Closing a Gap in Teeth: Braces, Aligners or Bonding

Gaps between teeth are very common, and many people like theirs. Others notice that a gap has grown, that food gets trapped, or that it is the first thing they see in photos. The good news is that most gaps can be closed. The right method depends on why the gap is there, how big it is, how many there are and whether the rest of your bite is healthy, so it is worth understanding the options before choosing a quick cosmetic fix.

What causes gaps between teeth?

• Tooth and jaw size mismatch: teeth that are small relative to the jaw leave spaces.
• A large labial frenum: the band of tissue between the upper lip and gum can hold the two front teeth apart.
• Missing or small teeth: for example, narrow upper lateral incisors (peg laterals) or a missing tooth.
• Habits: tongue thrusting and thumb sucking can push teeth forward and apart.
• Gum disease: bone loss can let teeth drift and fan out, usually in adults. This needs to be stable before orthodontic treatment.
• An overbite or overjet: upper teeth tipped forward often have gaps between them. See overbite treatment for adults.

Can aligners close a gap in teeth?

Yes. Closing spaces is one of the things clear aligners do best, because the teeth mostly need to tip and slide together. Small front gaps often close within a few months, although the orthodontist will usually also correct the angle of the teeth and the bite so the result is stable. Our guide to how Invisalign works explains the process, and Invisalign cost in the UK and London covers fees by case type.

When are braces better for closing a gap?

Fixed braces are the better choice when:

• The gaps are large, or teeth need to move bodily rather than tip
• Spaces are left after missing teeth and roots need to be moved parallel
• There is a significant overbite, underbite or crowding elsewhere
• You need precise control of root position before implants or bridges

Braces can be metal, ceramic or lingual; see types of braces and adult braces in London.

Composite bonding and veneers

Bonding adds tooth-coloured resin to the sides of the teeth to fill the gap. It is quick and does not require tooth movement, but it makes the teeth wider. That works well for a small gap or naturally narrow teeth; for larger gaps the teeth can end up looking too broad. Veneers can change shape and colour too, but involve more treatment.

A common approach is to combine the two: aligners to move the teeth into the ideal position and distribute spaces evenly, then bonding to reshape any small or narrow teeth.

How long does it take to close a gap?

Does a frenum need treatment?

Sometimes. If a thick frenum is holding the front teeth apart, the gap may reopen after treatment unless the frenum is reduced. This minor procedure, a frenectomy, is usually carried out by a dentist or oral surgeon, often after the gap has been closed.

Will the gap come back?

Gaps between front teeth are among the most likely to reopen after treatment. Most orthodontists recommend a thin bonded retainer behind the front teeth, plus a removable retainer at night. Our guides to permanent retainers and retainer costs explain the options.

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

Orthodontic treatment to close gaps is priced by the aligner or brace course needed. Full Invisalign in London typically starts from about £2,650 to £2,800, metal braces from £2,800 to £3,650 and ceramic braces from £3,150 to £4,000. See braces cost in London and the UK for the full price table.

Gaps after a missing tooth

Spaces left by a missing tooth are a different problem from a gap between healthy teeth. There are two main choices: close the space with braces by moving the neighbouring teeth together, or open and hold the space so an implant, bridge or bonded tooth can replace the missing one. Which is better depends on where the space is, how the bite fits together and how the face looks with each option. When an implant is planned, braces are often used first to make the roots parallel and the space the right width.

Gaps that appear in adulthood

A gap that was not there before deserves a check before any cosmetic treatment. New spacing in adults is often caused by:

• Gum disease, which lets teeth drift as bone support is lost
• A deepening bite, where lower teeth push upper teeth forward over time
• Tongue pressure or habits such as nail biting or pen chewing
• Tooth loss elsewhere, letting neighbouring teeth tip into the space

If gum disease is the cause, it must be treated and stable before teeth are moved. Orthodontic treatment can then close the spaces and, in many cases, make the teeth easier to clean.

Will closing a gap change my smile?

Closing a central gap usually makes the front teeth look more even, but it can also change how much of the teeth show and the position of the midline. If the gap is large and the teeth are narrow, closing it entirely with movement alone can leave dark triangles near the gum or teeth that look too small. In those cases, aligners combined with a little bonding often give the most natural result. We use digital simulations so you can see the planned result before you start.

Can children have gaps closed?

Gaps between baby teeth are normal and often helpful, because adult teeth are larger and need the space. A gap between the upper front adult teeth often narrows naturally as the canines come through around age 11 to 13. If a gap is still present after that, or is very large, an orthodontic assessment is worthwhile.

Can you close a gap at home?

You may see rubber bands or "gap bands" sold online for closing gaps. We strongly advise against them. Bands can slide up under the gum, where they are hard to see, and have been known to damage the ligaments and bone around the teeth. Unsupervised at-home aligners are also a risk if no one has checked your gums and bite first. Closing a gap is quick and predictable when it is planned properly, so it is worth having it done safely.

Getting a gap assessed

At a consultation we check why the gap is there, whether gums and bone are healthy, how your bite fits together and whether closing the gap alone would leave the teeth looking too far back or forward. You will receive a plan with options, time and a written fee. Request a consultation through our form to book.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• How Much Do Braces Cost in London and the UK? (2026)
• Invisalign Cost in the UK and London: 2026 Prices
• Types of Braces Explained: Metal, Ceramic, Lingual and Clear
• Underbite Correction: Braces, Aligners or Jaw Surgery?
• Braces for Adults: Is It Worth Getting Braces at 30, 35 or 40?
• London Invisalign and Braces Price Index 2026
• Orthodontists in London: Invisalign and braces
• Areas of London we cover