Gaps & Spacing Between Teeth in Las Vegas
Gaps are the opposite problem to crowding, and often the fastest orthodontic case there is — provided you understand why they opened.
Gaps, spacing and diastemas
Spacing is where teeth have more room than they need, leaving visible gaps. A gap specifically between the two upper front teeth has its own name: a midline diastema, and it is by far the most common one people ask about.
Spacing can be generalised, with small gaps throughout both arches, or localised to one spot. Both are straightforward to close orthodontically — this is frequently the quickest category of case we treat.
The important part is diagnosis rather than closure. Gaps open for identifiable reasons, and several of those reasons will reopen them after treatment if not addressed. A frenum, a missing tooth, an ongoing tongue habit — each changes the plan.
Why gaps appear
Teeth smaller than the jaw
The simple mismatch. Inherited, entirely normal, and the most common reason for generalised spacing throughout the arch.
A prominent labial frenum
The band of tissue joining the upper lip to the gum between the front teeth. If it extends low between them, it can hold a diastema open and cause it to reopen after closure unless treated.
Missing or undersized teeth
Congenitally absent teeth — upper lateral incisors most often — leave space that neighbouring teeth drift into. Peg-shaped laterals create the same effect.
Gum disease
Advanced periodontal disease weakens the support around teeth, allowing them to drift and splay outward. Gaps appearing in adulthood should always be assessed for this.
Tongue thrust
Persistent forward tongue pressure during swallowing pushes the upper front teeth apart over time, and will do so again after treatment if untreated.
Losing a tooth
When a tooth is extracted or lost and not replaced, the teeth either side drift into the space, opening gaps elsewhere in the arch.
Whether gaps need closing at all
Often, honestly, no
A modest diastema causing no functional problem is a perfectly reasonable thing to keep. Plenty of people like theirs, and we are not going to tell you otherwise. Treat it if you want it treated.
Food packing
Gaps between back teeth trap food after every meal, which is irritating and, over time, contributes to gum inflammation in that spot.
Gum health at the gap
Tissue between spaced teeth lacks the protection of tight contact and can become inflamed or recede.
New gaps warrant investigation
Spaces appearing in adulthood, particularly with any gum bleeding or looseness, can indicate periodontal disease. That needs treating before orthodontics.
Preparing for restorative work
Where teeth are missing or undersized, orthodontics often redistributes space to the right places so an implant or veneer can be placed properly.
How gaps are closed
What is achievable depends heavily on whether growth is still available. This is why the timing of an evaluation matters.
In children
We usually wait. A gap between the upper front teeth is completely normal in children and very often closes on its own when the canines erupt and push the incisors together — the so-called ugly duckling stage. Treating a normal developmental gap too early is a common overtreatment, and we will tell you to wait.
In teenagers
Once permanent teeth are through, braces or aligners close spacing efficiently. Where a prominent frenum is holding a diastema open, a small procedure to release it may be recommended alongside — usually after closure rather than before. Where lateral incisors are missing, we plan whether to close the space or open it for a future implant.
In adults
Spacing cases are often among the fastest we treat, with mild generalised spacing sometimes closing in six months or less with aligners. The first step is always establishing why the gaps are there — particularly ruling out periodontal disease, which must be treated before teeth are moved.
Gaps & Spacing FAQ
Can Invisalign close gaps between teeth?
Yes, and spacing is one of the cases aligners handle best. Mild generalised spacing can sometimes close in six months or less. Larger gaps or cases involving missing teeth may need braces for more precise control.
Will the gap between my front teeth come back?
It can, and that is why diagnosis matters more than closure. A diastema held open by a prominent frenum or an ongoing tongue thrust will reopen unless the cause is addressed. With the cause resolved and proper retention — often a bonded retainer behind the front teeth — closure holds well.
My child has a gap between their front teeth. Should I be worried?
Usually not. A space between the upper front teeth is a normal developmental stage in children and frequently closes on its own when the canines erupt. Have it evaluated around age seven, but expect to be told to wait rather than treat.
What is a labial frenum and does it need to be cut?
The band of tissue joining your upper lip to the gum between the front teeth. Where it extends low between them it can hold a gap open. A small release procedure is sometimes recommended, and generally after the gap has been closed orthodontically rather than before.
Why have gaps suddenly appeared in my teeth as an adult?
Worth investigating properly. New spacing in adulthood can indicate periodontal disease weakening the support around teeth, particularly alongside any gum bleeding or looseness. It can also follow a lost tooth. Either way, the cause should be diagnosed before orthodontic treatment begins.
How long does it take to close gaps?
Often quick. Mild spacing can close in six months or less; more significant spacing typically runs twelve to eighteen months. Cases involving missing teeth take longer, since space has to be distributed precisely for later restorative work.
Do I have to close my gap?
Not at all. A modest diastema causing no functional problem is a legitimate thing to keep, and plenty of people prefer theirs. We treat it if you want it treated, not because a website says you should.
Find out what is actually going on — free.
An hour with Dr. Beth, a 3D scan, and a straight answer about whether treatment is warranted, when, and what it would cost. Including “not yet” where that is the honest answer.