Closing a Gap in Teeth: Fast and Discreet Orthodontic Solutions

A gap in teeth — particularly between the two front teeth — is one of the most common cosmetic concerns that brings patients to our clinic. Clinically known as a diastema, a gap can range from barely noticeable to a significant space that affects your confidence, and sometimes your bite. The good news is that there are several ways to fix gaps in teeth, from quick cosmetic approaches to longer-lasting orthodontic solutions. This guide explains what causes gaps, what your options are, how long diastema closure typically takes, and what questions to ask before committing to treatment.

This guide is for adults (and parents of teenagers) who want to understand their options for closing a gap in teeth. Whether you've been thinking about it for years or have only recently noticed a gap developing, the aim is to give you clear, balanced information — not to push you towards any particular treatment. An in-person clinical assessment is always needed before starting any treatment.

Why Gaps Happen — and When You Should Check the Cause

Before looking at how to fix gaps in teeth, it's worth understanding why they develop. Not all gaps have the same cause, and the cause often influences which treatment is most appropriate.

Common Causes of Gaps

• Natural spacing: some people simply have teeth that are smaller relative to their jaw size, creating natural spaces between them
• Midline diastema: a gap specifically between the two upper central incisors, often caused by a low-attaching frenum (the small fold of tissue between the lip and gum) or by the size mismatch between teeth and jaw
• Missing teeth: if a tooth is congenitally absent or has been extracted, neighbouring teeth may drift, creating or widening gaps
• Gum disease: advanced periodontal disease can cause bone loss, leading teeth to shift and gaps to appear or widen — this is particularly important to identify before starting any orthodontic treatment
• Habits: thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting can push teeth forward and create gaps over time
• Tooth loss or shifting: teeth can shift naturally throughout life, and gaps may develop gradually in adulthood

When to Investigate Before Treating

Not every gap is purely cosmetic. Your clinician should assess whether:

• There's an underlying cause (such as gum disease or a missing tooth) that needs addressing first
• A frenum attachment is contributing to the gap — in some cases, a simple frenectomy (a minor soft tissue procedure) is recommended before or during orthodontic treatment
• The gap is stable or actively widening — a widening gap in an adult can sometimes indicate bone loss and should be investigated
• Other alignment issues are present alongside the spacing — if so, comprehensive treatment may be more appropriate than closing a single gap in isolation

Fast and Discreet Options: Aligners vs Bonding vs Veneers

There are three main approaches to closing a gap in teeth. Each has different trade-offs in terms of speed, longevity, tooth preparation, and cost.

Clear Aligners for Diastema Closure

Clear aligners are often an excellent option for closing a gap in teeth because they address the root cause — the position of the teeth — rather than masking it cosmetically. The teeth are gradually moved together using a series of custom trays, with each set making small, planned adjustments.

For a straightforward diastema closure with no other alignment issues, treatment can sometimes be completed in as little as 8–16 weeks using a short-course aligner programme. If other issues like crowding or rotation are also present, a more comprehensive plan may be needed.

The advantage of orthodontic gap closure is that the result is structural — you're moving your actual teeth into a better position, not adding material to them. With consistent retainer wear afterwards, the result can be maintained indefinitely.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding involves applying tooth-coloured resin to the edges of the teeth on either side of the gap, making them wider and closing the space visually. It's quick (usually done in a single appointment), painless, and requires little or no tooth preparation.

The limitation is durability: composite bonding typically lasts 5–10 years before it needs replacing, and it can chip, stain, or lose its shape over time. It also only works for small gaps — for larger spaces, the teeth can look unnaturally wide.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front of the teeth. They can close gaps, change tooth shape, and improve colour all at once. However, they require the removal of a thin layer of enamel — making them an irreversible procedure. They're also the most expensive option.

Veneers are generally more appropriate for patients whose teeth are otherwise well-aligned but have cosmetic concerns, or for situations where the tooth shape, colour, and gap all need addressing together.

Which Option Is Right?

There's no single right answer — it depends on the size of the gap, whether other alignment issues exist, your budget, and how you feel about irreversible procedures. Many patients benefit from a combination: for example, aligner treatment to close a gap and correct alignment, followed by bonding to refine the final shape if needed.

How Long Does It Take to Close a Gap Safely?

Timelines vary depending on the method chosen and the size of the gap:

Clear Aligners

• Small gap (1–2 mm): approximately 8–16 weeks with a short-course aligner plan
• Medium gap (2–4 mm): approximately 4–8 months
• Larger gap or gap with additional alignment issues: 6–12+ months depending on complexity

These are estimates. Actual timelines depend on how consistently the aligners are worn (20–22 hours per day), whether refinements are needed, and whether any preparatory work is required. Your clinician will give you a specific estimate after scanning and planning your case.

Composite Bonding

Typically completed in a single appointment lasting 30–60 minutes. The result is immediate.

Porcelain Veneers

Usually requires 2–3 appointments over 2–4 weeks: one for preparation and impressions, one for fitting, and sometimes a follow-up.

What Affects Treatment Duration with Aligners?

• Gap size: larger gaps require more tray stages and therefore more time
• Additional alignment issues: if crowding, rotation, or bite correction is also needed, the plan will be more comprehensive
• Compliance: inconsistent aligner wear is the most common reason treatment takes longer than planned
• Refinements: if teeth don't track exactly as planned, additional refinement trays may be needed
• Oral health: any gum disease or decay needs to be addressed before treatment can begin, which may add time

You can explore our aligner treatment options to understand the differences between short-course and comprehensive plans.

