Gaps between teeth are a common dental concern. The term used for the gap between two teeth is diastema. Diastema of the upper front teeth is perhaps the most common one and is generally an area that concerns most people who have it.
If you are unhappy with these spaces, you may wonder: Can Invisalign or Braces be used to fix gaps between teeth?
Yes, in many cases, gaps between teeth can be closed by braces by moving the teeth to the correct position. However, the results depend on the cause and degree of the space, as well as on the general dental health of the patient.
Let’s take a closer look at how braces can help close these spaces and what to expect from treatment.
Why Do Gaps Develop Between Teeth?
There are several reasons why spaces may occur between teeth. For example, the teeth may not fill the jaw in sufficient numbers, or the jaw may be too large for the teeth.
Spaces between teeth can also occur as a result of a missing tooth. Others may have small teeth of unusual shape. Many people have developed habits such as thumb sucking as children and these can affect the position of the teeth in the mouth.
Disease of the gums (periodontal disease) can cause spaces between teeth when the teeth become loose due to resorption of the supporting bone.
Identifying the gap in your teeth is crucial to determining what type of treatment you will require to close the gaps in your teeth.
How Do Braces Close Tooth Gaps?
Conventional fixed braces are the most common form of teeth straightening and use brackets and wires to get the teeth moving. The wire is tightened to create gentle, consistent forces that move the teeth.
At the leading dental clinic in Patna, the dentist not only takes into account the alignment of the teeth but also evaluates the bite when treating a gap. This ensures that when the teeth are moved together they look better as well as function properly.
Your dentist will monitor your progress at each appointment and make any necessary adjustments to your brackets and wire.
General spacing of teeth can usually be closed and moved closer together with braces. However, if a gap is caused by a missing tooth, an unusually shaped tooth or another dental problem then these would need to be taken into account when planning the treatment.
This is why, Dr Sachin Dental in Patna offers individual dental assessment prior to commencing treatment to establish best possible treatment for each patient.
How Long Does It Take to Close Gaps With Braces?
No time limit can be specified for treatment of every individual patient. A small space may need less tooth movement than a large one and a case with several problems to be corrected to achieve proper alignment may require more time.
The dentist will take into consideration the amount of tooth movement needed, your bite, the state of your teeth and gums and how your teeth will move during the treatment. Braces treatment cost in Patna is also affected by the complexity of your dental alignment as more movement means longer treatment plan leading to more clinic visits.
Missing scheduled appointments and not following the dentist’s instructions can also hinder treatment. Good oral hygiene between appointments is essential to allow for good tooth movement which leads to faster results.
Are Braces the Only Treatment for Gaps?
All treatments for spacing include braces as some part of the overall treatment. The particular treatment, however, can differ from case to case.
Clear aligners are another treatment for teeth spacing which can gently move the teeth using a series of removable transparent trays. For very small spaces between the teeth, dental bonding is used to change the shape of the tooth to reduce the space.
Dental veneers are another option dentists can suggest to improve the shape of individual teeth to reduce a noticeable gap between teeth. Note that cosmetic dental treatments do not move the teeth.
A dental checkup with an experienced dentist will help you better understand the pros and cons of all these treatments after a full examination of your teeth.
Why Is a Dental Checkup Important Before Braces?
Even if a gap between your teeth seems to be only an aesthetic problem, there could be hidden dental or orthodontic problems. After a comprehensive dental check up, your dentist will be able to assess the health of your teeth and gums as well as your bite and the alignment of your jaw.
Further diagnostic studies including X-rays may be required depending upon the case. Any cavities or periodontal disease need to be treated prior to commencement of the orthodontic treatment.
If you are looking for braces treatment in Patna then a full dental evaluation by a specialist dentist is the first step to planning your treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Sachin’s Dental?
When planning to go for orthodontic treatment, it is very important to choose the right dental clinic. Dr. Sachin’s Dental is one of the best dental clinics in Patna which focuses on the dental needs of each individual before prescribing any treatment.
At Dr. Sachin’s Dental, we assess tooth spacing, the alignment of teeth, the bite of the upper teeth into the lower teeth and overall oral health.
On the basis of assessment, our dental team can tell you whether you need braces or not. We even make a treatment plan and explain how long it will take and discuss the cost before starting the treatment.
Conclusion
In most cases, braces are an effective solution that can move the teeth to fill the gaps and at the same time to correct other minor orthodontic problems.
However, treatment depends on the cause of the gap and a consideration of the overall dental health of the patient. While braces or clear aligners may be the ideal treatment, another dental treatment may be more suitable for some patients.
To get personalized dentistry from a trusted dentist in Patna, visit Dr. Sachin’s Dental and get expert treatment tailored for your teeth.