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.

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.

How Often Will I Change Invisalign Trays?

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Clear aligner trays similar to Invisalign and ClearCorrectInvisalign and other clear aligners can improve your smile faster than traditional braces—in half the time or less. After creating a 3-D model of your mouth, your dentist will develop a treatment plan to move your teeth gradually and precisely. Each set of clear trays that you wear will move your teeth closer to their final position. But how often will you change trays?

How Often Will You Change Invisalign Trays?

You will change Invisalign trays every one to two weeks if you wear the trays twenty to twenty-two hours daily. Your dentist will give you sets of aligners to keep at home and have available when it is time to switch to the next pair. Most invisible braces require you to change to a new set every one to two weeks.

What Determines When You Change Invisalign Trays?

The time frame for changing Invisalign trays depends on your case, the complexity of tooth movement, and your diligence in wearing the aligners as directed.

  • Your patient case – No two patients’ cases are the same. Depending on the stage of your treatment plan, when you switch aligners may vary between one and two weeks.
  • Complexity of tooth movement – It takes longer for Invisalign and other clear aligners to achieve complex tooth movements than simple tooth movements. When movement is complete and your teeth are stable, your dentist may advise you to move to the next set of aligners sooner than two weeks.
  • Wearing the aligners – It takes twenty to twenty-two hours of daily wear to move your teeth as outlined in your treatment plan. If you do not wear the aligners as directed, it will delay switching to the next set.

What Are Invisalign Alternatives?

Today’s invisible braces offer several alternatives to Invisalign. A dentist or orthodontist may work with various braces or aligners and decide which to use for specific cases. Some dentists use Invisalign only. Others achieve beautiful results with Invisalign alternatives like ClearCorrect®.

Schedule a Consultation for Clear Braces

Regardless of which brand of aligners you choose, look for an experienced dentist with advanced occlusion and bite and clear aligner training.

Schedule a consultation and ask questions:

  • How many orthodontic cases have you completed from start to finish?
  • How many cases like mine have you managed?
  • How long have you used clear aligners for patients?
  • Which brand do you use and why?
  • May I see patients’ before and after photos?

Straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners can be an exciting change. Take time to research your options and provider.

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