A space between two or more teeth is known as a diastema, most commonly appearing between the two upper front teeth. This condition is not typically a health concern, but many people seek treatment for aesthetic reasons. Yes, braces are a highly effective and reliable method for closing these gaps by applying precise, continuous pressure to reposition the teeth. The process works by gradually moving the teeth into a new, aligned position within the jawbone.
Causes of Gap Teeth (Diastema)
Diastema often results from a genetic mismatch between the size of the jawbone and the size of the teeth. If the jaw is relatively large or the teeth are relatively small, the lack of proportional size naturally leads to spacing. This genetic component means that a predisposition for gap teeth can run in families.
Certain oral habits can also create or worsen these spaces over time, such as thumb-sucking or a persistent tongue thrust. A tongue thrust occurs when the tongue presses against the front teeth during swallowing instead of resting against the roof of the mouth, causing repetitive outward pressure. Furthermore, a thick or low-hanging band of tissue, called the labial frenum, can attach between the upper front teeth and push them apart.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is another cause, particularly in adults, as the infection damages the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. As the supporting bone erodes, the teeth can become loose and shift, creating new gaps.
How Braces Mechanically Close Gaps
Traditional fixed braces close diastema by utilizing a system of brackets, archwires, and ligatures to generate controlled forces. Brackets are bonded directly to the tooth surface and serve as handles through which the archwire is threaded. The archwire exerts the pressure, acting as a guide to pull the spaced teeth together over time.
This mechanical force initiates a biological process called bone remodeling. When pressure is applied to a tooth, the periodontal ligament (PDL) is compressed on one side and stretched on the other. On the side of compression, specialized cells called osteoclasts break down the existing bone tissue (resorption).
Simultaneously, on the side under tension, cells called osteoblasts build new bone tissue (deposition). This coordinated breakdown and rebuilding allows the tooth to safely move through the jawbone into the desired position. The archwire is periodically adjusted to maintain continuous pressure and encourage progressive gap closure.
Non-Brace Options for Treating Diastema
While fixed braces are effective for all types of spacing, several alternatives exist that do not involve traditional brackets. Clear aligner therapy, such as systems like Invisalign, uses a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays to gradually shift the teeth. Aligners are effective for closing mild to moderate gaps and offer a more discreet treatment option.
For small gaps, especially those caused by undersized teeth, cosmetic treatments can be completed quickly without moving the teeth themselves. Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth surface and sculpting it to widen the tooth, filling the space. Porcelain veneers are another option, consisting of thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface to mask the gap.
When a thick labial frenum is the cause of the gap, a minor surgical procedure called a frenectomy may be required. The frenectomy removes or reshapes the tissue to eliminate the physical barrier pushing the teeth apart. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to ensure the gap does not reopen.
Ensuring Long-Term Gap Closure (Retention)
Maintaining the new alignment requires a retention phase, as teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions, a phenomenon known as relapse. This occurs because the periodontal ligaments and elastic gingival fibers surrounding the teeth retain a “memory” of the previous location. To prevent relapse, a retainer must be worn consistently after the braces are removed.
There are two main types of retainers used: removable and fixed. Removable retainers are typically worn full-time for the first few months and then only at night, providing stability while the bone hardens around the new root positions.
Fixed retainers are thin wires permanently bonded to the back surface of the teeth where the gap was closed. These bonded retainers offer continuous, passive support and are highly effective for maintaining the closure of a midline diastema. They can last for many years, significantly minimizing the chance of the gap reopening.