Do I Need Invisalign to Close a Tooth Gap?

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My dentist started doing Invisalign two years ago, so last week, I asked him for Invisalign to close a small gap between my teeth. He did the 3D scan and found other minor issues with the alignment of my teeth. He is recommending upper and lower aligners. The whole process is going to take just over a year. I told my dentist that minor alignment issues with my teeth are less important than closing the gap. I only want to close the gap for now. Maybe I shouldn’t have gone into the office asking for Invisalign. My dentist mumbled something about veneers. I looked online at the cost; they are almost as expensive as Invisalign. How can I convince him only to correct my upper teeth with Invisalign? – Thanks. Harper from SC

 

Harper – A dentist who insists that Invisalign® is the only way to close a small gap lacks the skill and artistic ability to conceal the gap with dental composite.

Do You Need Invisalign to Close a Tooth Gap?

Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Clear aligners or dental bonding can close a tooth gap.

Brace, Invisalign, and other clear aligners, including ClearCorrect®, are not the only way to close a gap. Although cosmetic dentists may provide Invisalign, they may use bonding technology to close small gaps between teeth when appropriate.

Dental Bonding vs. Invisalign to Close a Gap

Dental bonding is easier, faster, and cheaper than Invisalign to close small gaps between teeth. However, only an advanced cosmetic dentist can make your teeth look proportionate and match the bonding with your natural teeth.

Artistic cosmetic dentists mix shades of composite to mimic the characteristics of your natural teeth. This process results in highly accurate, long-lasting bonding.

We suggest looking for an advanced cosmetic dentist to skillfully close the gap with bonding. Search a few cosmetic dentists’ websites and look for patient photos of their work with composite bonding.

 

Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read a related post to understand why adulthood is not too late to close a tooth gap.

His Dental Bonding Couldn’t Look Worse

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My 11-year-old son’s dental bonding couldn’t look worse. He fell two weeks ago and broke both front teeth. Fortunately, he was at school, and it was a weekday, so we could get to our general dentist within an hour. The dentist was helpful and took X-rays. He said he could fill in both teeth with dental bonding, which he did two days later. The bonding looks like lumpy instant oatmeal. The color and texture are wrong. My son cried and is so embarrassed that he wouldn’t smile. Fortunately, he has not been teased, but then he makes sure no one can see his teeth when talking. I need this corrected, but I won’t relieve my son’s anxiety about letting our dentist try again. On top of that, we were planning to start clear braces for my son in two years. I don’t want to waste money on bonding if it won’t work. Where do we start?  – Thanks. Zach from IL

 

Zach,

We are sorry to hear about your son’s accident and embarrassing dental bonding.

Your dentist chose the right treatment option to fill in your son’s teeth. Unfortunately, the dentist is not skilled enough to produce aesthetic results with dental bonding. Especially when a large portion of a tooth is broken, a dentist must have an in-depth understanding of dental composite and artistic skills. So, although your dentist knew how to fix the problem, he couldn’t make it look natural.

We encourage you to get a second opinion from an advanced, preferably accredited, cosmetic dentist. Please don’t do otherwise because a dentist may recommend dental crowns for your son, which is a mistake for two reasons:

The pulp in a child’s tooth can be close to the surface, and grinding the tooth down for a dental crown can damage the pulp, requiring root canal treatment.

Your son is still growing, so the tooth will erupt further. The margin between the crown and tooth will show as the tooth erupts. It will be obvious that he has a dental crown.

We recommend searching online for a dentist with post-graduating cosmetic dentistry training who treats adults and children. Explain your concerns with dental bonding for your son’s teeth and your plans to start clear braces within two years. The dentist will explain your son’s options for dental bonding and how cosmetic dentistry can keep his teeth looking great as he grows.

Before and after dental bonding pictures from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

Before and after dental bonding photos of Dr. Brooksher’s work

How Long Will a Broken Dental Crown Delay Invisalign Treatment?

