Yes, braces are a highly effective method used to close spaces between teeth, a condition known medically as diastema. This treatment involves the systematic movement of teeth along the dental arch to eliminate unwanted spacing and achieve an aligned smile. The process physically repositions the entire tooth, root and crown, within the jawbone. Closing these gaps improves the appearance of the smile and enhances overall dental health and function.
The Mechanics of Closing Gaps
Traditional braces apply continuous, gentle force to stimulate the biological process of bone remodeling. This steady pressure causes bone on one side of the tooth root to resorb, while new bone is deposited on the opposite side to stabilize the tooth in its new position. The hardware consists of brackets bonded to the tooth surface and a flexible archwire that runs through them.
The archwire provides the initial light force to begin aligning the teeth. To specifically close gaps, orthodontists often introduce auxiliary components like power chains. A power chain is a continuous strand of interconnected elastic rings that exerts a constant contracting force, pulling connected teeth toward one another.
Power chains are typically engaged during the middle phase of treatment, once the teeth are mostly aligned, to consolidate the space. The orthodontist adjusts the archwire tension and replaces the power chain at regular appointments. This sustained pressure allows the teeth to migrate through the bone and eliminate the spacing.
Common Causes of Dental Gaps
Dental gaps, or diastemata, arise from factors related to the size of the teeth, the size of the jaw, or specific oral habits. A common cause is a natural mismatch between the size of the teeth and the jawbone, where the teeth are proportionally too small to fill the available space. This size discrepancy results in generalized spacing across the dental arch.
The gap may also be caused by an oversized piece of soft tissue called the labial frenum, which connects the upper lip to the gum tissue above the central front teeth. If this frenum is thick, it can physically prevent the teeth from coming together. Harmful oral habits, such as chronic thumb-sucking or a tongue thrust swallowing pattern, can also create spaces by exerting an outward force that gradually pushes the teeth apart.
Non-Brace Treatment Options
Bonding and Veneers
For individuals with very small gaps, cosmetic options offer a quicker, non-orthodontic solution. Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin directly to the tooth, which is then sculpted and hardened to widen the tooth and fill the space. This conservative procedure can often be completed in a single appointment, making it a budget-friendly option for minor aesthetic concerns.
Porcelain veneers represent a more durable and comprehensive cosmetic fix. Thin, custom-made shells of porcelain are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Veneers are highly effective for moderate gaps, allowing for a complete change in the tooth’s shape and size to close the space. This option requires the removal of a small amount of enamel and is considered a long-term restoration with excellent stain resistance.
Clear Aligners and Frenectomy
Clear aligner therapy, such as sequential plastic trays, can also close gaps by applying gentle, continuous pressure to move the teeth. These aligners are a discreet alternative to traditional braces and are suitable for mild to moderate spacing issues. The effectiveness of aligners depends on patient compliance, as the trays must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day.
When an enlarged labial frenum causes the gap, a minor surgical procedure called a frenectomy may be necessary. This procedure involves reducing the size of the frenum to eliminate the physical barrier preventing the teeth from moving together. A frenectomy is often performed before or during orthodontic treatment to ensure the gap can be fully closed and minimize the risk of relapse.
Ensuring Long-Term Stability
After the active treatment phase is complete, the teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions, a phenomenon known as relapse. This occurs because the bone, gums, and fibers surrounding the teeth require time to fully adapt to the new alignment. Retention is a mandatory, lifelong phase of treatment to stabilize the results achieved.
Orthodontists prescribe retainers, which fall into two main categories: fixed and removable. A fixed retainer consists of a thin, custom-fit wire bonded to the tongue side of the front teeth, typically extending from canine to canine. This permanent fixture provides constant stabilization and requires no patient compliance beyond maintaining excellent oral hygiene around the wire.
Removable retainers include the Hawley retainer and the vacuum-formed clear plastic tray. These must be worn exactly as prescribed, often full-time initially and then nightly for an indefinite period. While removable retainers allow for easier cleaning, their success relies entirely on the patient consistently following the wearing schedule.