Invisalign for Gapped Teeth
Gaps between teeth can cause plenty of problems. Thankfully Dr. Louis Buono has solutions for unwanted gaps. Many people on Long Island, NY have benefited from Invisalign®. This alternative to braces can close gaps and help straighten out crooked teeth.
The team at Garden City Smiles would like to go over the basics of Invisalign and why it may be right for you. First, let’s talk about why tooth gaps are a problem.
Why Tooth Gaps Are Such a Problem
Uneven spacing in your smile could men serious malocclusion and misalignment. Excessive stress may be placed on your teeth and your jaw joint, leading to a TMJ disorder. Poor dental alignment may also contribute to teeth grinding (bruxism), which can result in wear and tear on your teeth and gums every night when you go to sleep.
As far as smile aesthetics are concerns, tooth gaps can be unsightly. You may experience severe self-consciousness whenever you speak, laugh, or smile, even around your loved ones. If you have a job that requires a lot of client interaction or public appearances, gapped teeth may affect your performance.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is a clear and simple alternative to traditional braces. Rather than using brackets and wires to shift the position of your teeth, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligner trays. These trays are made of transparent plastic and are worn at all times except when a patient is eating, drinking, or cleaning their teeth.
Every two weeks, a patient replaces their current aligner with a new aligner, which leads to a gradual change in dental alignment.
Good Candidates for Invisalign
Good candidates for Invisalign are people who suffer from spacing and crowding issues. The tooth misalignment should predominantly affect the position of the teeth along the dental arch rather than the dental arch per se. Teenagers and adults can undergo Invisalign treatment.
During your visit to our Long Island dental care center, we can determine if Invisalign is a good option for you and your needs.
How Long Will Invisalign Treatment Take?
Invisalign treatment often takes as long as traditional orthodontic care. While it may not shave weeks or months off of normal orthodontic treatment times, Invisalign is much more convenient and does not cause interruptions in a patient’s normal lifestyle. This convenience is one of the main reasons why Invisalign is so popular.
The Results of Invisalign
The results of Invisalign can be dramatic. At the end of treatment, a patient’s teeth will be perfectly aligned. Issues with teeth grinding are resolved or minimized, and the appearance of a patient’s smile is dramatically improved.
Other Options to Treat Tooth Gaps
If your tooth gaps are purely cosmetic in nature and affect your front teeth, porcelain veneers may be the most ideal option for treatment. These thin shells of dental ceramic can address a host of dental health issue.
For severe malocclusion, more invasive orthodontic procedures may be recommended. This could include traditional braces, appliances for reshaping the palate, and/or oral surgery.
Contact Garden City Smiles
To learn more about Invisalign and how it can benefit you, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. You can reach our team on Long Island by calling (516) 294-0375. We look forward to hearing from you.
