A method for splicing optical fibers includes aligning the cores of a first optical fiber and second optical fiber to be spliced together such that the cores are both generally concentric along a longitudinal axis. The method further includes heating the end portions of the first and second optical fibers, and moving at least one of the first or second optical fiber towards the other of the first or second optical fiber along the longitudinal axis such that the end portion of the second optical fiber protrudes into the end portion of the first optical fiber. The method further includes discontinuing heating of the end portions of the first and second optical fibers, and continuing moving the at least one of the first or second optical fiber towards the other of the first or second optical fiber after discontinuing heating.