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Your smile is your best first impression, and tooth gaps can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. We want you to be proud of your smile, which is why we offer clear and metal braces for gap teeth. But did you know that Invisalign can fix gap teeth as well? In many cases, it can!

Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics is a Top 1% Invisalign Provider, so we know the amazing things Invisalign can do. We know that Invisalign can fix gapped teeth, often in less time than braces! Will clear aligners fix your gapped teeth? Let’s find out!

Does Invisalign Fix Gaps? 

Gaps in teeth can be caused by many things. Teeth may have spread out or moved in to take the place of a missing tooth. Your jaw may be wider than normal. It could be as simple as genetics causing smaller teeth. 

Whatever the case, many people want to know how to fix gaps in their teeth. 

Some people get braces for gapped teeth because braces have long been the best solution. But over the last few years, clear aligners have proven to be effective in fixing spaced-out teeth. In most cases, Invisalign can do the job well. It’s only in the most extreme cases that we might recommend braces instead. 

Wearing Invisalign for Gap Teeth

How does Invisalign fix gapped teeth? These clear aligners are custom-molded to your teeth, and the clear acrylic makes them nearly invisible on the teeth. The clear aligners use gentle pressure to move the teeth into their proper position and to fix problems like closing gaps. 

Patients wear a set (upper and lower) of Invisalign for 1-2 weeks, then switch them out for the next set, which continues to move the teeth. The sets continue to be switched out until the teeth are where we want them to be. 

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Close a Gap?

You may think that it takes just as long to close a gap with braces than with Invisalign. Let’s take a look at that! 

How long do braces take to close a gap? It depends on what else the braces may be doing. If all you’re doing is closing a few gaps, then braces can do the job in as little as 9 months. 

However, most of the time, our patients have other issues to fix along with their gap teeth, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Depending on the severity of all of the issues to be fixed, patients can wear braces on average from 12-24 months. 

What about wearing Invisalign for gap teeth? How long does it take for Invisalign trays to close a gap? If all you’re fixing is a few gaps, you could wear clear aligners for as little as 6 months! 

As with braces, most patients have more than one dental issue to fix. Still, Invisalign often works faster than braces. The average time patients wear clear aligners is 9-15 months. 

Patient Candids HWH Orthodontics Hamilton Wilson Hendrickson Topeka KS 2023 119 - Can Invisalign Fix Gaps in Your Teeth? Yes, and More!

What Can Invisalign Fix?

Invisalign is capable of fixing most dental problems. The clear aligners are capable of fixing some of the most common dental issues, and even a few uncommon ones. 

Invisalign can repair issues such as: 

  • Overbite – Your upper front teeth protrude significantly over your lower front teeth. 
  • Crossbite – Your back upper teeth sit inside your back lower teeth instead of just outside. 
  • Underbite – Your lower front teeth protrude over your upper front teeth. 
  • Gap teeth – You have a significant gap or gaps between teeth. 
  • Crowded teeth – Your teeth don’t have enough space and are twisted sideways or have come in just in front of or just behind the adjacent teeth. 

Invisalign can also fix a combination of these problems. 

What Can Invisalign Not Fix?

Invisalign has come a long way in the last several years. The technology has improved steadily so that these clear aligners can fix more dental problems than ever before. That said, there are still some instances where braces are the better treatment plan option. 

Patients with severe cases and multiple problems may do better with braces. For example, patients with impacted teeth or teeth that have erupted far above or below the gum line may need braces instead of Invisalign. Patients with severely crooked teeth may do better with braces. 

We determine on a case-by-case basis whether a patient is a good candidate for Invisalign. It’s why we offer a no-obligation evaluation with your first visit. Whether it’s braces treatment or Invisalign treatment, will find the orthodontic treatment that’s best for you!

Patient Candids HWH Orthodontics Hamilton Wilson Hendrickson Topeka KS 2023 135 - Can Invisalign Fix Gaps in Your Teeth? Yes, and More!

What Are the Advantages of Invisalign?

Patients often choose Invisalign because the aligners are clear and nearly invisible on the teeth. They prefer that look to the look of traditional braces or clear braces, which are more obvious. While the nearly invisible look is a top feature, it isn’t the only advantage clear aligners have over braces. 

Another big feature is that clear aligners don’t have the food restrictions of braces. They are removable, so you can eat whatever you like after taking out your Invisalign. Just be sure to brush your teeth before you put your trays back onto your teeth! 

What Are the Disadvantages of Invisalign?

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign can also be a big disadvantage. Braces aren’t removable, so they work 24 hours a day. Clear aligners need to be in your mouth at least 22 hours a day to be fully effective. 

However, because they are removable, it may be easy to lose track of time and forget to put them back in quickly after meals. That means you may not get as much time with them working as possible. 

Also, because they can be removed, the trays can be lost or damaged. That’s why it’s important to keep them in their storage container when they aren’t in your mouth. 

If necessary, pick up a second storage case that you can carry with you. Never wrap your Invisalign in a napkin. It’s too easy to throw them out accidentally!

Doctor Candids HWH Orthodontics Hamilton Wilson Hendrickson Topeka KS 2023 262 - Can Invisalign Fix Gaps in Your Teeth? Yes, and More!

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in Topeka, KS

Are you ready for Invisalign to fix your gap teeth and get that beautiful smile you’ve always wanted? The first step is to schedule an appointment with Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics for a complete examination and evaluation. We will evaluate your dental issues, including your gap teeth, and let you know if Invisalign is right for you. Let us help you get a smile you’ll be proud to show off!

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