Gap Teeth Treatment on Maui

Gaps appear when there is extra space between teeth that do not meet. The most common is a space between the two front teeth. Causes include a tooth-size discrepancy (teeth that are small or narrow for the jaw), a missing tooth, the way the teeth erupted, certain habits, or a band of tissue called a frenum that sits low between the front teeth.

Sometimes the spacing is really a tooth-size issue. The upper lateral incisors, the teeth on either side of your two front teeth, are sometimes naturally small or narrow (often called “peg” laterals), so even with everything in the right position there is more space than the teeth can fill. In those cases the best result combines orthodontics to position the teeth, then small cosmetic build-ups or veneers by your dentist to complete the look. Dr. Alex will tell you if that applies to you.

The tongue can play a role too. Resting or pushing the tongue against the front teeth over time can open spaces.

Clear aligners (Invisalign or Spark) are especially good at closing spaces, and they are a popular, discreet choice for this. Braces also close gaps reliably, particularly when other movements are needed at the same time. Because spaces can try to drift back open, retainers afterward are essential. For gaps especially, we often add a fixed retainer, a thin wire quietly bonded behind the teeth, alongside your removable retainers, and your treatment includes three sets so you always have a backup.

As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Alex Verga limits the practice to orthodontics, all we do is straighten teeth and craft beautiful smiles. We keep things warm, family-friendly, and rooted in the Maui community.