Do I Need Braces To Close a Gap Between My Teeth?
Gaps between teeth can be an issue in both form and function. Braces are frequently the best way to close gaps between teeth. Other methods are available, but it is dependent on your desired outcome. Continue reading to learn how we can assist you in improving your smile.
The Issue of Gaps Between Teeth
A few issues associated with gaps between teeth may prompt a person to consider orthodontic treatment to close the gaps. Gaps between teeth may be closed for aesthetic and functional reasons. The main issue with gaps in teeth without braces is that they expose the gums while chewing food. Hard foods such as potato chips and crusty bread can harm soft gums.
- Dental Issues
Plaque deposits can accumulate between teeth with gaps, causing bad breath and tooth decay. In addition, unprotected gums are more prone to periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease may loosen your teeth and cause teeth to fall out in severe cases.
If the spaces result from gum disease, you must treat the gum disease before the orthodontist can close the spaces with various appliance types, such as braces or clear aligners. Then, your dentist in Phoenix can examine you to see if the gaps result from gum disease.
- Aesthetics
A gap between teeth isn’t a problem for many people, and there’s no medical reason to close it. However, some people dislike the appearance of gaps between their teeth. They are self-conscious when they talk or smile because of the gaps, and they prefer the appearance of teeth touching each other.
Gap Orthodontic Treatment Options
For closing gaps between teeth, orthodontic treatments such as traditional and lingual (inside) braces, Invisalign, and other dental options are available at Usmile Orthodontics.
- Elastic Braces with Chains
Braces use brackets, wire, and elastic chains to pull teeth into place. Small elastic bands in a chain move teeth together and close gaps. The colored elastic chain is worn over the brackets attached to the teeth.
Elastic chains close the gaps in as little as five weeks to six months. Power chains are frequently the last step in braces because other issues, such as tooth alignment, are addressed before closing the gaps.
- Aesthetic Braces Options
If you’re concerned about the appearance of metal braces, you can choose clear or lingual braces. Clear braces function similarly to metal braces, except that the metal brackets are replaced with translucent ceramic brackets that blend in with the teeth. Metal braces are less expensive than clear braces.
Lingual braces are invisible ones worn on the back of your teeth. While the aesthetics of lingual braces are recommended, there are some disadvantages to be aware of.
Lingual braces are more expensive than metal and clear braces because each bracket must be custom-fit to the tooth. In addition, lingual braces may require you to wear them for a little longer than traditional braces because they don’t have the same pulling power.
- Invisalign or Clear Aligners
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that corrects tooth alignment. But what exactly does that mean? So, how does Invisalign work?
To change the position of your teeth, Invisalign uses clear aligners created from computer-generated images and impressions of your mouth taken by your dentist near you and their team. While traditional braces use fixed wires to “pull” the teeth into the desired shape, Invisalign aligns the teeth using a series of aligners that force your teeth into their new and improved position over months.
What Is the Difference Between Invisalign Aligners and Braces?
Invisalign aligners are made of see-through BPA-free plastic, making them virtually invisible to others, whereas traditional braces are made of wires and brackets. This increases their visibility, which can cause anxiety in some patients.
Convenience: Invisalign aligners can be removed from the mouth as needed, though guidelines recommend that patients wear their trays for 20 to 22 hours daily. On the other hand, traditional braces cannot be removed because wires hold them to the teeth.
Treatment Time: The Invisalign process is significantly shorter than the typical treatment time for traditional braces. Due to the way Invisalign works, patients only need to wear the trays for 6 to 18 months, whereas traditional braces require an average of two years.