Invisalign for Diastema; Does This Work at All?

30th December 2022

Invisalign for Diastema; Does This Work at All?

Invisalign for diastema; is this something clear aligners can fix?

Diastema, or tooth gap, is a dental condition where a visible gap or space exists between two or more teeth. This usually happens between the upper front teeth.

Although diastema sounds like something serious, it is a generally harmless condition. Because of that, most people will choose not to do anything about it. However, if your diastema bothers you in any way, there are lots of treatment options available for you in York.

Regardless of your age, Invisalign is an effective treatment that can help fix a wide range of dental imperfections. This includes gappy teeth. So, let’s take a deeper dive into looking at Invisalign for diastema to see if it is the right treatment for the issue.

Is Having Diastema a Thing of Concern?

The presence of a diastema is not necessarily a cause for concern. Some people may find it to be a cosmetic concern, while others may be more concerned about the potential impact on their dental health.

In some cases, diastema can lead to problems with biting or chewing. And it may also increase the risk of tooth decay or gum disease if food becomes trapped in the gap between the teeth.

If you are concerned about a diastema or if it is causing problems with your dental health, it is important to speak with your dentist or us, for guidance on treatment options. They can help you determine the best course of action for your individual situation.

What Usually Causes Gappy Teeth?

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of a tooth gap or diastema. Some of the most common causes include:

• Genetics. Some people are more prone to developing tooth gaps due to inherited traits.
• Tooth size. If the size of a person’s teeth is not proportional to the size of their jaw, it can lead to a tooth gap.
• Jaw shape: The shape of the jaw can also contribute to tooth gaps. For example, if the upper jaw is wider than the lower, it can cause a gap between the front teeth.
• Missing teeth: If a person has missing teeth, the remaining teeth may shift to fill in the gap. And this can lead to a tooth gap.
• Thumb sucking: Prolonged thumb sucking can cause the front teeth to become misaligned and lead to a tooth gap.
• Tongue thrusting: Pushing the tongue against the front teeth while swallowing or speaking can cause the teeth to shift and create a gap.
• Orthodontic treatment: Sometimes, tooth gaps can appear relapse has occurred after having orthodontic treatment, by not wearing your retainers.

It is important to note that not all tooth gaps are caused by these factors, and in some cases, the exact cause of a tooth gap may be unknown.

Can Invisalign Correct Tooth Gap?

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Invisalign can be an effective treatment option for correcting gappy teeth.

The aligners are custom-made to fit over the teeth and apply gentle pressure to move them into the desired position. The aligners are discrete devices that allow for more intricate movements.

That means even if your diastema is accompanied by a more complicated issue, such as crossbite or overbite, you can trust Invisalign to achieve a desirable result.

Invisalign for Diastema: Types of Teeth Gaps Invisalign Can Fix

Invisalign can be effective in correcting a variety of tooth gaps, including gaps between the upper front teeth, which is known as “midline diastema.”

It can also work perfectly in closing gaps between the lower front teeth and gaps between other teeth – not just the front teeth and can be combined with other dental treatments such as dental implants, composite bonding and crowns/veneers.

How Long Does It Take Invisalign to Close Gapped Teeth?

The length of time it takes for Invisalign to close gapped teeth depends on the severity of the gap and the desired level of correction. In general, the treatment process usually takes about 9 to 18 months, although it can take longer in some severe complex cases.

During the treatment process, the aligners are worn for 22 hours per day and are changed every week to a new set of aligners that continue to move the teeth. The treatment process is typically divided into several stages, with each stage involving a new set of aligners that gradually bring the teeth closer to the desired position.

It is important to note that the length of treatment can vary widely from person to person and is dependent on a number of factors, including the severity of the gap, the desired level of correction, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s compliance with the treatment plan.

Benefits of Invisalign for Gappy Teeth

Invisalign for diastema closing ad gappy teeth. Invisalign is not the only treatment option for correcting diastemas. However, the treatment carries a couple of advantages over the other treatment options. Some of the benefits of using Invisalign for gapped teeth include:

• Discreet: Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic and are nearly invisible. So, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
• Comfortable: Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit over the teeth and are designed to be comfortable to wear.
• Removable: Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and other activities, which makes them more convenient than traditional braces.
• Easy to clean: Invisalign aligners can be easily removed and cleaned, which can help maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
• Effective: Invisalign has been shown to be effective in closing tooth gaps and straightening teeth in many cases.

Invisalign for diastema; Can Invisalign Fix All Cases of Gappy Teeth

Invisalign can be an effective treatment option for closing a gap between teeth in many cases. However, it is not always suitable for all cases of gappy teeth.

The suitability of Invisalign for closing a gap between teeth depends on the severity of the gap, the desired level of correction, and the underlying cause of the gap. In some cases, the gap may be too large or too complex to be corrected with Invisalign alone, and a different treatment approach may be needed.

To determine if Invisalign is an appropriate treatment option for closing a gap between your teeth, it is important to speak with a dental professional. You can schedule a consultation with us at The York Dental Suite. We can assess your teeth and provide guidance on the best treatment plan for your individual situation.

If Invisalign is not suitable, we may recommend alternative treatment options to help you achieve the best result without jeopardising your oral health.

What Other Treatment Options Are Available for Diastema?

There are several treatment options available for diastema asides from Invisalign. We may recommend traditional braces to straighten and close the gap. We may also recommend you go for composite bonding, where composite resin materials are applied to the teeth to fill in the gap, depending on your teeth and goals.

Porcelain veneers can also be attached to the front of the teeth. They can work well for closing the gap between teeth and improving the appearance of the teeth.

Also, if the gap between teeth is due to missing teeth, dental implants may be an option. Dental implants are artificial teeth that are surgically implanted into the jawbone and can be used to replace missing teeth.

However, many factors will determine the treatment option you will go for. That is why you need to speak with a professional to help you decide which is best for you!

Contact us for further advice on Invisalign Braces by calling 01904 937 041 or filling out our contact form.