Which is faster: closing gaps or aligning teeth with braces?
Disease description:
My gaps between teeth are quite large, making my teeth look unattractive, especially when I smile—it's very noticeable. I've heard that wearing braces can help close these gaps, but I haven't learned much about it before. I'd like to ask: which is faster, closing gaps with braces or aligning teeth?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
Both space closure and alignment play crucial roles in orthodontic treatment, but they differ in duration. Generally, the space closure phase is relatively quicker and typically occurs as a fine-tuning stage after the teeth have been aligned. Specifically, space closure usually takes about 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of malocclusion, the amount of remaining gaps in the dental arch, and the condition of the alveolar bone and periodontal tissues. In contrast, the alignment process may take anywhere from one to two years, depending on the initial condition of the teeth. Although both space closure and alignment are important, in terms of time efficiency, space closure is generally completed more quickly than alignment.
