Spacing (gaps)

Spacing as the AAO defines it

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) defines spacing on its page about common bite problems: “Spacing refers to the gaps or spaces between teeth. When there is too much space between teeth, a bite problem may occur.” The AAO’s page on teeth spacing describes how the gaps look: “These gaps may appear as a small space between the front teeth or as multiple spaces throughout the smile.”

Where spacing comes up in treatment

Spacing comes up in treatment as a judgment about which gaps matter, and the AAO’s teeth spacing page sets the frame: “Not all gaps require treatment. Some spacing is purely cosmetic and does not affect oral health.” The AAO’s glossary names a cause in its entry on the frenum: “A large frenum can cause spacing between the front teeth”.

Whether a particular gap is cosmetic or part of a bite problem is for the orthodontist to judge at an exam, and the answer page on gaps between teeth covers how gaps are treated.

Gaps, and where the AAO’s glossary uses the word

The everyday word for spacing is gaps, and the AAO uses both: its bite-problem page pairs gaps with spaces, and its spacing page speaks of visible gaps. The AAO’s Glossary of Orthodontic Terms has no entry headed Spacing; the word turns up inside its entry on the frenum, which is why the definition on this page rests on the AAO’s patient pages instead. In the glossary on this site, spacing is listed among the words for bite problems.