Invisalign for Tooth Gaps

More and more adults and teens have come to Dr. Byron Nordhus with questions about Invisalign®, an invisible alternative to braces. This state-of-the-art dental treatment helps people get straight teeth without others noticing that an orthodontic procedure is underway. We’ve helped so many people in and around Wichita, KS have straighter, more appealing smiles.

Invisalign can improve the position of twisted teeth and crowded teeth. It can also be used to close major gaps between teeth. Let’s explore these matters briefly below.

Problems Caused by Tooth Gaps

Tooth gaps can cause a number of dental problems that affect general wellness as well as smile aesthetics.

In terms of your overall dental health, spacing issues could mean problems with the alignment of your bite. This may translate into pain while chewing, teeth grinding (bruxism), and even the development of a TMJ disorder.

As far as aesthetics go, tooth gaps can leave you feeling self-conscious about the look of your smile. Laughing, smiling, and speaking around others could be the source of serious embarrassment or trepidation. If your job involves a lot of public interaction, tooth gap issues could even have an impact on your career.

How Invisalign Works

Rather than using brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligner trays to gradually shift teeth into a more ideal position. Patients wear their aligner trays at all times save for when eating, drinking, and cleaning their teeth. Since Invisalign aligners are easy to take off and put on, treatment is extremely convenient.

After two weeks with an aligner, patients will move on to the next Invisalign aligner tray in the treatment sequence. The process repeats until a patient’s teeth are straight and properly aligned. The same basic principles of braces are at play, but in a different form.

Ideal Candidates for Invisalign

Good candidates for Invisalign are people who suffer from tooth spacing issues, crooked teeth, and other malocclusion problems. Their issues with tooth spacing should predominantly involve the teeth themselves and their position along the dental arch rather than the shape of the dental arch itself.

During your consultation at our Wichita dental practice, we can assess your situation and let you know if Invisalign is the best solution for your needs.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Invisalign treatment will take several months to a year to complete. The treatment time is comparable to that of traditional braces, but patients feel that the primary draw of Invisalign is the convenience of the treatment process.

What If Invisalign Isn’t Right for Me?

While many patients benefit from Invisalign treatment, it is not always right for everyone. In fact, traditional orthodontic treatment or the use of porcelain veneers could be more ideal for your needs.

This is why it’s so important that you stop by our practice in person. We can determine the most ideal treatment option given your situation and your dental health goals. By helping you understand all of the risks and benefits involved, we can ensure you get the right treatment for your needs.

Learn More About Invisalign

For more information about Invisalign and how it can help you improve the appearance and health of your smile, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. Nordhus Dentistry can be reached in Wichita by phone at (316) 352-9897.