Teeth Gaps & Spacing Treatment in Kent and Sammamish
Spacing is one of the most treatable orthodontic conditions, and one of the easiest to mistreat if the cause is not correctly identified first.
Reviewed and approved by Dr. Cameron Freelove, DDS, MS · Last updated
A midline diastema held open by an oversized frenum responds very differently from generalized spacing caused by small teeth, and a new gap in an adult can be the first sign of periodontal bone loss. At Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design in Kent and Sammamish, every spacing case starts with a diagnosis, not a product recommendation.
What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?
Dental spacing, clinically called diastema, is any excess space between adjacent teeth. The gap between the two upper central incisors (the midline diastema) is the most visible, but gaps can appear anywhere in the arch. About 98% of six-year-olds have a midline diastema that closes naturally as permanent teeth come in.
By ages 12 to 18, only about 7% still have a gap. In adults, spacing does not close on its own and often widens with time, especially under the forces of chewing, tongue posture, or tissue changes around the teeth.
The first question at a Freelove consultation is not "braces or aligners?" It is "why is the space there?" Dr. Freelove evaluates tooth size, jaw size, frenum anatomy, tongue posture, periodontal health, and family history before recommending any mechanics.
The reason matters because the treatment plan and often whether orthodontics alone is enough depends entirely on the cause.
Diastema vs. Generalized Spacing
"Diastema" technically means any gap, but in everyday use it refers to the single space between the two upper front teeth. "Generalized spacing" is the term for gaps distributed throughout one or both arches.
Midline Diastema
A single, visible gap between the upper central incisors. Causes include an oversized or low-attached labial frenum, a supernumerary tooth (often a mesiodens) wedged between the roots, missing or peg-shaped lateral incisors that allow the centrals to drift, or a tooth-size discrepancy.
Children often have a midline diastema that closes on its own once the upper canines erupt, the so-called "ugly duckling stage."
Generalized Spacing
Smaller gaps spread across several teeth in the arch. Usually caused by a tooth-to-jaw size mismatch (normal-sized teeth in a larger-than-average jaw), by genuine microdontia (smaller-than-average teeth), or by pathologic migration where gum disease has loosened periodontal support.
Generalized spacing in an adult whose teeth were previously aligned is a signal to rule out periodontal bone loss before starting any orthodontic movement.
Common Causes, and How Each Is Treated
Not all gaps are the same. The cause determines whether the gap is cosmetic, functional, or a warning sign of something more serious.
Jaw-Tooth Size Mismatch
The most common cause. The jaw is larger than the combined width of the teeth, a genetic trait often inherited from parents. Teeth are normal size, but there is simply too much room. Gaps appear evenly throughout the arch (generalized spacing).
Treatment at Freelove: Braces or Invisalign/Angel Aligners close the spaces by redistributing the teeth evenly across the arch. The decision between aligners and braces is made with the patient, not for the patient. Dr. Freelove presents the pros and cons of each and lets the family own the choice, weighing in only for specific clinical reasons.
Oversized or Low-Attached Labial Frenum
The labial frenum, the fold of tissue connecting the inside of the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth, sometimes extends between and under the two central incisors. This band of tissue physically holds the gap open and will reopen a closed gap if it is not released.
Treatment: Frenectomy (a minor soft-tissue release, performed by Dr. Freelove with a soft-tissue laser) followed by or preceeded by orthodontic space closure. In younger children, the gap sometimes closes on its own after a frenectomy. In adults, orthodontic closure is almost always needed after the release.
Missing, Peg, or Undersized Lateral Incisors
Peg laterals (developmentally narrow upper lateral incisors) and congenitally missing laterals are the second most common cause of midline diastema. The centrals drift into the widened space where the lateral should sit.
Treatment: A coordinated plan. Orthodontics positions the teeth into their ideal final positions first, then a restorative dentist completes the smile with bonding, porcelain veneers, or where a tooth is missing entirely, an implant. Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design coordinates these cases with the patient’s general or cosmetic dentist from day one so the final tooth dimensions are planned before orthodontic movement begins, not improvised afterward.
