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Gaps between teeth, known clinically as diastemas, are one of the most common reasons people seek orthodontic treatment. The good news is that clear aligners are well suited to closing gaps, and for many people this is one of the simpler goals to achieve with aligner treatment.
What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?
Gaps can develop between teeth for several reasons. The most common is simply that the teeth are proportionally smaller than the arch they sit in, leaving natural spacing throughout. A gap between the two upper front teeth, called a midline diastema, is particularly common and is often caused by the size of a small piece of tissue called the labial frenum, which connects the upper lip to the gum between the two front teeth.
Gaps can also appear when a tooth has been lost and not replaced, and the surrounding teeth begin to shift into the empty space. Gum disease can cause teeth to spread apart as the supporting bone changes. In some cases, gaps are simply a genetic trait.
Can Clear Aligners Close Gaps?
Yes. Closing gaps is a tooth movement that clear aligners handle very effectively. Moving teeth together to close a space is a straightforward mechanical action that aligner treatment is well designed to achieve.
Small to moderate gaps between individual teeth, including midline diastemas, are typically excellent candidates for aligner treatment. Gaps distributed throughout the arch can also be addressed. Very large gaps or gaps caused by missing teeth may require a combined approach, such as aligner treatment to optimise tooth positions alongside restorative dental work to replace the missing tooth.
How Long Does It Take?
The time required depends on the size of the gap, how many gaps there are, and what other movements may be needed at the same time. A single midline gap may close within a few months of treatment. Gaps distributed across multiple teeth as part of a broader alignment treatment take longer, as they are addressed as part of the overall treatment plan rather than in isolation.
Closing a gap too quickly can also create instability, so treatment planning accounts for moving teeth at a rate that allows the surrounding bone and tissue to adapt properly.
Keeping Gaps Closed After Treatment
Gaps have a tendency to reopen if teeth are not retained after treatment. This is particularly true for midline diastemas where a prominent labial frenum continues to pull the teeth apart. In some cases, a small procedure called a frenectomy is recommended to remove or reduce the frenum tissue after orthodontic treatment, which improves long-term stability.
Consistent retainer wear is essential to keep gaps closed. Your retention plan will be specified at the end of treatment, and following it is the key to maintaining your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can clear aligners close a gap between my front teeth?
Yes. A midline diastema, the gap between the two upper front teeth, is one of the most common and straightforward gaps for aligner treatment to close. Results can often be achieved in a matter of months, depending on the size of the gap.
Will the gaps come back after aligner treatment?
Gaps can reopen if teeth are not properly retained after treatment. Retainer wear is essential. For midline gaps caused by a prominent labial frenum, a frenectomy may also be recommended to reduce the pull that reopens the gap over time.
Can aligners fix gaps caused by a missing tooth?
Aligners can close a gap left by a missing tooth in some cases, or can optimise the space and tooth positions in preparation for a dental implant or bridge. The best approach depends on your specific situation and will be discussed during the assessment process.
How long does it take to close a gap with clear aligners?
This depends on the size of the gap and what else is being addressed in your treatment. A small midline gap may close within a few months. Gaps addressed as part of a broader alignment treatment take longer. Your treatment plan will include a timeline based on your specific movements.
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