So you’ve got a gap between your two front teeth—and that high fashion Vogue tooth gap isn’t really your style. What are your options? Do you have to live with this gap forever?
Let’s find out what causes a tooth gap and explore your treatment options!
What causes a tooth gap?
In many cases, the tooth gaps are located between the two front teeth. This is due to the frenum (the piece of skin between your top front teeth that attaches your gums to your upper lip) sitting lower than normal. A lower frenum can create space between the two teeth, causing a gap in the middle.
Gaps may also appear due to clenching and grinding teeth, which places pressure on the teeth, forcing them to shift outward.
Fixing a tooth gap
Fortunately, you don’t have to live with any undesirable dental condition, courtesy of our highly-experienced orthodontists.
Dr. Insoft and Dr. Hurst offer a number of orthodontic treatments for problematic orthodontic conditions, including gapped teeth, bite misalignments (overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite), crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and any other alignment issue you may be experiencing.
But let’s go back to your gap—what is the best course of action to close this gap and create a beautifully-aligned smile? Should you choose Invisalign® for gaps, or braces for gaps?
Here’s what you need to know.
Can Invisalign fix gaps?
Yes, Invisalign can fix gaps! Whether the gap is between your front teeth or back teeth, or you have one gap or multiple gaps, Invisalign is extremely effective for treating gaps.
It’s important to remember that the treatment isn’t what corrects your condition—the orthodontist is. The orthodontist you choose really matters! We’re proud to be Diamond Plus Invisalign providers with years of experience providing top quality Invisalign care.
In fact, Dr. Insoft and Dr. Hurst have treated more Invisalign cases in the last 15 years than any other Invisalign providers in Pinellas and Manatee Counties! Needless to say, when you begin treatment with us in St. Petersburg or Seminole, you’re in great hands.
Dr. Insoft and Dr. Hurst can absolutely use Invisalign for gaps in front teeth or back teeth. But how long does Invisalign take to close a gap?
Depending on the severity of your condition, Invisalign treatment may span anywhere from 12 to 24 months. Your treatment plan will be 100% personalized to your condition, so we’ll be able to determine a more accurate treatment length when you visit us for your complimentary consultation.
Because Invisalign uses a series of removable, clear aligners, this treatment does have its limitations; gaps up to 6mm wide can be treated with Invisalign.
If your gaps are wider than 6mm, you may require braces for gapped teeth.
Do braces fix gaps?
They sure do! Well, technically, our orthodontists fix gaps with braces. Remember, the quality of your orthodontist really matters! Their level of experience can have a significant impact on your results.
That said, our orthodontists are highly-experienced in using braces for gaps. Braces can be especially efficient when treating gaps, because they’re bonded to the teeth and can’t be removed throughout the day like Invisalign can.
Removing your Invisalign aligners too often can make your treatment ineffective or require you to undergo a longer treatment period to make up for lost time. Braces, on the other hand, work 24 hours a day, through the day and night, and can’t be removed at will.
Various orthodontic appliances can also be used with braces to improve the effectiveness of treatment in more severe cases. With Invisalign, attachments can be used, as well as buttons or Invisalign hooks that hold elastics, to improve the effectiveness of treatment. Braces just present more opportunities for a number of different appliances to be attached and remain in place for a period of time.
So, what’s the verdict? Is braces or Invisalign best for gaps?
The best treatment method is determined on a case-by-case basis. Every patient is different, with different treatment preferences, different conditions, and an all-around different experience.
For patients with a case of gapped teeth, Invisalign can be just as efficient as braces! It just depends what is best suited for their lifestyle.
We’ll determine this at your first visit to one of our offices. Your first visit is no-risk, no-obligation, complimentary, and includes a thorough orthodontic exam from one of our experienced orthodontists.
Your orthodontist will take diagnostic photos and X-rays to get a full perspective of your condition, and review pros and cons of both treatments in detail to help you make the best decision for your smile and lifestyle.
Still have questions about braces or Invisalign for gaps?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We love to hear from you. We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in St. Petersburg or Seminole, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today. We also offer virtual consultations for your convenience. Your treatment — your way.