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My front left dental crown broke while eating lunch last Wednesday. I had removed my Invisalign trays to eat and was afraid to put them back on. I saw my dentist get fitted for a new crown. I am wearing a temporary crown until the new one comes in, but my Invisalign trays don’t fit right, so I removed them. I have them with me, but I am out of town. Should I try to wear the trays again? – Thanks. Johanna from RI

Johanna,

It is good that you immediately saw your dentist for a temporary crown. Without a crown, a weak or damaged exposed tooth can further weaken.

Broken Crown During Invisalign Treatment

Getting a new crown becomes the priority if your crown breaks in the middle of Invisalign treatment or any other orthodontic treatment. If you can schedule an appointment with your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist, it is best to get an evaluation of your treatment plan with clear aligners. However, if you are traveling and unable to see your Invisalign provider, call the office to explain what happened. Generally, it takes two visits to get new crowns.

  • First visit – Your dentist will prepare your tooth and ensure it can support a dental crown. Afterward, they will take impressions of your tooth.
  • Waiting period – A dental lab takes about two weeks to use the dental impressions and your dentist’s instructions for making a custom crown.
  • Second visit – When you return to the dental office, the dentist will temporarily cement the crown to your tooth to check it for bit and fit.
Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Replacing a broke dental crown takes priority over your treatment plan with Invisalign or other clear aligners.

If your dentist is skilled in taking impressions, seating the crown, and checking your bite, the interruption for Invisalign treatment should be brief. Contact your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist to tell them about the issue with your crown and that you cannot wear the aligners with the temporary crown. When you return from traveling, your Invisalign provider will get your treatment plan back on track.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

 

My Dentist Buffed the Gloss Off My Porcelain Veneers

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My cosmetic dentist said he could remove scratches on two of my porcelain veneers after I finished Invisalign with my orthodontist. Now both veneers look matte because the glossiness is gone. My dentist said he used cups and some polishing tools. Are my veneers going to stain now? Is there a way to reverse the damage? Thank you. Bethany from Erie, PA

Bethany,

Thank you for your question.

Congratulations on completing Invisalign treatment. We understand your disappointment in wanting to complete your smile makeover by ensuring your veneers look great. Although a dentist may claim to be a cosmetic dentist, practicing cosmetic dentistry well takes post-graduate training and artistic inclination. A trained cosmetic dentist understands how to polish veneers after specific training on how to do it.

Will Veneers with a Matte Finish Stain?

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Porcelain veneer

A matte finish makes porcelain more susceptible to stain. It takes experience to polish a porcelain veneer and achieve a luster almost as good as the original glaze. Although polishing veneers requires less skill than creating a smile design, a dentist must know the process and stock specialized tools and materials in the office.

Polishing porcelain requires a cosmetic dentist to use these items:

  • Diamond polishing instruments
  • Polishing paste
  • Ultra-fine diamond polishing paste for finishing

If you trust your dentist’s skill, you can tell him you want more shine on your veneers. Some cosmetic dentists use Brasseler’s Dialite porcelain polishing system to remove the matte finish and restore the gloss. Depending on the extent of the issue, the system may work for your veneers.

Alternatively, you can look for a cosmetic dentist with advanced training and get a second opinion. The dentist will examine your veneers and explain your options for restoring them to a natural-looking gloss that complements your natural teeth.

 

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

Is It Too Late to Close My Tooth Gap?

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Is it too late to close a tooth gap if I am 48? Although my friends tell me gaps are “in,” I have always been self-conscious about my smile. The gap is between my upper center front teeth. Thank you. Nikko

Nikko,

Thank you for contacting Dentistry by Brooksher in Baton Rouge about the timing for closing a tooth gap.

Is It Too Late to Close a Tooth Gap?

