A lot of advancements have been made over the years, making the process of closing gaps between teeth easier, less painful, and even less costly than in years past.
Below are various types of orthodontic treatment to close gaps between teeth, as well as specific appliances and procedures you may consider for yourself or for your children.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic corrections often begin when the patient is younger, compared to what we might remember growing up as children. The standards have evolved to often include what’s known as early orthodontic treatment. The goal of early orthodontic treatment is to prevent serious orthodontic problems from occurring in the future by eliminating the underlying cause and guiding the teeth, jaw, and facial bones as they develop. Also known as “interceptive orthodontics,” this can prove to be a more effective form of treatment than simply waiting for problems to occur and then treating them later in life.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by the age of 7. By this time, most children have enough permanent teeth to allow an orthodontist to evaluate both the teeth and the jaws, which helps the doctor identify subtle problems that may become more serious without treatment. Not all children need orthodontic treatment at this young age—in many cases, treatment is either unnecessary or it may be determined that it could be needed in the future, in which case the orthodontist will schedule periodic follow-up appointments to monitor facial and jawbone development. Other times, your child might need to begin early orthodontic treatment.
Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment
A very common standard of orthodontic care today is to take a patient through what is known as “Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment.” Phase I is the early orthodontic care, as explained above, where preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment take place
Phase II typically occurs during adolescence. In Phase II, the goal is to transition the permanent teeth into their ideal positions. We take great care to shape the mini, micro and macro esthetics that will provide a child with a gorgeous, artistic smile.
An additional process, known as growth modification, may occur during Phase I, also setting the patient up for corrective success in Phase II. As part of the interceptive orthodontic process, growth modification treatment is utilized in the first phase of two-stage orthodontic treatment for children with misaligned teeth, jaw bones and bites. It is most effective during a child’s growth spurts, when bones are still in the growing process. Growth modification appliances (Bionator functional appliance - twin block) are used to correct the shape, position or width of the jawbone.
What Are the Best Appliances to Close Gaps Between the Teeth?
Braces, Invisalign or spark clear aligners can be used to close gaps.
Such appliances and techniques will solve various problems with the teeth and jaw, including:
- