Can Aligners Fix Teeth That Have Been Moved Due to Gaps?
Feel free to ask ASK Dr BAK AI about your dental questions. Click on the button “ASK Dr BAK AI”
Can Aligners Close Gaps Between Teeth?
Whether caused by genetics, past dental work, or shifting over time, gaps between teeth—also known as diastemas—can affect both your confidence and your oral health. These spaces can trap food, lead to uneven wear, and even contribute to gum issues if left unaddressed. Yes, clear aligners are an effective way to close gaps between teeth. By applying gentle, consistent pressure, aligners gradually bring teeth closer together, resulting in a more even, harmonious smile.
Why Do Gaps Between Teeth Form?
There are several common reasons why spaces may appear between your teeth:
Genetic spacing or small tooth size
Jaw size discrepancies
Tooth loss, especially if replacements are delayed
Tongue thrusting or thumb-sucking habits
Periodontal disease, which can affect bone and gum support
Orthodontic relapse, especially if retainers weren’t used after treatment
While some gaps are purely cosmetic, others can affect bite balance or lead to oral hygiene challenges.
How Aligners Close Gaps
Clear aligners like Invisalign use a custom treatment plan and a sequence of precision-fit trays to close gaps over time. Each tray is designed to move teeth slightly—usually about 0.25 mm per aligner—until the space is closed.
The treatment process includes:
A 3D digital scan of your current smile
A tailored plan that maps each phase of movement
Clear aligners worn for 20–22 hours per day
Aligner changes every 1–2 weeks
Post-treatment retainers to ensure the gaps don’t reopen
Aligners can treat single gaps, multiple spaces, or general spacing between teeth across the entire arch.
What to Expect During Treatment
Duration: 6–12 months on average, depending on the size and number of gaps
Comfort: Smooth, nearly invisible trays—no wires or brackets
Hygiene: Easy to brush and floss throughout treatment
Monitoring: In-office or virtual check-ins to track progress
Retention: Long-term retainer wear to prevent recurrence
With consistent wear, many patients begin to notice visible improvements within just a few months.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Aligners are ideal for closing gaps when:
Teeth are healthy and stable in the gums
The spacing is mild to moderate
There are no major skeletal or bite abnormalities
You can commit to wearing the aligners 20–22 hours per day
In some cases, your provider may use attachments or elastics to improve precision or treat more complex movements.
Dr. Bak’s Expertise in Gap Closure with Aligners
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bak Nguyen has helped countless patients close unwanted spaces between teeth using advanced clear aligner systems. His customized digital planning ensures that your treatment is both precise and predictable, giving you a smile that’s both functional and beautiful.
Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).
What are aligners made of - Invisalign plastic material - Clear correct - Straumann - BPA-free aligners - Medical-grade plastic in clear aligners - Clear aligners comfort - Invisalign durability - Biocompatible orthodontic plastic - Orthodontist Montreal - Clear braces material -Aligner composition