It is not too late to close a tooth gap. Although most people want to close a gap for aesthetic reasons, spaces between teeth can affect your oral health. A dentist’s treatment recommendations depend on several factors, including:

  • Your oral health
  • The condition of your teeth
  • The gap size
  • The results you want to achieve

Treatment Options to Close a Tooth Gap

Treatment options to close a tooth gap include orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry.

Orthodontics

Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Clear orthodontic aligners are one way to close a tooth gap

A dentist may recommend orthodontics if a tooth gap is large or if you want to align your teeth without cosmetic dentistry. Although many adults are concerned about how they will look while wearing braces, clear braces and aligners make orthodontic treatment less noticeable. Closing a tooth gap with braces may take six to eight months or longer.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a skill that advanced cosmetic dentists use to conceal small tooth gaps. A cosmetic dentist can blend composite bonding to match our tooth shade and shape it to replicate the characteristics of your teeth. The bonding will blend seamlessly with your teeth. Dental bonding usually takes one appointment.

Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer is a custom shell of porcelain that fits the front of a tooth. Veneers usually require removing small amounts of tooth enamel to ensure the shells fit your teeth without looking bulky or protruding. A cosmetic dentist may recommend two or more veneers to conceal your tooth gap. You can get veneers in two to three appointments.

We recommend consulting with a dentist who has completed advanced training in aesthetics. After an exam and x-rays, the dentist can recommend treatment.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

Will Invisalign Correct Crowding in My Mid-40s?

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I have a couple of quick questions related to Invisalign. I’m in my mid-40s and had my wisdom teeth removed when I was 17. When I had the teeth extracted, they told me I wouldn’t need braces because removing my wisdom teeth would give space for my other teeth. Over the years, my teeth have become somewhat crowded, and it’s becoming obvious I will have to do something to fix it if I ever want to feel comfortable about smiling. Could I have done something to cause this since they told me I would not need braces? Is this something Invisalign can solve? Thanks. Danielle

 

Dear Danielle,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine and x-ray your teeth before recommending treatment. But orthodontic treatment can correct teeth crowding.

What Causes Teeth Crowding?

Genetics, teeth grinding, tooth loss, or oral habits during childhood can cause teeth crowding. Your tooth position can change. That’s why clear braces or traditional braces can help.

Clear aligner trays similar to Invisalign and ClearCorrectReasons for overcrowding of teeth may include the following:

  • Genetics: Some people have naturally smaller jaws or have teeth that are too wide for their jaws. Others have narrow palates and other oral conditions that can cause tooth malalignment. When teeth do not come together naturally, the constant biting force can push them out of place.
  • Grinding: Regularly applied force of any kind, including teeth grinding, can shift teeth. Grinding, particularly at night, is a big culprit for adults.
  • Extended Pacifier/ Bottle Use: Sucking on things—even thumbs—creates forward-moving pressure. Although most adults will not have an issue from prolonged bottle and pacifier use, some continue similar behaviors in adulthood, such as chewing on pens or thrusting their tongue against their front teeth.
  • Tooth Loss: If a tooth is missing, the other teeth will begin to close the gap, the way water will rush into a hole carved on a sandy beach. It can gradually occur. Tooth loss also impacts the position of the tooth that would normally bite against the missing tooth. For example, if you lose a premolar on your lower left, you’ll likely have shifting on your lower and upper left teeth.
  • Oral Health: If you do not maintain regular cleaning appointments and good care at home, you will develop periodontal disease. In the early stage, it can cause bleeding gums, but when it progresses to an advanced stage, you will likely have bone loss in your jaw and lose teeth.
  • Poor Dental Work: When dental repairs are not properly completed (this occurs more often with dental tourism), poorly shaped crowns, fillings, bridges, and other work may change the bite or begin to push teeth out of alignment.
  • Injuries: Car accidents, falls, and other forms of trauma can impact your teeth in many ways.
  • Tumors: Tumors and other medical conditions can impact your jaw, teeth, and bite, although rare.
  • Failure to Wear a Retainer: Many orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer at night for life or having a permanent fixed retainer attached to the back of your teeth. Failure to follow the orthodontist’s advice after braces will likely result in shifting.

