Having gaps in your smile can change how you feel about yourself and how you clean your teeth. While some people like the space between their teeth, others want to bring their teeth closer together.
If you are looking for a dentist near you to talk about these gaps, you will find that clear aligners are a very popular choice. Invisalign is a modern way to close those spaces without using metal wires.
It works by using gentle pressure to push your teeth into the right spots slowly.
What Are The Common Causes Of Gaps Between Teeth?
Before you start, it is helpful to know why gaps happen. There are many causes of gaps between teeth that can show up at any age.
- Big Jaw: If your jaw is too big for your teeth, they will naturally spread out.
- Missing Teeth: When a tooth is gone, the other teeth often move into the empty space.
- Small Teeth: Some teeth are just smaller than normal, leaving extra room.
- Thumb Sucking: Old habits can push teeth forward and create wider spaces over time.
- Extra Tissue: Sometimes the skin above your front teeth grows too much and pushes them apart.
How Do Clear Aligners Move Your Teeth?
Clear aligners use smart technology to plan your smile before you even wear the first tray. This makes Invisalign in South Edmonton a very exact way to fix spacing problems.
- 3D Map: A special scan makes a map of your mouth to plan every tiny move.
- Custom Trays: Each clear tray is shaped to push your teeth just a tiny bit.
- Constant Pressure: By wearing the trays 22 hours a day, your teeth are guided toward each other.
- New Trays: Every week or two, you get new trays that keep the closing process going.
What Are The Ways To Fix A Gap?
A “diastema” is just the medical name for a gap between two teeth. Depending on the size of the gap, there are different diastema treatment options to think about.
| Fix | How it Works | How Long it Takes |
| Clear Aligners | Moves your real teeth closer | 6 to 18 months |
| Bonding | Adds tooth-colored material to the sides | 1 visit |
| Veneers | Covers the tooth with a thin shell | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Metal Braces | Uses wires to pull teeth together | 1 to 2 years |
Why Is Closing Gaps Good For Your Health?
Fixing spaces is about more than just looking good; it helps keep your mouth healthy, too.
- Healthy Gums – Gaps can leave your gums open to germs, which can cause soreness.
- Less Stuck Food – Spaces love to trap food, which can cause bad breath and cavities.
- Better Bite – Closing gaps helps your top and bottom teeth line up, which stops them from wearing down.
- Clear Speech – Large gaps can cause a lisp; moving teeth closer often makes talking easier.
How To Get The Best Results?
To make sure your gaps close perfectly, you need to follow a few simple rules every day.
- Wear Time: You must keep your trays in for at least 22 hours every day.
- Cleaning: Rinse your trays every time you take them out to keep them fresh.
- Brush Often: Always brush your teeth after eating, before you put your trays back in.
- Keep Them Safe: When you aren’t wearing them, put them in their case so they don’t get lost.
What Happens When The Gaps Are Gone?
Once your teeth are in the right spots, you need to make sure they stay there. Teeth have a “memory” and will try to move back to their old spots. This is why wearing a retainer at night is so important.
A retainer holds the teeth in place while the bone around them gets strong. This makes sure the beautiful smile you worked for stays exactly where it belongs for life.
Get the Smile You Have Always Wanted
Closing the gaps in your smile can help you feel more confident and keep your mouth cleaner.
At Jagare Ridge Dental, we focus on easy solutions that fit your life while giving you great results. Our team is here to help you through every step so you feel happy and informed.
You deserve a smile that makes you feel proud every single day. Call us right now to book your visit, reach out today and let us help you get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to close a gap?
Most small gaps can be closed in about six months. Larger spaces or many gaps might take closer to a year. Your time depends on how often you wear your trays and how fast your teeth move.
Does it hurt to move the teeth?
You might feel a little pressure or tightness for a day or two when you start a new tray. This is a good thing because it means your teeth are moving! The feeling goes away fast once your mouth gets used to it.
Can aligners fix gaps if I have a missing tooth?
Yes, they can often move teeth to make room for a new tooth or close the space left behind. The team will look at your X-rays to see the best plan for you.
Will the gaps come back?
As long as you wear your retainer like you are told, your teeth will stay put. If you stop wearing it, your teeth might try to move back, and the gaps could show up again.