You've gapped teeth and you're wondering if its possible to do it with Invisalign or maybe you have to do metal braces? Let's find out if its possible!
Table of Contents:
Can Invisalign fix gaps?
Invisalign can absolutely fix gaps in your teeth and it does so by using multiple sets of clear plastic trays that you wear over your teeth. You will typically be required to switch to a new set of trays every two weeks until the spaces between your teeth completely closed.
If the gap does not completely close, you will require a refinement to get more trays. Therefore, it is not necessary to get metal braces to close the tooth gap, Invisalign can do it for you.
Here is an Invisalign gap before and after but please be aware that this case is still in progress. We've managed to close the spaced teeth on the top and the bottom but it requires a refinement for full alignment.
What causes tooth gaps?
Hereditary. Your parents and your siblings all have it and so do you.
Large jaw. Your jaw is larger than your teeth so there are just natural gaps and spaces.
Small teeth. The size of your teeth are smaller in comparison to your overall face.
Tooth loss from cavities. A tooth was removed because it had a big cavity.
There are a variety of causes for tooth gaps but don't be concerned because Invisalign can close the gap for you.
How long does it take to fix a gap with Invisalign?
How long it takes to close a gap with Invisalign will depend on how large the gap between the teeth are. A smaller gap will take less time than a bigger gap to close. Each set of Invisalign trays will move the teeth by .25mm and you wear each set for about two weeks.
A small gap. This is a space that is less than 1mm, can probably be fixed with Invisalign in about three to four months.
A big gap. This is a gap that is more than 1mm and can most likely take about six to twelve months or more for Invisalign to fix.
How big of a gap can Invisalign fix?
Invisalign can fix some pretty big gaps but on average, the gap that it can close would be about one missing tooth. If the space is more than one entire tooth, Invisalign may not be the best option for it. In fact, a gap that large would be difficult for metal braces as well. If your gap is that large, you should actually consider getting a dental implant to fill in the space between the teeth.
In case you were wondering, here is a big Invisalign gap before and after model.
This is a very large gap, approximately 5.9mm as per the photo.
Invisalign can close this big of a gap by pulling all of the back teeth forward.
Please be mindful that it does take a long time to close this big of a gap but it is doable.
The cost to fix gap teeth with Invisalign
The price for closing the gap with Invisalign will vary depending on how big the gap is but also if you are straightening out the rest of your teeth.
If you are not only the gap but also straightening out the rest of your teeth, it will cost the full price of a comprehensive case which can be anywhere from $5000-$8000.
If you are only fixing a small gap and nothing else, the cost may be from $2000-$3500.
If you are fixing a big gap it can be anywhere from $4000-$8000, depending on how BIG it is.
Take away
Invisalign can close the gap between your teeth and you don't need to rely on metal braces to do it. Even big gaps are not an issue but if the space is more than an entire tooth, you may want to consider dental implants as an alternative.
Remember, Invisalign can work but it is up to you to move the teeth. If you don't wear your Invisalign for at least 20-22 hours per day, the teeth won't move. If you would like a consultation, please schedule an appointment with an orthodontist or you can even see one of our LIC dentist.
Our long island city office can do all cases but sometimes we may still give you a referral if we anticipate the case taking a long time! Although we do have plenty of experience with more complex cases such as underbites.