Clear Braces Can Correct Teeth Crowding

In most cases, clear braces are an excellent choice to solve crowding and can address some underlying issues as well. You will need a dentist to evaluate the degree of crowding, but you must people have success with clear aligners. Schedule a consultation.

Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooker formerly used Invisalign but prefers an alternative, Clear Correct. Learn why.

Do I Need a New Invisalign Dentist After I Move?

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I am almost finished with Invisalign and would like to know if I need to switch dentists if I can finish treatment on my own. I only have three months of treatment left, and my dentist gave me the remaining trays. After Christmas, I will relocate to Virginia to be closer to my aging parents. I will see my dentist one more time before I move. My dentist wants me to find a new Invisalign dentist, but I want to know if I can continue without one. Thank you. Carolyn M. from Peoria, IL

Carolyn,

Thank you for your question. Many patients wonder whether they should find a new Invisalign dentist if they are relocating and almost finished with treatment.

Do You Need a New Invisalign Dentist After You Move?

You may need to switch Invisalign dentists if you are nearing the end of treatment and are relocations. Reasons to switch dentists include:

  • Ensure your treatment plan is on track
  • Determine whether you need new attachments for precise movement
  • Remove tiny amounts of enamel from between your teeth (Interproximal reduction) to ensure they align properly
  • Take a new scan of your teeth to identify whether they need refinement
  • Order a short series of aligners to refine your treatment outcome
  • Help you get back on track if anything interferes with your treatment
  • Order a custom retainer after you finish the Invisalign treatment

Invisalign upper and lower alignersAfter you select a new Invisalign dentist in Virginia, contact your current dentist to transfer your dental records and Invisalign care.

  • Schedule an appointment with your new dentist
  • Bring your remaining aligners with you
  • Schedule follow-up visits with the new dentist

When you complete treatment, your new dentist will use digital impressions of your teeth for the Invisalign lab to use when creating a custom retainer. Your dentist will explain how long you must wear the retainer to maintain your teeth alignment.

Look for a dentist in your new city with extensive Invisalign experience.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher has experience with Invisalign and other brands of clear aligners that are alternatives to Invisalign.

Will My Root Canal Tooth Break?

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My dentist says I need a root canal on my left incisor before beginning Invisalign treatment. I was concerned about needing a crown on a front tooth that would turn yellow or dark around my gums. But my dentist explained that she does not need to place a crown after the root canal; she will fill it instead. I wonder if the tooth will break because it is weak after the root canal treatment. And with Invisalign repositioning my teeth, isn’t it just a matter of time before the tooth breaks? Thanks. Jamison from NY

Thank you for your question, Jamison. Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your tooth for an accurate diagnosis, we will offer some basic information about root canals and orthodontic treatment.

Does Root Canal Treatment Weaken Teeth?

Teeth that require root canal treatment are already weak from decay, trauma, or extensive fillings. And root canal treatment can weaken them. But whether a dentist places a crown on the tooth depends on the tooth’s condition and position.

  • Back teeth – Back teeth must withstand the forces of chewing and grinding food. So, dentists protect the teeth with crowns after root canal treatment.
  • Front teeth – Fewer forces affect front teeth. It is unlikely for an incisor to split vertically, but sometimes it can break horizontally. But preparing an incisor for a dental crown can weaken the tooth near the base before its roots. If you have lost most of your tooth structure or the tooth is already cracked. A dentist can reinforce your tooth with a flexible post and fill the tooth with a dental composite. Removing root canal filler material will prevent your tooth from turning dark.

Will Invisalign Break Your Root Canal Tooth?

Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Invisalign

Your dentist will begin Invisalign treatment when your root canal tooth is stable to prevent any trauma during treatment. Healing time can take one to two months, but each patient’s case is different, so your dentist will explain what you can expect. Also, Invisalign and other alternatives for clear braces move teeth with precision and gently apply force on your teeth.

