Having gaps between your teeth, known as diastema, is common and can affect both appearance and oral health. Whether it’s a single gap or several spaces between teeth, orthodontic treatment can help close gaps effectively. Here’s how braces work to give you a straighter smile and why treating gaps can be important.
Why Do Gaps Between Teeth Occur?
Gaps can form for various reasons:
- Jaw and tooth size mismatch: When the jaw is too large for the size of the teeth, gaps naturally form.
- Tongue thrusting or thumb sucking: These habits can push the teeth apart over time.
- Missing teeth: A missing tooth creates space that allows others to drift, leading to gaps.
- Gum disease: This can lead to bone loss, causing teeth to shift and create gaps.
Whatever the cause, gaps aren’t just a cosmetic issue. They can lead to improper bite alignment, food traps, and even speech issues in some cases.
How Braces Close Gaps
Braces are a tried-and-true solution for closing gaps between teeth. Here’s how they work:
- Brackets and Wires: Traditional braces use brackets attached to your teeth and a wire that runs through them. Over time, this wire is tightened to gently pull the teeth into better alignment, closing gaps.
- Clear Aligners: Alternatives like Invisalign or Angel Aligners also work well for minor to moderate gaps. These aligners are removable, making them a discreet and flexible option for adults and teens. Aligners apply gradual pressure to shift the teeth over time.
- LightForce Braces: For a more modern solution, LightForce braces use 3D technology to customise your brackets for a precise fit, making treatment even more efficient. These braces are also an excellent option for closing gaps while improving your overall bite.
How Long Does It Take to Close Gaps with Braces?
The time needed to close gaps depends on the size of the spaces and the type of braces used. Smaller gaps can be corrected in as little as 6 months, while larger gaps may take up to 18 months or more to close fully.
- For Mild Gaps: Clear aligners might be able to correct minor gaps in 6-12 months.
- For Larger Gaps: Traditional braces or LightForce braces may take up to 24 months, depending on the complexity.
Benefits of Closing Gaps with Braces
- Improved Aesthetics: A gap-free smile is often the goal for patients looking for improved confidence in their appearance.
- Better Oral Health: Gaps can create spaces where food gets stuck, leading to gum irritation and increased risk of cavities. Closing the gaps makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene.
- Enhanced Function: Properly aligned teeth improve your bite, making chewing and speaking easier.
Discreet options for closing gaps
Angel Aligners for Teeth Gaps: A Clear Solution for a Perfect Smile
Gaps between teeth, also known as diastema, are a common concern for many. Whether it’s a small space between your front teeth or gaps throughout your smile, closing these gaps can improve both your appearance and oral health. Fortunately, with the advancement in orthodontic technology, you no longer have to rely solely on metal braces. Angel Aligners offer a clear, comfortable, and effective solution for closing teeth gaps discreetly.
What Are Angel Aligners?
Angel Aligners are clear, removable aligners designed to straighten teeth and close gaps without the need for traditional braces. Similar to Invisalign, Angel Aligners are made from a virtually invisible material, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who want to improve their smile without the look of metal brackets.
What sets Angel Aligners apart is their innovative design and breakthrough technology, offering precise and efficient treatment for a variety of orthodontic issues, including gaps.
How Do Angel Aligners Close Gaps?
Angel Aligners work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to your teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. Here’s how they effectively close gaps:
- Customised Treatment Plan: The first step is a digital scan of your teeth, which allows for the creation of a personalised treatment plan. Each aligner is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring accurate results.
- Gradual Tooth Movement: Every few weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners, which will continue to apply pressure to shift your teeth. This gradual movement will bring your teeth closer together, closing the gaps over time.
- Precision and Comfort: Angel Aligners are designed using advanced 3D technology, ensuring that your aligners fit snugly and provide consistent pressure in the right areas to close gaps efficiently.
Why Choose Angel Aligners for Gaps?
- Discreet Treatment: Angel Aligners are transparent, making them barely noticeable. You can go about your daily life with confidence, knowing your orthodontic treatment is invisible.
- Removable for Convenience: Unlike braces, Angel Aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out for eating, drinking, and brushing. This makes maintaining good oral hygiene much easier during treatment.
- Comfortable Fit: The smooth plastic of Angel Aligners is gentle on your gums and cheeks, avoiding the irritation that can come with traditional braces.
- Effective for Mild to Moderate Gaps: Whether you have small gaps or moderate spacing between your teeth, Angel Aligners are designed to address gaps effectively. Most patients begin to see noticeable results in just a few months, depending on the severity of their case.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The duration of your treatment with Angel Aligners depends on the size and number of gaps. Here’s a general timeline:
- Mild Gaps: Minor gaps can typically be closed in 6-12 months with Angel Aligners.
- Moderate Gaps: Larger or more complex gaps may require 12-18 months of treatment, depending on individual needs.
Your orthodontist, Dr Amesha Maree will provide a personalised estimate during your consultation.
Treatment at Broadbeach Orthodontics
At Broadbeach Orthodontics, we specialise in custom treatment plans that address gaps of all sizes. Whether you choose traditional braces, Angel Aligners, or LightForce, we will find the best solution for your smile. Our relaxed, patient-focused approach ensures you receive the best care with minimal disruption to your daily life.