Tongue Thrust or Thumb Sucking
Forward pressure from a tongue thrust, a persistent thumb-sucking habit, or chronic mouth breathing pushes the front teeth apart. These patients often present with both spacing and an open bite at the same time, because the same forward pressure prevents the upper and lower incisors from meeting.
Treatment: Address the habit first, either with myofunctional therapy exercises or an appliance that discourages the thrust, then close the gaps with braces or aligners. Skipping the habit work almost guarantees relapse.
Periodontal Disease (Pathologic Migration)
When gum disease erodes the bone supporting the teeth, they lose their anchor and begin to drift apart. This is called pathologic migration. New or widening gaps in adults, particularly in the lower front teeth, can be an early warning that periodontal disease is active.
When Spacing Is Not a Problem
Two spacing patterns routinely seen at Freelove that usually resolve without treatment:
- The "ugly duckling stage." Between roughly age seven and nine, a midline diastema is common because the unerupted upper canines press against the roots of the lateral incisors, tipping the centrals apart. When the canines erupt (typically age 11 to 13), that pressure releases and the diastema usually closes on its own.
- Primate spaces in the primary dentition. Small gaps between the upper lateral incisor and canine, and between the lower canine and first molar, are a normal anatomical feature of baby teeth and a positive sign for future alignment.
At the AAO-recommended age-seven evaluation, Dr. Freelove screens for the spacing patterns that do require intervention, oversized frenums, supernumerary teeth, missing laterals, while reassuring families when the spacing they are seeing is developmental and expected. Not every gap needs treatment; knowing which ones do is the value of a specialist evaluation.
How Freelove Closes Gaps
Spacing cases are among the most aligner-friendly orthodontic conditions because the teeth are moving into open space rather than competing for room. That said, the best treatment depends on what is causing the gap, how much space is involved, and whether the bite also needs correction. Dr. Freelove matches the mechanics to the diagnosis.
| Treatment | Best For | How It Works | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angel Aligners Primary aligner at Freelove | Mild to moderate spacing; diastema closure; adults and teens | Sequential aligners planned on iOrtho software; stiffer material than Invisalign for more efficient space closure. | $5,000 |
| Invisalign | Mild to moderate spacing | Sequential aligners move teeth into gaps. Removable. Nearly invisible. | $5,000 |
| Metal Braces | Generalized spacing combined with bite correction; complex root control | Archwire forces close gaps with precise control of root position. CBCT-verified finishing. | $5,000 |
| Clear Ceramic Braces | Generalized spacing with an aesthetic preference for fixed appliances | Same mechanics as metal with tooth-colored brackets and clear ties. | $5,000 |
| Frenectomy + Orthodontics | Midline diastema caused by an oversized frenum | Minor soft-tissue release by Dr. Freelove, followed by or following orthodontic space closure. | Frenectomy billed separately; ortho from $5,000 |
| Orthodontics + Restorative | Peg laterals or congenitally missing teeth | Orthodontics positions teeth into their planned final positions, then bonding, veneers, or implants complete the smile. | Ortho from $5,000; restorative varies |
For cases that involve both spacing and a bite problem (deep bite, open bite, or crossbite), braces often move treatment along more efficiently than aligners. For isolated diastema or generalized spacing without significant bite issues, aligners are typically the preferred mechanic.
The Freelove Approach to Retention After a Diastema
Spacing has the highest relapse rate of any orthodontic correction. The elastic fibers in the gum tissue retain a "memory" of the original tooth position for years, which means a closed gap will slowly reopen the moment retainer wear lapses. Dr. Freelove treats retention as the second half of the treatment plan, not an afterthought.
Freelove includes one set of Essix retainers with every case. If a retainer is lost or damaged, a replacement costs $200 per arch. The optional $680 Retainer Plan covers up to four single-arch replacements per year for lost or broken retainers for 10 years after treatment ends.