Who Clear Aligners May Not Be Suitable For

Clear aligners can close most mild to moderate gaps effectively, but they're not the right option for everyone:

• Very large gaps (e.g. from missing teeth): if the gap is caused by an absent tooth, orthodontic space closure may not be appropriate — an implant, bridge, or other prosthetic option may be more suitable
• Active gum disease: moving teeth through unhealthy bone is risky and can worsen the situation. Gum health must be stabilised before any orthodontic treatment
• Skeletal jaw discrepancies: if the gap is a symptom of a more significant jaw or bite issue, fixed braces or surgical intervention may be needed
• Compliance challenges: aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day. If this is unlikely, fixed braces or a cosmetic option may be more reliable
• Children with mixed dentition: gaps in children are often completely normal and may close naturally as adult teeth erupt. Treatment should only be considered once the permanent teeth are fully in place, unless a specific clinical concern exists

Safety and Compliance Notes for UK Patients

If you're looking to fix gaps in teeth, here are some important points to keep in mind as a UK patient:

General Dental Council (GDC) Guidance

The GDC requires that orthodontic treatment is carried out by, or under the supervision of, a GDC-registered dental professional. The GDC has published specific advice on aligners or braces sent directly to your home, emphasising the need for:

• A face-to-face clinical examination before treatment begins
• A full assessment of oral health — particularly relevant for gap cases, where gum health must be confirmed
• Ongoing monitoring by a registered professional
• Clear information about risks, limitations, and alternatives

This is especially important for diastema closure, because gaps can sometimes indicate underlying gum disease that needs to be treated before any teeth are moved.

Advertising Standards (ASA/CAP)

Under ASA/CAP rules, dental providers should not make claims they cannot substantiate. Be cautious of providers that:

• Promise gap closure in an unrealistically short time without assessing your case
• Show before-and-after images without context or disclaimers
• Quote prices that don't reflect the full treatment cost

What to Ask Before Starting Treatment

• What's causing the gap — and does anything need to be treated first?
• Which method do you recommend for my specific case — and why?
• What's included in the cost? (Scans, aligners/bonding/veneers, refinements, retainers?)
• How long will it take, and what could extend the timeline?
• What retention is needed to stop the gap from reopening?
• What are the risks specific to my case?

You can review our pricing and what's included before your appointment to help plan the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can clear aligners close a gap between front teeth?

Yes. A midline diastema (gap between the two upper front teeth) is one of the most straightforward cases for clear aligners. Small gaps may close in as little as 8–16 weeks. Your clinician will confirm suitability based on a 3D scan and clinical examination.

How long does it take to close a gap in teeth with aligners?

It depends on the size of the gap and whether other alignment issues are present. Small gaps (1–2 mm) may take 8–16 weeks. Medium gaps may take 4–8 months. Larger or more complex cases can take 6–12 months or longer. These are estimates — your clinician will provide a specific timeline based on your treatment plan.

Is bonding or aligners better for closing a gap?

Both can work, but they do different things. Aligners move your actual teeth into a better position — the result is structural and long-lasting with retainer wear. Bonding adds material to the teeth to fill the gap cosmetically — it's quicker but needs replacing every 5–10 years. If other alignment issues exist alongside the gap, aligners are generally the more comprehensive solution.

Will the gap come back after treatment?

Gaps are one of the most relapse-prone orthodontic corrections. Consistent retainer wear is essential to prevent the teeth from drifting apart again. The British Orthodontic Society recommends long-term (often lifelong) retainer use. Your clinician will advise on the best retention plan — usually a combination of a fixed bonded retainer behind the front teeth and a removable retainer worn at night.

Can children get clear aligners for a gap in their teeth?

Gaps in children's teeth are often completely normal and frequently close on their own as the permanent teeth come through. Clear aligner treatment is generally only appropriate once most or all of the adult teeth have erupted. If you're concerned about a gap in your child's teeth, a dental check-up can confirm whether it's likely to resolve naturally or needs monitoring.

Is a gap in teeth a sign of gum disease?

Not always, but it can be. If a gap has appeared or widened in adulthood — particularly if accompanied by bleeding gums, loose teeth, or receding gums — it could indicate periodontal (gum) disease. This needs to be treated and stabilised before any cosmetic or orthodontic treatment is considered. Your clinician will assess your gum health as part of any consultation.

How much does it cost to close a gap in teeth?

Costs vary depending on the method and complexity. Composite bonding is typically the most affordable per-tooth option. Clear aligner treatment costs depend on the treatment tier and how many trays are needed. Veneers tend to be the most expensive per tooth. Always ask what's included in the quoted price — scans, materials, refinements, retainers, and follow-up visits can vary between providers. See our pricing page for guidance.

Do I need a frenectomy before closing a gap?

Sometimes. If the frenum (the small fold of tissue between your upper lip and gum) is thick or low-attaching and is contributing to the gap, your clinician may recommend a frenectomy — a minor, straightforward procedure — either before or during orthodontic treatment. This helps prevent the gap from reopening after treatment.

Can I use mail-order aligners to close a gap?

The GDC advises caution with direct-to-consumer aligner services. While small gaps may seem straightforward, an in-person clinical assessment is important to rule out underlying causes (like gum disease) and to ensure the treatment plan is safe and appropriate. In-person monitoring also helps catch any issues early.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute dental or medical advice. Every case is different, and treatment suitability can only be determined through an in-person clinical assessment by a GDC-registered dental professional. Timelines, costs, and outcomes described are estimates and may vary.