Gapping between the teeth is an orthodontic concern that many people seek treatment for. Closing your gap may even be the only reason you need braces. Known formally as diastema, gaps in teeth can cause self-consciousness and also dental issues. Many patients with this issue often ask, “Can braces fix gaps in teeth?” Our Laguna Niguel orthodontist, Dr. Kinser, answers this question below.
Can Braces Fix Gaps In Teeth?
Fortunately, braces are a great option when trying to close a gap between the teeth. The basic function of braces extends effectively to gaps. They simply pull the teeth together using the tension of the wire. Many treatment options can be considered to close your gap, including:
Your preferred option should be able to close your gap effectively and give you the smile you have always wanted! Talk to your orthodontist about your specific desired treatment.
We treat gapping in kids, teens and adults. See what treatment looks like for kids, teens or adults, or book a free consultation at our Laguna Niguel or Laguna Beach office and we will walk you through what closing your gap would involve.
Causes Of Gaps
Sometimes, the causes of gaps are hereditary and simply formed by the structure of your mouth. They can also be caused by certain inherited disorders that affect jaw alignment and teeth eruption. However, specific causes have also been identified, such as thumb sucking, missing teeth, teeth that are crowded, and different-sized teeth. Paying close attention to these issues and getting treatment quickly will provide the best outcome when trying to close a gap.
Are There Risks With Gaps?
There are actual dental risks associated with gaps. While most people focus on the aesthetics of having gapped teeth, gaps can also damage their gums. With a gap, you have an exposed section of gum that can be damaged simply by biting too hard or getting food stuck in between the teeth. It’s best for your gum health to close the gap and protect your gums.
Braces Or Invisalign For A Gap?
Both can close a gap. The right choice usually comes down to the size of the space, what else is happening with your bite, and how you want treatment to look day to day.
- Fixed braces work continuously and do not depend on you remembering to wear them. Choose metal braces, or clear ceramic braces if you want something less visible. Our clear braces versus metal braces comparison puts the two side by side.
- Invisalign uses a series of removable aligners that come out to eat and brush, which many adults prefer. See Invisalign for adults or Invisalign for teens, and how long Invisalign takes.
A gap that is the only thing you want changed is a different treatment plan from a gap that comes alongside crowding or a bite issue elsewhere in the mouth. Sorting out which one you have is what the exam is for.
How Long Does It Take To Close A Gap?
There is no single answer. Timing depends on how wide the space is, why it formed, whether other teeth also need to move, and how consistently you follow the plan. Dr. Kinser walks through an expected range at your first visit, after the exam and digital X-ray, so you know what you are committing to before treatment starts.
Gaps In Kids And Teens
A gap in a young smile is not automatically a problem. Spacing between baby teeth is common, and some of it closes on its own as the permanent teeth come in. A first orthodontic checkup around age 7 is early enough to tell the difference between spacing that will resolve and spacing that will not. When starting early is worthwhile, two-phase treatment handles it in stages. Otherwise we simply keep watching it. Read more about braces for kids and braces for teens.
Will The Gap Come Back After Treatment?
It can if nothing holds the teeth in their new position. Teeth drift throughout life, and a closed gap can reopen without retention. That is why treatment does not end the day the braces come off. Retainers keep the result where you put it, and our Smile Protection Plan covers the retention side of treatment along with a one-year satisfaction guarantee.
Talk To Us About Your Gap
If closing a gap is the only reason you are considering braces, that is a completely normal place to start, and it is worth finding out what it would actually involve. Your first visit is free and includes an orthodontic exam, a digital X-ray and a personalized treatment plan. Book a free consultation at our Laguna Beach or Laguna Niguel office, or call or text (949) 363-3350.
*The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only.
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