If you’ve been thinking about closing the small gaps between your teeth, you’re far from alone. According to the CDC, nearly one in five adults aged 18 to 50 have a noticeable gap or diastema between their teeth.* For some, it’s just a cosmetic concern; for others, it affects their bite, confidence, or even overall oral health.
That is where clear aligners come in. They offer a discreet, flexible, and modern way to fix gaps without the brackets and wires. But the question remains: do clear aligners work for gaps as well as traditional orthodontic treatments? Let’s find out.
The Science Behind the Smile
Clear aligners are custom-made trays that gradually move your teeth into alignment. They work by applying a light, consistent force that guides your teeth closer together week after week.
Each set of trays is designed using advanced 3D scanning technology, which allows your dentist to map every small movement before treatment even begins. The result is a process that feels precise, predictable, and surprisingly comfortable.
Unlike braces, aligners are removable and nearly invisible. You can eat, brush, and live normally while your smile transforms in the background.
Yes, Clear Aligners Work for Gaps And OrthoFX Does It Better
Clear aligners are highly effective for most spacing issues, especially gaps under 6 millimeters wide. They can close spaces between front teeth, correct minor diastema, and even address small gaps throughout your smile.
The key lies in how they move your teeth. Each tray is engineered to apply balanced pressure, shifting your teeth by fractions of a millimeter at a time. Over several weeks or months, those small movements add up to a smoother, gap-free smile.
OrthoFX aligners take this to another level. Every system, AirFlex™, FXClear™, and FXBright™, is designed to deliver optimal, balanced force. This means steady progress without the discomfort or tightness often associated with braces.
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AirFlex Aligners: FDA-approved for at least 12 hours of continuous daily wear or as prescribed by your doctor.** These aligners are ideal for those who need flexibility in their schedule while maintaining treatment efficiency.
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FXClear Aligners: Precision-fit, virtually invisible, and comfortable enough for all-day wear.
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FXBright Aligners: Created from a translucent material that subtly enhances the look of your teeth while you are in treatment.
Each system offers a combination of comfort, control, and design accuracy that makes OrthoFX aligners a trusted choice for modern orthodontic care.
From Tiny Spaces to Noticeable Gaps: What Aligners Can Fix
No two smiles are the same, and not all gaps require the same approach. Here is how clear aligners can help with different types of spacing.
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Minor spacing between teeth: These are the small, cosmetic gaps often caused by natural positioning. OrthoFX aligners can usually close them in just a few months.
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Front-tooth gaps (diastema): All OrthoFX aligners - AirFlex, FXClear, and FXBright - can close these gaps while keeping your bite on track.
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Wider or multiple gaps: Aligners can close larger gaps too. Your doctor will map out the movement needed to bring the teeth together in a way that supports both alignment and long-term stability.
How Long Does It Take to Close Gaps with OrthoFX Aligners?
Your treatment plan’s timeline depends on your specific case and how closely you follow your dentist’s instructions.
- Smaller gaps can often close in three to six months.
- Moderate gaps may take six to twelve months.
Wearing your aligners consistently, about 22 hours per day or at least 12 hours of continuous daily wear with AirFlex Aligners, keeps your progress on track. Depending on your doctor’s approach, they may also use FXOnTrack, OrthoFX’s monitoring app, to check in on your progress between visits.
The Lifestyle Upgrade: Why Adults Prefer OrthoFX Over Braces
Braces and clear aligners can both straighten teeth well, but adults often choose aligners because they blend more easily into everyday life. No brackets, no food restrictions, and no extra navigating around wires. OrthoFX aligners are designed for comfort and flexibility so treatment fits naturally into your routine. OrthoFX Aligners vs Traditional Braces
Appearance
OrthoFX Aligners: Virtually invisible Traditional Braces: Metal brackets and wires
Comfort
OrthoFX Aligners: Flexible, smooth material designed for a more comfortable fit Traditional Braces: Brackets and wires may cause rubbing or soreness
Lifestyle
OrthoFX Aligners: Eat and drink normally Traditional Braces: Food restrictions apply
Care
OrthoFX Aligners: Easy brushing and flossing Traditional Braces: Harder to clean
Follow-ups
OrthoFX Aligners: Optional virtual check-ins through FXOnTrack Traditional Braces: Frequent in-office adjustments
And with FXPay, OrthoFX offers flexible monthly payment options that make treatment more affordable without compromising care.***
The Cost of Closing Gaps and the Myth of Home Fixes
The cost varies depending on the size of the gap, your provider, and how long your treatment lasts. Professional OrthoFX treatment often costs less than traditional braces with digital scans, and may also include personalized monitoring, and retainers.
If you are wondering how to reduce the gap between teeth naturally at home, there is no safe DIY solution. Internet “gap-closing tricks” and elastic bands can cause gum injury or move teeth in a way that damages your bite. Professionally monitored clear aligner treatment remains the safest and most effective way to close gaps permanently.
What Happens After the Gaps Close? Retainers Keep Everything in Place
Once your gaps are closed, your teeth still need time to stabilize in their new positions. That’s where FXRetainers come in. They’re designed to hold your alignment securely and comfortably so your results don’t slowly drift back. You can even choose retainers made with FXBright™ material, which gives your smile a natural, subtle brightness every time you wear them.
Like any tool you use daily, retainers need to be refreshed regularly. Over time, they lose their ability to keep teeth steady and can hold onto microbes if worn for too long. Most patients benefit from replacing retainers every six months to keep their smile healthy and aligned. If you ever need a new set, reordering through your doctor is simple and keeps your results exactly where you want them.
Closing Gaps with Confidence: The OrthoFX Way
So, do clear aligners work for gaps? Absolutely. And with OrthoFX, they work smarter and more comfortably than ever before.
Every aligner is designed to move your teeth precisely, efficiently, and safely. You get flexibility with AirFlex, all-day comfort with FXClear, a brighter smile with FXBright, and ongoing support through FXOnTrack and FXPay.
If you are ready to close the gap and rediscover your smile, now is the perfect time to begin.
Find a Doctor Near You to see how OrthoFX can help you achieve your confident, gap-free smile in 2025.
**Footnotes: **
*Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8594094/
**AirFlex Aligners are the first and only FDA-approved clear aligners designed for at least 9-12 hours of continuous daily wear or as instructed by your doctor.
***Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments are required during the promotional period. Making minimum monthly payments during the promotional period will not pay off the entire principal balance. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full before the expiration of the promotional period.