Fixed (bonded) retainers are offered only when clinically indicated. For upper midline diastema cases where the labial frenum has been released but the soft tissue is thick, a small bonded wire behind the upper front teeth is sometimes added to the Essix protocol to prevent the two centrals from drifting apart again.
When a fixed retainer is used, the wire is kept as small as possible and a clear Essix is still recommended on top of it. The default at Freelove remains removable retention.
Why Retention Compliance Is Critical for Spacing Cases
Essix retainers at Freelove are fabricated on 3D-printed models of the final tooth positions, a tighter and more precise fit than retainers thermoformed on stone models. That precision matters most for spacing cases, because even a fraction of a millimeter of slippage over months translates into a visible gap.
The wear protocol after a diastema or spacing correction is straightforward: retainers are worn every night, for life. Retainers stay at home.
Never in a pocket at lunch, never wrapped in a napkin on a restaurant table. Lost retainers are the leading cause of spacing relapse, not failed mechanics.
Gaps in Children’s Teeth: When to Monitor, When to Treat
Most childhood spacing is developmental and self-correcting. The question for parents is not "is there a gap?" but "is the gap the kind that will close on its own, or the kind that will not?"
When the gap will usually close on its own: A midline diastema in a six- to nine-year-old with unerupted upper canines, primate spaces in the baby teeth, or generalized spacing across a set of primary teeth that are clearly smaller than the permanent teeth on the way.
When an evaluation is warranted: The gap persists after the upper canines have fully erupted (typically by age 12 to 13), the gap is larger than 3 mm, a single tooth is noticeably smaller than its twin on the other side of the arch (possible peg lateral), or an adult tooth is missing on panoramic imaging. Dr. Freelove uses 3D CBCT imaging to determine whether the gap is caused by an oversized frenum, missing lateral incisors, a supernumerary tooth (such as a mesiodens) blocking closure, or simply a tooth-size discrepancy.
In one visit rather than discovering a second problem halfway through treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by at least age 7, and sometimes earlier is beneficial.
Typical Treatment Timeline
-
Records & diagnosis
1 visit
Aoralscan 3 digital scan, intraoral photos, periodontal screening, cause identification
-
Periodontal treatment (if indicated)
Before ortho
Coordinated with the patient’s general dentist or periodontist before any tooth movement
-
Frenectomy (if indicated)
1 visit
Dr. Freelove performs with a soft tissue laser
-
Aligner or braces treatment
6–18 months
Controlled space closure; generalized spacing 12–18 months, isolated diastema often less
-
Restorative phase (if peg laterals or missing teeth)
After active ortho
Bonding, veneers, or implants to complete the smile
-
Retention
Indefinite
One set of Essix retainers included, plus a bonded wire when indicated for a large front-tooth gap
What to Expect at a Spacing Consultation
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Digital intake
History of the gap (how long it has been there, whether it is widening), any gum concerns, family history of spacing or missing teeth, and any thumb-sucking, tongue-thrust, or mouth-breathing history.
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Comprehensive records
Aoralscan 3 digital scan, intraoral and facial photos, periodontal screening.
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Diagnosis
Cause identified before any treatment is recommended. Any periodontal concern is flagged first and routed to the patient’s dentist or periodontist for stabilization.
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Treatment plan
Mechanics (aligners vs. braces), whether a frenectomy or restorative work is needed, whether a habit appliance or myofunctional therapy is indicated, and the retention protocol. All explained to the patient and family in the same visit.
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Exact pricing
Insurance benefits verified, financing options presented, any community discounts applied. No obligation to start at the consult.
Treatment Examples
See more spacing cases in the Dr. Freelove treated-cases gallery.
How Much Does It Cost to Close Gaps in Kent and Sammamish?
Metal braces: from $5,000 (comprehensive)
Clear ceramic braces: from $5,000 (comprehensive)
Angel Aligners: from $5,000 (comprehensive) Primary aligner at Freelove
Invisalign: from $5,000 (comprehensive)
Spacing-only cases with no bite issues may qualify for limited (partial) treatment at a lower fee. This is determined at the free consultation.
