Gaps between teeth — medically called diastemas — are one of the most common orthodontic concerns, and one of the cases where Invisalign consistently delivers excellent results.
Why Gaps Develop
Gaps most commonly appear between the two front upper teeth, but can occur anywhere in the mouth. Causes include a size mismatch between the teeth and jaw, missing teeth, gum tissue issues (a prominent labial frenum), tongue thrusting habits, or lost teeth that allowed adjacent teeth to drift. Identifying the cause is important because treatment differs.
How Invisalign Closes Gaps
Invisalign applies precise, controlled force through a sequence of aligners to gradually move teeth toward each other. Each aligner set moves teeth a fraction of a millimetre — but over the course of the full series, gaps are closed with high predictability. Most diastema cases are straightforward for Invisalign.
How Long Does It Take?
Simple gaps between two front teeth can sometimes be resolved with Invisalign Lite in as few as 3–6 months. More complex spacing issues across multiple teeth may require comprehensive treatment of 12–18 months. Your treatment time is mapped out precisely during planning using ClinCheck® software.
After the Gap Is Closed
Once a gap is closed, retainers are essential to maintain the result. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original position — especially in diastema cases where the underlying cause (like tongue thrusting) has not been addressed. At Smileworks Dental in Calgary, we offer complimentary Invisalign consultations. Book yours today.