Spacing is, in some ways, the opposite problem from crowding — instead of too little room, there's too much. It's just as common, and just as treatable, whether you're dealing with a single gap between your front teeth or gaps scattered across your smile.
What causes gaps between teeth?
Spacing can show up for a number of different reasons, and identifying the cause matters — it shapes how we treat it and how confident we can be that the result will last.
Why it's worth addressing
Beyond appearance — which is often the primary concern for patients with a prominent front gap — spacing can create real functional issues. Food traps more easily in open spaces, gums along the gap can be more exposed and prone to irritation, and depending on the cause, spacing can affect speech. Dr. Kim treats spacing as a whole-smile question — closing the gap is only half the goal; making sure the result looks natural and balanced with the rest of your face is the other half.
Closing spacing is usually a predictable process, but it's not always the end of the story. Gaps, especially a single wide gap between the front teeth, have a well-earned reputation for reopening if the underlying cause — like a tongue-thrust habit or frenum tissue — isn't also addressed.
Treatment options
Clear Aligners
Well-suited to closing spacing gradually and precisely, particularly for patients focused on a discreet treatment experience.
About clear aligners →Traditional or Clear Braces
Effective for closing multiple or more complex spaces, with the control to bring every tooth into even, balanced contact.
About braces →Retainers
Because closed spaces are prone to reopening, a well-fitted retention plan is essential to protecting your result for the long term.
About retainers →Coordinating with your dentist
Some spacing cases benefit from coordination with a general dentist — for example, if a missing tooth needs to be replaced or a frenum needs to be addressed. We'll flag this clearly if it applies to your case and coordinate care so nothing falls through the cracks.
Common questions about spacing
Will my gap come back after treatment?
It can, if the underlying cause isn't addressed — particularly with tongue-thrust habits or gum tissue between the front teeth. That's why we identify the cause up front and build a retention plan designed specifically to hold your result.
Is a gap between my front teeth always an orthodontic issue?
Not always. Some patients have a frenum (a piece of gum tissue) contributing to the gap, which may need a minor dental procedure alongside orthodontic treatment. We'll evaluate this at your consultation and coordinate with your dentist if needed.
Can clear aligners close gaps as well as braces?
For most spacing cases, yes. Aligners are very effective at closing gaps. More complex cases involving multiple missing teeth or significant space redistribution may be better suited to braces — we'll tell you honestly which is the better fit.
How long does it take to close spacing?
It varies by case, but many spacing-only cases move faster than crowding cases, since space usually needs to be closed rather than created. We'll give you a specific estimate after your evaluation.
Wondering why your gap keeps coming back?
Let's find out what's actually causing it. You'll be brought straight back at your appointment time for a clear diagnosis and a plan built to last.
Book a Smile Consultation