I chose Dr Schlaikjer and his team. I could not have made a better choose. I wish, I could give this place more than 5 stars! Can not thank them enough. I had an extractions, 5 implant placed and bone graft done.Everything was amazing. He and his entire team are incredibly kind, helpful and attentive and they make you feel like you are visiting a friend rather than a surgeon. No better place to go for a dental extraction and tooth implants. As good as it gets. I HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone who is need of this type of service. I am very happy with my dental implants and I will be forever grateful!
Ronald Wunsch
9 March 2021
I was referred by my dentist who gave Dr S a rave review. After a thorough examination it was determined that my bone had to be built up to, accommodate an implant. It was a difficult task but Dr S handled it with expertise, compassion and an explanation of each and every procedure before he began. After major oral surgery he sent me home with his cell phone number to call if I was in pain. I have the utmost confidence in dr S and encourage anyone needing a Periodontist to go to him.
Stan Nieweglowski
20 May 2020
Dr. Schlaikjer is a true professional. This was my first procedure of the sort and he, along with his staff, made it a breeze. I barely felt a thing.
Courtney EurekaSmile
10 December 2019
My son was involved in a car accident and had to have gum grafting. Dr Schlaikjer and his team were very informative, professional and went out of their way to make my son and I feel comfortable and important. They are very personable and easy to talk to. My son has had great results with his procedure and we are so thankful to have found Dr. Schlaikjer!
Chris Elbring
3 December 2019
Dr Schlaikjer is very skilled and it is apparent when you are in his care. Always felt comfortable. Gum graft went super well and exceeded expectations. This sort of stuff is never fun, but if I had to get periodontal work again, I know where I would go.
Raul Alvarez
16 July 2019
Really enjoyed (who even says that about a dentist) visiting Dr. Schlaikjer's office. Staff is personable and professional... along with Dr. Schlaikjer's care and expertise. Highly recommend.
Kyle Brown
8 March 2019
Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff are absolutely incredible!!! There aren't enough fantastic words to describe him and his practice, I highly reccomend them to everyone!
Patti Redel
27 February 2019
First time I have gone to Dr. Schlaikjer. I can’t say enough about the professional, caring work he and his staff do. The entire team, from Danyell, to Natasha, Ashley and Dr. Schlaikjer took the time to meet with me, explain everything as they went along and calmed my nerves. I highly recommend his services. Top notch!
Ben Cohn
10 February 2019
Very skilled, very meticulous practitioner with a great, reassuring manner. Helpful, attentive staff. Good outcomes for all 3 procedures he's done for me. Highly recommend.
Gerald Tanner
13 December 2018
Great dentist and office. Had 2 procedures and both went smoothly. Very skilled and has very reassuring manner.
K Smith
30 October 2018
By far his most difficult patient yet, and yet I'd go back in a heartbeat. Friendly staff across the board. Patient, understanding, sympathetic, etc.
Dr. Jon Copeland
10 April 2017
Great periodontist. Easy to get to location.
Kelsie Wall
2 February 2026
If I could leave more than 5 stars I would. Alyssa has been amazing at every appointment. She eases my fears before I can even express them and answers every question I have. I cannot rave enough about my experience. I never dread my appointment, which I cannot say the same about my regular dentist. Thank you so much for your amazing care!
Maryann
8 December 2025
Long overdue review of this excellent practice. I have had four separate procedures over the last 18 or so months, All utilizing IV sedation. As a retired nurse I was very concerned that best practices were implemented for patients under conscious sedation. Dr. Schlaikjer has a crash cart with the appropriate reversal agents and code supplies. The monitors in the room were the same I used in the critical care setting. The Dr is ACLS certified and his staff are BLS certified. The staff including the front desk were top notch. The ladies at the desk went above and beyond helping me with my insurance claim. Both my dentist and orthodontist recommended Dr. Schlaikjer and I am so grateful they did.
Jonathan Baker
9 January 2025
Dr. Justin Schlaikjer and his team are exceptional—thorough, gentle, and genuinely caring. My gum graft procedure went smoothly with excellent results and minimal downtime. Their kindness and non-judgmental approach make every visit a positive experience. Highly recommend!
Elaine Siebert
30 July 2024
Where to start… Office is extremely friendly, super professional, and great with communication. Dr. Schlaikjer is upfront, honest, and a perfectionist there’s no one else I would rather trust with my dental care.
Hayleigh Locke
12 April 2024
I’ve had a gum graft, bone graft and implant done by Justin and I am extremely satisfied. It’s been a year since my implant and any dentist or orthodontist that sees my implant compliments it and the healed tissue around it. Very minimal pain from the surgeries but the healing process is kinda long. Overall 10/10 experience and I recommend anyone that needs a graft or implant to go to Justin.
joseph bova conti
2 February 2024
Dr. Schlaikjer is amazing! So kind, professional and friendly! My experience with an implant was flawless. From day one I had confidence in Dr. Schlaikjer! Add to that - the staff!!! The staff is awesome, efficient and so accommodating! This has been an incredible experience. I highly recommend Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff!!!
Charles Clarke
26 January 2024
I have a been a practicing Dental Specialist for over 30 years in South County. I am only treated by the best people in the field. I was blown away by how easy it was having implants placed Dr Schlaiker and his trusty Robot. In my case I had implants replacing congenitally missing molars on both sides of my lower jaw. I had seen an implant surgeon previously who thought it was too close to the nerve to be done (which could have left my lip permanently paralyzed) . After having the 3D CBCT taken and then evaluated by Dr Schlaiker he assured me that with the use of his Robot technology it was indeed possible. In fact, he could do it all in one appointment under IV sedation!!! Yesterday morning I had the procedures performed with zero discomfort! I am the typical male and am terrified of medical and dental procedures that I am awake for. I did not remember anything! Last night my wife told me I had her stop at the Steak and Shake for a milkshake after the appointment. I did not even remember that!! I took the pain medicine prescribed last night and nothing this morning. I am sitting here eating ice cream :) Life is good. Thank you to Dr Schlaiker and his amazing office staff (including the robot) for making what could have been a scary appointment….enjoyable!
Charlie M
22 January 2024
Wonderful people. Dr S carefully explains every procedure. It's weird, but my two favorite Docs are my periodontist and my urologist. My teeth and gums are in much better shape than when I first came in a few years ago.
Pourya Maryam Shamsi
22 November 2022
Dude. I was referred to Dr. Justin for gum grafting. I was like “another waste of money on something hooey”. Boy I was wrong. He did his work which took about 2 months for the whole two part procedure and wow. What a difference. My gums look all shiny and new. As if I never had a recession. Loved it. Now I want to do the rest of my teeth/gum 😂😂. Looks really nice.
Tim Schoemehl
10 September 2022
This Dr is amazing. I would recommend him to anyone in need of periodontal work! His staff is also amazing! Thank all of you very much!
