Teeth Gaps Treatment

Treating Spaced Teeth with Clear Aligners

What causes teeth spacing, when to treat it, and how Jawology's clear aligners can help correct it - from the comfort of home.

crooked and crowded teeth before clear aligner treatment

What are Spaced Teeth?

Spacing - also referred to as diastema or gapped teeth is one of the most common dental concerns in Australia. It occurs when there is too much space in the jaw relative to the size of the teeth, causing gaps to form between one or more teeth. You might also hear it described as "gappy teeth" or a "tooth gap."

While a small gap between the front teeth is extremely common and often purely cosmetic, more pronounced spacing can affect your bite, make gum tissue between teeth more vulnerable to damage, and impact your confidence in your smile.

Types of Teeth Spacing

Single Gap (Diastema)

A single gap between two teeth - most commonly the two upper front teeth. This is the most recognisable form of spacing and is often purely cosmetic. It can occur naturally or develop over time due to habits, gum issues, or missing teeth.

Generalised Spacing

Multiple gaps distributed across several teeth rather than one single gap. This typically occurs when the jaw is proportionally larger than the teeth, meaning there isn't enough tooth material to fill the arch. Generalised spacing is very commonly treated with clear aligners.

Not sure? Take our quiz to help find out whether you may be suitable for clear aligners.

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What Causes Spaced Teeth?

Genetics

The size and shape of your jaw is largely inherited. If your jaw is proportionally larger than your teeth, gaps will naturally form between them - particularly noticeable in the upper front teeth. If your parents had gapped teeth, there's a higher likelihood you will too.

Missing or small teeth

When a tooth is missing, neighbouring teeth lose their anchor point and gaps form. Teeth that are naturally smaller than average can also leave visible gaps even when all teeth are present.

Childhood habits

Prolonged thumb sucking, dummy use, or tongue thrusting during childhood can push the front teeth forward and apart, creating gaps that persist into adulthood.

Advanced gum disease

Advanced gum disease causes the bone and tissue supporting the teeth to deteriorate, causing teeth to shift and gaps to open up. Treating the gum disease is an essential first step before orthodontic treatment.

Lip tie

The small piece of tissue connecting your upper lip to your gum can sometimes sit between the two front teeth, physically preventing them from closing together and causing a persistent midline gap.

Reasons for dental spacing treatment

Here's Why You Should Teeth Gaps.

Clear dental aligners held by a hand against a light blue background

Gum irritation

Gaps between teeth expose the gum tissue between them to direct pressure when eating, making it more prone to irritation, injury, and inflammation over time.

Uneven bite pressure

When teeth aren't evenly distributed across the jaw, certain teeth absorb more force when biting and chewing - leading to accelerated wear on those specific teeth.

Harder to keep clean

Food and bacteria collect easily in gaps, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease in the spaces between teeth.

Self-confidence

Gapped or spaced teeth are one of the most common reasons people feel self-conscious about their smile, particularly the visible gap between the upper front teeth.

Speech

Larger gaps - particularly between the front teeth, can affect how certain sounds like "s" and "f" are produced, causing a slight lisp or whistle when speaking.

Speech & function

Severely misaligned teeth can affect how certain sounds are produced and make biting or chewing less efficient - placing unnecessary strain on specific teeth and jaw muscles during everyday eating.

Traditional Braces

Metal or ceramic brackets bonded to teeth with wires that correct spacing by gradually shifting teeth into proper alignment.

Clear Aligners - Jawology's Approach

Virtually invisible, removable, and custom-designed to your teeth. Clear aligners, also known as clear braces, are a proven and effective solution that fits around your life.

Our process

Starting Clear Aligner Treatment

Week 1

Take Your Records

Capture your teeth with a 3D scan or at-home impression kit. We'll use this information to create your personalised treatment plan.

Week 2

Treatment Planning

Our team designs your custom plan and sends you a digital preview so you can see your expected results before starting.

Week 3

Start Treatment

Receive your transparent aligners and begin wearing them. Use your ScanBox™ for remote progress checks, ensuring your teeth are moving as planned.

Week 25+

Your New Smile

Complete your invisible braces treatment and move onto retainers to maintain your results. Enjoy your new smile, supported by our team every step of the way.

4-6 Months - Average Treatment Time -

example of a dentist using a 3D scanner in a patient's mouth

Computer monitor displaying dental model software on a desk with keyboard and mouse.

Get Started Get Started

Why Jawology?

Transparent Pricing

Transparent, fixed pricing, thousands lower than at clinics.

Complete Oral Care

Whitening Kit, Sonic Toothbrush, Retainers & more included.

Clinical Oversight

Every treatment reviewed & monitored by Australian-registered dentists.

At Home or In-Clinic

Start with a 3D scan or at-home impressions, Australia-wide.

Treating Spaced Teeth with Clear Aligners

What are Spaced Teeth?