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.

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.