If you are hesitant about your dentist’s treatment recommendation, ask questions to ensure you understand them. And you can consider getting a second opinion.

 

Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist and Fellow of implant dentistry Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his efforts to offer some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

Why Are My Dental Crowns Sensitive to Heat?

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I got three dental crowns in 2004, two of which are sensitive to heat. I began Invisalign in August, and now I am having trouble with crowns. This is frustrating because if I need new crowns, it will throw off my treatment. Is Invisalign causing problems with my crowns? My dentist says I probably need root canals, but he will take x-rays next week. Do I need to see another dentist? Why do I suddenly need root canals? – Thank you. Liya from Chicago

Liya,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Brooksher would need to take x-rays and examine your teeth, but we can provide general guidance.

Why Are Dental Crowns Sensitive to Heat?

When your crowned teeth are sensitive to heat, it may mean that the tooth pulp is dying. Root canal treatment removes infection and can save the teeth. Consider the facts:

  • Tooth pain and sensitivity – Periodic tooth pain and sensitivity do not mean that the tooth pulp is dying. When pain lingers and sensitivity is consistent, usually the tooth requires root canal treatment.
  • Effect of an infection – When your body sends antibodies to fight infection in the tooth pulp, the tissue begins to swell. Lack of space in your tooth causes the tissue to swell and die, releasing gases that increase pressure and cause pain and sensitivity.

Invisalign movement puts gentle pressure on a tooth and can aggravate an infected tooth; however, Invisalign is not the cause of the irritation and infection.

Root Canal for a Crowned Tooth

A dentist can make a small opening through your dental crowns to perform root canal treatment. If you have had the crowns for 18 years, replacing them is the most practical option.

What Causes Infection Beneath a Crown?

Trapped bacteria and decay can cause infection beneath a crown. If the margin between your gums and the crown leaks, bacteria can seep in and cause decay.

Can Your Tooth Sensitivity Wait?

Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Invisalign treatment will be more comfortable after resolving tooth crown sensitivity

Delaying treatment allows an infection to spread. Your pain and sensitivity will increase without treatment. Your dentist recommended root canal treatment, and x-rays will confirm the condition of your teeth. You are welcome to get a second opinion, though. After a dentist resolves your tooth sensitivity, your Invisalign treatment will be more comfortable.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

 

 

My Dentist Is Retiring in the Middle of My Invisalign Treatment

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Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Find a dentist with Invisalign experienced and advanced cosmetic dentistry training

Hi. I’ve worn all but five sets of my Invisalign aligners. For unexpected reasons, my dentist must retire two years earlier than expected. He has referred his patients to two other dentists in town. I prefer not to see either dentist after my dentist retires in August. I have narrowed my choices to three dentists, but I don’t want to choose a dentist just because they are Invisalign certified. I am happy with the results of Invisalign, but I’m concerned about how my case will progress from here. Should this be a problem when I see a new dentist? – Nick from Lexington, KY

Nick,

Thank you for your question.

Can You Switch Dentists in the Middle of Invisalign Treatment?

You can switch dentists in the middle of Invisalign treatment. You will be able to continue your Invisalign treatment with ease after your dentist retires. Your dentist has an ethical obligation to ensure a smooth transition to your new dentist. Even so, it will not be difficult for a dentist to provide whatever you need to continue your treatment. You can request a copy of your dental records before your dentist retires. Also, the Invisalign company has your orthodontic history and will help your new dentist continue your care without interruption.

Ensure that the dentists you are considering are skilled Invisalign providers with experience in cases like yours. You can schedule consultations with one or all three dentists to discuss your concerns and case. You can also ask each dentist to show you before-and-after patient photos.

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a former Invisalign provider who switched to ClearCorrect® aligners for orthodontic treatment.