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If you are dealing with spaces and gaps in between your teeth, also known as diastema, then you may be concerned about the best approach to treating it. Thankfully, clear aligners have become more popular for people who want an invisible option to align their teeth and remove these gaps. In this blog, we will explain more about clear aligner treatment for gaps, how the process grows, and the results you should expect.
Why Do Gaps Form in the Teeth?
There are various causes of gaps in teeth. Some common causes include:
- Tooth Size: One of the reasons why these gaps occur is that they can occur when teeth are too small for the jawbone.
- Habits: This includes thumb sucking, extended use of the pacifier, and even pushing the tongue against the teeth.
- Gum disease: If the bone that supports your teeth gets affected by the disease, gaps are created as the tooth moves to another place.
How Clear Aligners Work for Gap in Teeth
Clear aligners are customized, clear, and removable appliances used to correct the spacing of the teeth over a certain period. Here’s how the treatment process generally works:
1. Consultation and 3D Scanning
At the first appointment, an x-ray, a 3D scan, or impressions of your teeth will be taken. They establish a treatment plan and are accompanied by a visualization of how each tooth will shift.
2. Custom Aligner Creation
Based on your 3D model, a sequence of aligners is created. Both sets involve smooth, gentle motions to bring your teeth into the gradual change.
3. Wearing the Aligners
These appliances should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, which means you can only take them out to eat, drink, or clean your teeth.
4. Regular Check-ins
Scheduling routine visits enables the doctor to evaluate whether the plan is effective or not.
5. Treatment Duration
The duration of the treatment depends on the size of the gaps between the teeth. Small gaps may take 6 months, while relatively large gaps may take longer to fill.
What to Expect During Treatment
1. Mild Discomfort
Since aligners are used to adjust your teeth, it is usual to feel certain pressure or minor pain that arises when changing to a different set. This is an indication that your teeth are shifting and the soreness is relieved in a few days.
2. Speech Adjustments
First, you might experience a slight change in your speech, particularly if you have a slight lisp while your mouth adjusts to the aligners.
3. Eating Habits
Another advantage of clear aligners is that they are removable, and therefore there are no dietary limitations. But for consuming anything other than water, they have to be taken off, and before they are placed back, dental hygiene such as brushing is usually done to prevent staining or decaying of the aligners.
4. Visible Progress
One of the best things about clear aligner treatment is the ability to see your smile progress. Gradually, as the gaps between your teeth are closed, you’ll start to see noticeable changes that can give you more self-confidence.
In the end, after your treatment is completed, your dentist or orthodontist will give you retainers so that you can maintain the results that have been achieved. Retainers ensure that the teeth do not shift back to their original position. If proper post-treatment care is observed, then the outcomes of the clear aligner treatment can last a lifetime.
FAQs
How long does it take for clear aligners to close gaps in teeth?
Treatment takes between 6 to 18 months, depending on the size of the gaps.
Do I need to wear a retainer after using clear aligners?
Yes, wearing a retainer after treatment is mandatory to maintain the new look and ensure that the teeth do not shift back to their original positions.