Pricing at Freelove reflects specialist-level diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, and the tools used. Clinically indicated 3D CBCT, Aoralscan 3 digital scanning, in-house 3D printing, digitally planned aligner setups are included as standard rather than as upcharges.
Unhurried appointments and a higher standard of finish. The model is not volume-based.
Insurance & Financing
Most PPO dental insurance covers orthodontic treatment when spacing is documented as malocclusion. Dr. Freelove verifies benefits before treatment begins. In-House Financing: 0% financing options available, no credit check, $300 down on braces, monthly payments from $199.
CareCredit: $0 down with an approved application (promotional 0% periods apply). Pay in Full: 5% discount.
Common Appliances Used at Freelove
Spacing is usually closed with braces or clear aligners, then held in place so the gaps do not return.
- Braces (metal or clear ceramic). Move teeth together with steady, controlled force, which works well for closing multiple or uneven spaces.
- Clear aligners (Invisalign or Angel Aligners). A discreet option that closes spacing well in many teen and adult cases.
- Bonded retainer. A thin wire fixed behind the front teeth can hold a closed gap long-term, which matters most when a space tends to reopen. Every case also finishes with removable clear retainers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Gaps
Can Freelove close a gap with Invisalign?
Yes. Mild to moderate spacing is one of the most predictable clear-aligner cases because the teeth are moving into open space rather than competing for room.
Dr. Freelove typically recommends Angel Aligners as the primary aligner at Freelove after comparing against Invisalign.
Will my gaps come back after treatment?
Only if retainers are not worn. Spacing has the highest relapse rate of any orthodontic condition. Freelove includes one set of Essix retainers with every case and offers the optional Retainer Plan ($680).
For upper midline diastema cases with a thick labial frenum, a small bonded wire behind the upper front teeth is often added to the Essix protocol to lock in the result.
Do I need a frenectomy to close a diastema?
Only if an oversized or low-attached frenum is the cause. Dr. Freelove examines the tissue, the gap history, and the bone position on CBCT before recommending a frenectomy. Not every diastema needs a soft-tissue release, many close with orthodontics alone.
Will my child’s gap close on its own?
Usually yes, by the time the upper canines erupt around age 12 to 13, the “ugly duckling stage.” The AAO recommends a first evaluation no later than age 7 specifically to rule out the causes that will not self-correct: an oversized frenum, a missing lateral incisor, a supernumerary tooth, or a tooth-size discrepancy. That evaluation at Freelove is free.
Are gaps in adults always a cosmetic issue?
No. New or widening gaps in adults can indicate active periodontal disease, particularly in the lower front teeth. Dr. Freelove screens gum health at every consult and will not begin tooth movement through diseased bone. Dr. Freelove’s general-dentistry background makes periodontal and caries risk a standing part of the orthodontic workup.
How long does spacing treatment take?
Isolated single-gap cases: 3 to 6 months. Moderate generalized spacing: 6 to 12 months. Generalized spacing combined with bite correction: 12 to 18 months. Estimates are case-specific, given at the consultation rather than from a chart.
What if I have a peg lateral or missing tooth?
Combination treatment. Orthodontics positions the teeth into their correct final positions; a restorative dentist then adds bonding, porcelain veneers, or an implant to complete the smile. Dr. Freelove coordinates with the patient’s general or cosmetic dentist from day one so the final tooth dimensions drive the orthodontic plan, not the other way around.
Is Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design near me in Kent and Sammamish?
Yes. Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design has two King County offices: Sammamish, in the Pine Lake shopping center next to QFC, serving Pine Lake, the Sammamish Plateau, Klahanie, Beaver Lake, Sahalee, and Issaquah; and Kent, across from Safeway and the Kent Laboratory Academy, serving Kent, Renton, Covington, Auburn, and Maple Valley.
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Ready to Close the Gap?
The free consultation at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design includes a Aoralscan 3 digital scan, periodontal screening, cause identification, and exact pricing. No obligation. Community discounts apply.