Braces are a highly effective method for closing gapped teeth, a condition known as diastema. Orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances is a predictable way to move teeth and eliminate unwanted spaces. The process involves applying gentle, continuous force to gradually guide the teeth together, resulting in a straighter, more uniform smile. Braces offer a comprehensive solution that corrects the underlying position of the teeth within the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for long-term results.
Understanding Diastema
Diastema refers to a space between two teeth, most commonly observed as a gap between the two upper front teeth. These gaps occur for several reasons, often resulting from a mismatch between the size of the teeth and the jawbone.
A frequent cause is an oversized labial frenum, the band of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum line above the front teeth. If this tissue is thick or extends too far down, it can physically push the teeth apart.
Habits like persistent thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting, where the tongue presses against the front teeth during swallowing, can also exert repetitive pressure that gradually forces the teeth to separate. Diastema may also be a symptom of missing teeth or advanced periodontal disease, where bone loss causes the teeth to shift and space out.
How Braces Correct Gaps
Fixed orthodontic appliances, such as traditional metal or ceramic braces, close diastema by applying precise mechanical forces to the teeth. The system consists of brackets bonded to the tooth surfaces and an archwire threaded through them. Elastic chains or small ligatures are often placed across the gap to pull the brackets, guiding the teeth closer together.
This movement relies on a natural process in the jawbone called bone remodeling. As pressure is applied to a tooth, the bone on the side toward the direction of movement is resorbed, or broken down, by specialized cells called osteoclasts. Simultaneously, new bone is deposited on the opposite side by cells called osteoblasts. This continuous cycle of bone breakdown and formation allows the tooth to safely migrate across the jawbone until the gap is closed.
Alternative Methods for Gap Closure
While braces are highly effective, several other methods can address gapped teeth, depending on the gap size and underlying cause. Clear aligners, such as those made of transparent plastic, offer a removable and less visible orthodontic option. These custom-made trays apply gradual force to close spaces and are effective for minor to moderate diastema.
For very small gaps that are primarily a cosmetic concern, dental bonding is a quick, single-visit solution. This involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin directly to the teeth and sculpting it to fill the space. Porcelain veneers are another restorative choice, which are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve appearance and close gaps. If the gap is caused by an overly prominent labial frenum, a minor surgical procedure called a frenectomy may be necessary to remove the excess tissue.
The Treatment Journey and Retention
The duration of orthodontic treatment for gap closure is highly variable but is often shorter than a full mouth alignment. Simple midline diastema may be closed faster than cases involving multiple gaps or complex bite issues. Treatment time can range from a few months to over a year, depending on the severity of the spacing and the patient’s biological response.
Patient compliance, particularly with scheduled adjustments and oral hygiene, is important for maintaining the treatment timeline. Once the gap is closed, the retention phase begins. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions, a phenomenon known as relapse. To prevent this, a retainer must be worn indefinitely. This can be a fixed retainer, which is a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth, or a removable retainer worn primarily at night.