If you have gaps in your teeth, you might be wondering if Invisalign® can help. The answer is that yes, it can usually help in most cases. There are many reasons to fix gaps in your teeth, including getting better oral health. But before getting Invisalign, you will most likely want to take a closer look. Keep reading to learn more about gapped teeth.
Understanding gaps in teeth
There is a formal name for gaps in the teeth, although it is not often used. The medical name for it is diastema. That just means there is a gap between two teeth. This is a normal condition for children, but it is not as common in adults.
Many times, the gaps are seen in the front teeth or between the top incisors. But the back teeth can also have gaps. First, the dentist will take a look at what is causing the gaps in the teeth. This can include issues such as:
- Too much gum tissue growing
- External causes such as thumb-sucking
- Small teeth in the jaw
Sometimes, teeth with gaps in them will shift and correct themselves. But this does not always happen. Having gaps can cause many issues, like food getting trapped between the gaps. When the area cannot be cleaned enough, the gums might become tender.
This can also result in gum disease or even tooth decay. When the dentist discovers this issue early, a treatment that is not invasive will be recommended. Before getting Invisalign, the patient might need to have the excess gum tissue removed. Then the patient can proceed to get an Invisalign treatment.
How Invisalign® fixes gaps
Many adults and teens have made the choice to use Invisalign to correct alignment issues with gapped teeth. A dentist can help the patient decide if this is the right method of treatment. This method does not work in the same manner that traditional braces do. Metal braces are attached to the teeth with dental cement, and wires are used to move the teeth around.
But with Invisalign, the patient will receive a set of customized clear aligners that will fit the teeth well. These are invisible when worn and will stay on for at least 22 hours each day. A computer program is used to create each set of trays. Then the patient will get a new set every two weeks. It will usually take around a year to finish up the treatment.
Visit a general dentist to get Invisalign® today
One of the reasons why so many patients benefit from Invisalign is that it lets them do everything normally. Since the trays are removed during meals or snacks, there are no restrictions on the patient’s diet. By cleaning your trays in the morning and evening, you can keep them clear and discreet. Visiting your dentist will allow you to have a consultation to see if this is the right treatment for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.
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