Many people feel self-conscious about having crooked or gappy teeth, and it can drastically affect confidence and cause stress. Thankfully, Invisalign is an effective solution for repositioning teeth, helping to improve your smile without the need for traditional braces.
We know that Invisalign is a great way of straightening teeth, but can it fix gaps? In this blog, we’ll discuss using Invisalign for gaps and whether it can treat them effectively.
What are teeth gaps?
Teeth gaps, also known as diastema, are when you have extra spacing between each tooth. Teeth gaps can occur anywhere in the mouth, but larger gaps between the front teeth are the most common type of diastema. In many cases, diastema does not require dental care for health reasons, however, many people may choose to receive treatment for aesthetic purposes.
What causes gaps in teeth?
There are a few causes of diastema, some of which are preventable and some which aren’t. The most common causes of gaps in teeth include:
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Genetics
Teeth gaps can run in the family, as with many other dental and health conditions.
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Periodontitis
Periodontitis, or gum disease, can occur as a result of poor dental hygiene and is a preventable cause of diastema. Unhealthy gum tissue can cause a recession of gums, which will expose dark spaces between teeth below the gum line.
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Tooth development issues
Childhood dental issues that can cause you to lose teeth during early to late childhood can also lead to gaps. For example, hyperdontia can mean that teeth change their position.
Can Invisalign help with gaps?
The answer is yes. Invisalign offers versatile solutions that extend beyond straightening teeth – it effectively addresses a range of dental issues, including gap closure.
The duration of gap closure with Invisalign depends on the gap’s severity. Smaller gaps may close within a few months, while larger gaps requiring more extensive correction may take longer.
In severe cases, complementary treatments like veneers or bonding may complement Invisalign, and your dentist can help determine the optimal treatment plan for you.
Invisalign is not limited to gap closure; it’s also effective in treating various dental concerns such as open bite, certain types of overbite, underbite, and crossbite issues.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses incredibly light and clear aligners, making them almost impossible to see. The treatment allows for comfortable, discreet and effective fixing of your teeth whilst causing minimal disruption to your life.
The length of treatment will vary depending on the individual, but it typically takes around 9-18 months in total for Invisalign to straighten your teeth gradually and help you achieve your perfect smile.
What happens after using Invisalign for gaps in teeth?
After using Invisalign for gaps over time, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and check that your treatment has progressed according to plan. To maintain the alignment of your teeth and keep those gaps closed, wearing a retainer will likely be necessary. The retainer plays a crucial role in preventing your teeth from shifting back. The timeframe for wearing your retainer will vary depending on the individual.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
As well as being an effective treatment for closing gaps, Invisalign also has a range of other benefits. One of the main advantages of the treatment is its subtlety. Traditional braces can stick out like a sore thumb and cause insecurities, whereas Invisalign is hardly noticeable, making it a popular choice for adults.
The aligners offer the advantage of being removable, allowing you to maintain regular brushing and flossing habits. In contrast, traditional braces can trap food particles, leading to potential issues. With Invisalign, you’re free to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages without restrictions.
Crafted from smooth, comfortable plastic, Invisalign aligners snugly conform to your teeth, eliminating the discomfort associated with metal brackets and painful wire adjustments. Invisalign offers a comfortable, discreet solution for addressing gaps and enhancing your smile.
Invisalign at Aurora Dental
We’ve discussed Invisalign for gaps in teeth, and how it can be an effective treatment in helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. At Aurora Dental, we understand the uniqueness of each situation. That’s why we carefully evaluate each individual’s needs and tailor a personalised treatment plan. Our high quality Invisalign service is available to our patients, and we provide complimentary initial suitability consultations. This means you can visit us without any financial commitment, allowing you to discuss whether Invisalign is the right choice for you.
We pride ourselves on making sure our customers are welcomed into a calm and relaxed environment. You can book a complimentary Invisalign consultation with our highly-trained team at your local practice in Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes or Swindon where your dentist will confirm your eligibility for the treatment and discuss the next steps. Alternatively, get in touch to find out more about our services or to make an enquiry.