Worried about gaps between your teeth? Wondering if Invisalign® is the answer? Gaps, also known as diastema, can affect the appearance of your smile and negatively impact your oral health. The good news is that our orthodontist in Ann Arbor, MI, offers Invisalign for closing gaps between teeth and correcting other issues.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about Invisalign and how it works to give you a healthier, more attractive smile.

What Causes Gapped Teeth?

Before diving into how Invisalign aligners can help, it’s important to understand the causes of gaps between teeth.

Gapped teeth can occur for several reasons, including:

• Natural Tooth Positioning: Some people are born with teeth that are too small for their jawbone, creating extra space.
• Thumb Sucking or Tongue Thrusting: Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting during childhood can cause teeth to shift, creating gaps.
• Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can lead to bone loss, causing teeth to become loose and move, leading to gaps.
• Missing Teeth: Missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift, resulting in gaps between them.

No matter the cause, gaps between teeth can affect both your appearance and your oral health, which is why many patients seek orthodontic treatment to close these spaces.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is an excellent solution for closing gaps between teeth because it gently moves the teeth into their correct positions over time.

Here’s how the process works.

1. Wear Custom Aligners

Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. These aligners are created using advanced 3D imaging technology, allowing our orthodontist to plan the exact movements needed to close the gaps.

2. Experience Gradual Tooth Movement

The clear aligners are worn over your teeth for 20 to 22 hours a day, and you’ll switch to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks. Each new set is designed to move your teeth slightly closer together, gradually closing the gaps.

3. Enjoy Discreet Treatment

Since the aligners are clear, Invisalign is a discreet treatment option. Many patients prefer Invisalign vs. traditional braces because the aligners are virtually invisible, making it easier to maintain confidence throughout treatment. Plus, Invisalign allows you to remove the aligners for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth, making oral hygiene more manageable.

How Long is Invisalign Treatment?

The duration of Invisalign treatment depends on the severity of your gaps and any other alignment issues you may have. For minor gaps, Invisalign treatment may take only a few months. However, for more significant gaps or other bite-related issues, treatment could take longer.

During your consultation with our orthodontist in Ann Arbor, MI, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and timeline.

Reasons to Choose Invisalign

Invisalign is not only effective for closing gaps between teeth, but it also offers several benefits.

Many patients love Invisalign for being:

• Comfortable: The smooth plastic aligners are more comfortable than metal braces and less likely to irritate the gums.
• Convenient: Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without restrictions.
• Discreet: The clear aligners are virtually invisible, making Invisalign a great option for adults and teens alike.

Book an Invisalign Appointment

With custom clear aligners designed to move your teeth into the right position, Invisalign can help you achieve a beautiful new smile. To learn more, schedule an appointment with our orthodontist in Ann Arbor, MI, today. Call Enhance Orthodontics at (734) 821-7684 or fill out our online contact form to get started.