Do you have gaps in your teeth that you feel self-conscious about?
Gapped teeth can be beautiful, and if you’re comfortable with your gap-toothed grin, that’s awesome! If you’re looking for a change to a more “conventional” smile, though, you have options.
Fixing gapped teeth is easier than ever in the 2020s. Orthodontic technology is so advanced, so while visions of headgear and a mouth full of metal might run through your mind, that’s no longer the case.
There are several good methods for fixing gapped teeth, and we’re here to explain them. Keep reading so you can make an informed choice when you decide to move forward with your movie star smile.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common way to close gapped teeth. They’re easy, relatively quick, and often the most affordable option (though this varies depending on your insurance and your orthodontist).
As we mentioned before, braces now aren’t quite like the braces you may be familiar with. While you’ll still have some wires and brackets, they’re more subtle than they were in the past. This means that they’re more comfortable and less noticeable.
With traditional metal braces, your orthodontist will place metal brackets onto each of your teeth. They’ll use a wire and rubber bands to connect those brackets, and that wire is what influences teeth to shift.
Braces are more common for children and teenagers. Many adults feel self-conscious about traditional braces, but because more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment, they’re becoming more normalized.
With traditional braces, you do have to be careful about what you eat. Sticky and hard foods are off the table until you’re free from your wires and brackets.
That said, traditional methods are great because there’s no effort on your part aside from extra cleaning. You “set it and forget it.”
Traditional braces are adept at fixing most orthodontic problems, and gapped teeth are no exception.
Gold Braces
Gold braces aren’t a type of braces, per se, but they are a variant of traditional braces. They are new and getting more popular as more adults seek out orthodontic care. They’re great for all ages.
Gold braces aren’t less noticeable than traditional braces, but they do jazz up your smile while you’re straightening your teeth. If you’re someone who loves your gold jewellery and accessories, gold braces are a great option.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces are more popular among adults, but while they’re labeled as “invisible,” that’s not completely true.
These braces are similar to traditional braces, but they’re not made of metal. Instead, they’re made of ceramic.
Instead of having metal brackets that stick out against the color of your teeth, you’ll have tooth-colored brackets. This makes it so your brackets are far less noticeable.
Keep in mind that you’ll still need a metal wire and rubber bands. Sometimes the metal wire will be covered with a white coating, but more often than not, it will be a standard silver band. The bands can be clear if you want them to be, but you can also add fun colors if you’d like.
Even with the silver-colored band, these braces are subtle. While people will notice them when they’re close to you, they’re difficult to see in photos and from a reasonable distance. Many people are most concerned about how they look in photos, so this is a great option.
They’re just as effective as normal braces, despite the subtlety. They can close a gap between teeth with ease. If your smile is suitable for metal braces, it will also be suitable for “invisible” braces.
You’ll still need to be careful about what you eat and use better cleaning habits.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are relative newcomers to the orthodontic world, but they’re wildly popular among adults who are in need of straighter teeth.
The most popular form of clear aligners is Invisalign. Invisalign has been in business ever since the late nineties and they’ve been refining their technology ever since. You can use Invisalign for gapped teeth with ease.
Invisalign used to be the most expensive and least effective option for fixing orthodontic issues. It also used to have the longest timeline. Many people are under the impression that this is still true. Others conflate Invisalign with the many problematic DIY aligner companies.
Invisalign is always observed by a dental health professional, making it much safer than those at-home aligners. The company has also worked hard on enhancing Invisalign aligners, so they’re more effective than ever and they come at a lower cost than they did in the past. It’s often comparable with metal braces.
Clear aligners can make quick work of gapped teeth. For minor gaps, you may only need Invisalign Lite, which is the quickest and most affordable option. If your gaps are more significant, you’re better off with Invisalign Comprehensive, which allows you to refine your smile after your initial straightening period.
Some people need elastics or attachments, which can make the aligners more visible. They’re still less visible than traditional braces. Learn more about Invisalign to see if it’s right for your situation.
Fixing Gapped Teeth Is Easier Than Ever
With so many methods for fixing gapped teeth, there’s sure to be something that works for you. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about how you’d like your smile to work so you can come up with your perfect treatment plan.
You can start working towards a straighter smile today. You deserve to love your teeth!
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