Why do gaps remain after braces?

What causes gaps after orthodontic treatment?

It depends on the starting situation. Four causes are the most common.

• Teeth smaller than the space available. If the arch is wider than the sum of the teeth, however they are moved, a "remainder" of space is left. It is most visible with small lateral incisors.
• Relapse. After braces, teeth tend to drift back toward their original position. The retainer is what holds them in place.
• The labial frenum. When it is attached low, it can contribute to a gap returning between the central incisors.
• A gap left on purpose. The orthodontist may leave space deliberately so that small teeth can then be built up to the right size.

What should I do first if I notice a gap?

Speak to your orthodontist. If the gap can be closed by moving teeth, that is usually the most conservative option, because it does not involve altering the teeth.

If the gap comes from the size of the teeth, braces cannot close it without changing other things, and restoring the shape becomes the logical step. Ask also whether the gap was left on purpose.

How are gaps closed without orthodontics?

By adding material to the teeth, meaning additive restorations. They can be made of composite, applied directly, or of ceramic, as veneers.

Before anything else, I make a wax-up that shows how the teeth would look with correct proportions, and then I test it in the mouth with a reversible mock-up. Composite is less invasive and repairable, while ceramic is more stable over time. I compare the options on the page about veneers and bonding.

Does retention matter if I restore the teeth?

Yes. Restorations do not stop teeth from moving. If teeth shift after a gap has been filled, the margins of the restorations no longer line up and the work has to be redone.

Retention is decided with the orthodontist, and the restoration plan takes it into account. More on the page about post-orthodontic rehabilitation.