Can Invisalign be Used to Fix Gaps?

Having a gap between your front teeth is one of those traits that people either think is adorable or that they want to eliminate themselves. If you’re in the latter camp, you may have wondered: Can Invisalign close gaps? Do I need braces to close gaps between teeth?

You’ll be happy to know that Invisalign can fix most gaps between teeth. In reality, teeth between spacing is one of the most frequently met problems which Invisalign perfectly solves. Though some gaps require a more individual approach, as it depends on the reason for its occurrence.

What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?

However, before undergoing any kind of treatment, one has to be aware of the reasons behind the problem, which may include:

• Tooth size and jaw size mismatch. Smaller teeth in a larger jaw naturally leave gaps.
• A large labial frenum. This is the tissue connecting your upper lip to your gums. When it’s oversized, it can hold the front teeth apart.
• Missing or undersized teeth. A missing or smaller-than-average tooth leaves extra room that neighboring teeth drift into.
• Gum disease. Bone and gum loss can cause teeth to shift and loosen, opening new spaces.
• Habits like tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. Often formed in childhood, these can push teeth forward over time.

This knowledge is important, since it determines your dentist’s strategy and whether additional treatment is necessary along with the Invisalign one.

How Invisalign Closes a Gap

Made of clear plastic, custom-formed aligner trays are used in Invisalign to move the teeth incrementally. For teeth gaps, the aligners put continuous (yet gentle) pressure to pull the two surrounding teeth together. Each tray is worn for a period of time (usually a few weeks) before being replaced with the next tray in the series to successively move the teeth. Richter Orthodontics patients change trays about once a week on average. Digital scans of the patient’s mouth are taken by the dentist, and aligner trays can then be made in order to begin the treatment. With the digital scans, patients can see what their smile will look like throughout each step of the treatment and basically eliminate the guessing component that other orthodontic treatment methods have.

For a straight, front tooth gap, the treatment time is typically 6 to 12 months, however, treatment time is much longer if there are other tooth problems that are combined with the gap closure, for example, correction of a bad bite.

Some large tooth gaps require the addition of small, tooth-colored attachments to certain teeth. These attachments (usually at the gaps) act as handles for the Invisalign trays and are removed when the treatment is completed.

Do the Size and Cause of the Gap Impact Treatment?

The size and cause of the gap do impact treatment. Smaller and moderate gaps are easier to treat with Invisalign. Larger gaps can still be treated, but planning and treatment length increase.

Invisalign may need additional procedures for larger gaps caused by a giant frenum. One example is treating a gap with Invisalign and a frenectomy. The frenectomy is a simple surgery to remove the frenum.

The plan for a gap caused by a missing tooth varies from the plan for a gap caused by a giant frenum. It is sometimes advantageous to join all the teeth together, including the tooth that was missing, to completely close the gap. It is sometimes better to Leave the space open to allow Invisalign to keep the proper space for a future implant or bridge.

Keeping the Gap Closed After Treatment

Your gap used to be there, but after your treatment, your teeth now tend to move back to where they were. It happens after orthodontic movement, even with gap closure. For this reason, it is mandatory to wear retainers after the finishing of aligners to maintain the results, if you wish to retain them.

Long term commitment to wearing a removable retainer at night is usually what patients have to look forward to. However, if your gap was on the bigger side, your dentist will probably suggest the addition of a thin, fixed retainer, which is bonded behind your front teeth, to provide more support.

Invisalign vs. Other Options for Closing Gaps

Invisalign isn’t the only way to close a gap, and it isn’t always the right fit for every situation.

• Traditional braces work well for larger or more complex spacing issues, especially when combined with other bite corrections. They stay on your teeth full time, so there’s no risk of forgetting to wear them, but they’re more visible and require regular adjustment visits.
• Retainers can help with very minor spacing when caught early, though they’re limited in how much movement they can achieve on their own.
• Dental bonding is a non-orthodontic option for small, cosmetic gaps. It doesn’t move the teeth; it simply adds tooth-colored material to narrow the visible space.

Invisalign is often the most comfortable and least invasive treatment for adults who have one single gap and healthy teeth that are in good alignment. Here at Roswell Complete Dentistry, we will help you consider these options with your smile and lifestyle in mind.

Why Choose Roswell Complete Dentistry for Invisalign

We use digital 3D imaging to create your treatment plan according to the specifics of your teeth. There is no need for a generic template. We schedule regular check-ins to evaluate your progress. We aim to produce your best smile with minimal disruption to your day-to-day life.

FAQs

Can Invisalign close gaps?

Yes. Invisalign is a highly successful and common treatment for closing gaps between front teeth.

Can Invisalign close big gaps?

Yes, although the time to close them may be significantly longer and more complicated to achieve. Very large gaps may require the assistance of other procedures in conjunction with Invisalign treatment, typically bonding or veneers.

How long does Invisalign take to close a gap?

Simple, isolated tooth gaps can usually close in a few months to approximately one year. When closing gaps is combined with multiple movements, the treatment time is generally closer to twelve to eighteen months.

Does Invisalign work for gaps caused by missing teeth?

Yes, but it may hold the gap ready for placing an implant or a bridge in the future. Invisalign may also close the gap completely.

Is Invisalign faster than braces to close gaps?

Shorter gaps can usually be closed much quicker and more comfortably with Invisalign due to even, constant pressure. This is significantly faster than braces for closing gaps.

Will my gap come back after Invisalign?

Yes, and it typically happens within the first year after treatment. It is only fully closed with long-term retainer wear.

Can Invisalign close gaps without braces?

Yes, it can. Invisalign is a great treatment on its own for fixing gaps between front teeth. For most patients, braces are not needed before Invisalign treatment.

Final Thoughts

Your gap is not permanent without your approval. With Invisalign you don’t have to put your life on hold while you wait to close a gap. Most gaps can close with low-profile treatment. Schedule a conversation to review your specific case. We will educate you on what treatment would look like for your specific needs.

Wondering how Invisalign can work for you? Contact Roswell Complete Dentistry to get scheduled for your free consultation. We offer our services to patients near Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Marietta, Dunwoody, Woodstock, Kennesaw, and Norcross as well.

About the Author 

Dr. Pardis Koleini is a cosmetic and restorative dentist located in Roswell. She offers patients individualized attention and cares about her patients’ overall dental health. Services offered include Invisalign treatment. Dr. Pardis Koleini graduated from Boston University with her DMD and went on to do further training at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She graduated Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Pardis Koleini marries today’s dental techniques with her patients’ needs to create healthy and happy smiles.