Gapped teeth can make it difficult to practice good dental hygiene, giving bacteria plenty of places to hide. That’s why we recommend scheduling an appointment with our Invisalign® dentist in Hobart, IN, to see what can be done. Gaps between teeth don’t just affect the appearance of your smile. If left untreated, they can also impact your dental health and overall wellness.
Here’s what you need to know about and how it can fix gapped teeth for good.
What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?
Before diving into how Invisalign aligners can help, it’s important to understand the causes of gaps between teeth.
Gapped teeth can happen for a few reasons, including:
- Natural Tooth Positioning: Some people are born with teeth that are too small for their jawbone, creating extra space.
- Thumb Sucking or Tongue Thrusting: Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting during childhood can cause teeth to shift, creating gaps.
- Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can lead to bone loss, causing teeth to become loose and move, leading to gaps.
- Missing Teeth: Missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift, resulting in gaps between them.
No matter the cause, gaps between teeth can affect both your appearance and your oral health, which is why many patients seek Invisalign treatment to close these spaces.
How Does Invisalign Treat Gaps?
Invisalign is an excellent solution for closing gaps between teeth because it gently moves the teeth into their correct positions over time.
Here’s how the process works.
1. Wear Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. These aligners are created using advanced 3D imaging technology, allowing our dentist to plan the exact movements needed to close the gaps.
2. See Gradual Tooth Movement
The are worn over your teeth for 20 to 22 hours a day, and you’ll switch to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks. Each new set is designed to move your teeth slightly closer together, gradually closing the gaps.
3. Discreetly Straighten Teeth
Since the aligners are clear, Invisalign is a discreet treatment option. Many patients prefer Invisalign over traditional metal braces because the aligners are virtually invisible, making it easier to maintain confidence throughout treatment. Plus, Invisalign allows you to remove the aligners for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth, making oral hygiene more manageable.
How Long Will I Need to Wear Aligners?
The duration of Invisalign treatment depends on the severity of your gaps and any other alignment issues you may have. For minor gaps, Invisalign treatment may take only a few months. However, for more significant gaps or other bite-related issues, treatment could take longer.
During your consultation with our Invisalign dentist in Hobart, IN, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and timeline.
Reasons to Choose Clear Aligners
Invisalign is not only effective for closing gaps between teeth, but it also offers several benefits.
Many patients appreciate Invisalign for being:
- Comfortable: The smooth plastic aligners are more comfortable than metal braces and less likely to irritate the gums.
- Convenient: Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without restrictions.
- Discreet: The clear aligners are virtually invisible, making Invisalign a great option for adults and teens alike.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Ostrowski
Ready to improve the health, function, and beauty of your smile? Dr. Leonard Ostrowski III is proud to serve as your trusted Invisalign dentist in Hobart, IN. To schedule an Invisalign consultation, please call Ridgewood Dental at (219) 947-2922. You may also fill out our online contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you soon.
