Can Invisalign Fix Gaps in Your Teeth?

Patients often ask, “can Invisalign fix gaps between teeth?” The answer is, yes, in many cases, Invisalign can fix gaps, but like any treatment option, it isn’t right for everyone. We hope this article answers some of your questions about invisible aligners like Invisalign.

Please remember this article isn’t a substitute for professional dental care. We hope it helps you be an informed patient as you discuss your needs and treatment goals with a qualified dentist. Learning about potential options often makes it easier for patients to advocate for themselves and ask the right questions from their providers.

Invisible aligners are sought after due to comfort and convenience. Adults who avoid metal braces often prefer Invisalign since they are less noticeable and seem to have less impact on daily life. After successfully completing Invisalign treatment, our patients often feel more confident about their appearance and their smile. However, straightening the teeth also has oral health benefits beyond the cosmetic results.

Gaps between teeth are a dental health concern as well as an aesthetic one. The gaps provide a place to collect bits of food, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Also, as teeth shift over time, the gaps can even contribute to overcrowding among other teeth. Some causes of gapped teeth may include:

• A larger sized jaw
• Missing teeth
• Gum disease
• Irregularly sized teeth
• Genetic factors
• Childhood habits like thumb sucking
• Tongue posture or tongue thrusting

It is important to understand can Invisalign fix gaps and why the gaps are there so you can prevent the spaces from opening back up after they have been closed with Invisalign.  Make sure you discuss the why with your dentist.

Using Invisalign to Fix Gaps Between Teeth

Invisalign treatment is often an effective option for correcting Gaps between teeth, also known as spacing issues, according to the Invisalign brand. Minor gaps may close within a few months, but teeth gaps vary from person to person. So if you are concerned about can invisalign fix gaps for your teeth’s, you must visit a dentist.

Invisalign treatment usually takes anywhere from 18 to 24 months to correct gapped teeth. As mentioned, this varies depending on the situation. Ask your dentist for a more accurate estimate based on the severity of your gaps and any other dental issues. In many cases, Invisalign aligners work faster than braces.

Often Invisalign is all you need to correct a small gap. In other cases, a combination of treatments may work better.

Treatment Options for Gapped Teeth

Here is a little overview of how they work better to understand the difference between Invisalign and metal braces. Metal braces help straighten teeth by using metal brackets and wires to shift teeth over a few years (depending on the level of correction needed). Invisible aligners also help straighten and shift the teeth over time by using removable clear plastic aligner trays.

Your dentist maps out the journey the teeth will take, and each tray moves the teeth a little closer to the goal. As you progress, you swap aligner trays. You have follow-up visits with your dentist throughout the process, who may readjust the plan as needed.

Since every case is unique, we can’t give a specific estimate without an office visit and consultation. Sometimes Invisalign is enough to correct gaps between the teeth, but other times it may require a combination of treatment options. For example, for severe gaps, a dentist may need to involve additional treatments such as bonding or veneers. Combining multiple treatments leading to a more attractive smile is often referred to as a smile makeover.

After completing Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to reinforce your results. The specifics vary depending on your bite, and the level of correction received. This also applies when you seek other orthodontic care.

Finally, there are situations where traditional braces may be more effective. The only way to know whether that can invisalign fix gaps for you is to see a dentist with Invisalign experience.

Benefits of Invisalign Treatment

Many patients find invisible aligners a more convenient and effective alternative to traditional braces. Some benefits from a patient’s point of view include:

• A discreet appearance: People barely notice Invisalign clear aligners. This makes it an ideal option for teens and adults who are self-conscious about the appearance of metal braces.
• Maintain usual oral hygiene practices: Invisalign users can brush and floss their teeth as usual. Simply remove the aligner trays to brush and floss. People often find that easier than maintaining oral hygiene while wearing braces.
• Eat favorite foods: Simply remove the aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. This is also easy compared to wearing braces.
• Comfort: As people get used to Invisalign, they barely feel the thin Invisalign clear aligners in their mouths.
• Faster results: For many patients, Invisalign works faster than braces and costs around the same.
• Improved dental hygiene: Since the treatment plan involves special attention to hygiene, patients develop good habits for a beautiful and healthy lifelong smile.

The benefits of Invisalign compared to traditional braces are significant; however, no treatment is appropriate for every individual. Success depends on compliance. For example, a patient needs to consistently wear their aligner trays for approximately 22 hours a day for best results. While it varies, less consistent compliance may result in delayed results, and increased expense as your dentist readjusts the treatment plan.

Next Steps: Scheduling a Consultation

During your consultation, your dentist may want to conduct a thorough examination or look at your recent examination records and imaging. Whether the treatment is the right option depends on the level of correction needed, your ability to comply with the treatment plan, and your overall oral health.

So if you think that can Invisalign fix gaps, the answer is a big yes! Choose a dentist with experience using Invisalign. The brand provides ongoing training covering best practices as well as their proprietary technology. When you receive treatment from a general dentist, you also benefit from receiving care from someone with a holistic view of your oral health.

Charlotte-area residents trust their smiles to Southview Dentistry. We offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign services. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a consultation to discover whether Invisalign is right for you.