Why Do Gaps Happen?

Gaps between teeth (called diastemas when they’re between the front teeth) can develop for several reasons:

  • Genetics: Some people naturally have smaller teeth or larger jaws, which means their teeth don’t fill the available space.
  • Missing teeth: When a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth can drift, creating gaps.
  • Oversized frenum: The frenum is the tissue that connects your upper lip to your gums. If it’s especially large or extends too far down between your front teeth, it can prevent those teeth from coming together.
  • Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting: These habits can push teeth forward or apart over time.
  • Gum disease: In adults, advanced gum disease can cause teeth to shift and create new gaps.
  • Natural tooth size discrepancies: Sometimes your teeth are just smaller than average or unevenly sized.
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Do Gaps Need to Be Treated?

Not necessarily—it really depends on your situation. Some gaps are purely cosmetic, and if they don’t bother you, there’s no medical reason they have to be closed. Many people embrace the gap between their front teeth as part of their unique look.
However, Dr. Henry might recommend treating gaps if:

  • They’re collecting food and making teeth harder to clean
  • They’re getting larger over time (a sign that teeth are shifting)
  • They’re affecting your bite or how your teeth function
  • They’re caused by missing teeth, which can lead to other problems
  • They’re bothering you cosmetically and affecting your confidence

During your consultation at our St. Johns office, Dr. Henry will help you understand whether your gaps are simply a cosmetic preference or if there are functional reasons to consider treatment.

How Dr. Henry Closes Gaps

Treatment depends on what caused the gaps and where they’re located:

  • Braces or Invisalign are excellent for closing gaps and bringing teeth together. Modern clear aligners work beautifully for many gap cases, especially if your main concern is spacing rather than more complex bite issues.
  • Space closure with elastic chains or power chains on braces can gradually bring teeth together over several months.
  • Addressing the underlying cause: If a large frenum is creating or maintaining a gap, Dr. Henry might recommend a simple frenectomy procedure (often done by a periodontist or oral surgeon) before or during orthodontic treatment.
  • Strategic space redistribution: Sometimes the best smile doesn’t mean closing every gap. Dr. Henry might recommend redistributing spaces so they’re smaller, more even, and less noticeable rather than eliminating all of them.
  • Coordination with your dentist: In some cases, especially with smaller gaps, your dentist might use bonding or veneers after orthodontic treatment to create your ideal result.

What About the Gap Between Front Teeth?

The gap between your two front teeth—the classic diastema—is probably the most common spacing issue people ask about. The good news is that it typically responds very well to orthodontic treatment.
If you decide to close a front-teeth gap, Dr. Henry will make sure the closure is stable and won’t reopen after treatment. This might mean using a fixed retainer behind your front teeth after your braces or aligners come off.

What to Expect

Minor spacing issues can often be resolved in less time than more complex orthodontic cases—sometimes in as little as 6-12 months with Invisalign or braces, depending on how many spaces need to be closed and what else needs to be addressed.
You’ll have regular appointments so Dr. Henry can monitor your progress and ensure your gaps are closing at the right pace and in the right way to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Create Your Ideal Smile

Whether you want to close gaps for functional reasons or just like the look of a gap-free smile, Dr. Henry can explain your options and help you make the choice that’s right for you. Contact Henry Advanced Orthodontics in St. Johns, serving St. Augustine and Jacksonville area patients.

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Testimonials

Not only do both my children go to Dr Henry’s but I do as well. We are all treated with kindness by a staff that’s very friendly and patient. Juggling each of our own needs, personalities and tolerance to the “adjustments”, I know we are in the best hands in St Johns County.

K Geary

We are only a few months into our first kid’s treatment but are very happy so far! Easy to get in for an appointment, never have to wait long and the office staff is super friendly and professional! Can’t wait to see how good my son’s teeth look in about a year! I was also very impressed that Dr Henry didn’t force early treatment for my daughter but took a wait & see approach…the questionable tooth shifted and that conservative approach saved us a couple thousand dollars. She will still need braces and we will definitely be using Dr Henry!

Meredith

Dr. Henry has a great way of making visits a fun adventure for my son. He always looks forward to going for his check ups. Wonderful staff all around!

April

I love going to Henry Advanced Orthodontics! Dr Henry is very good at what he does and my daughter loves going to the orthodontist! How many parents can say that? His staff are the nicest people and treat everyone like they are family! 100% recommend to anyone needing orthodontic care!

Andrea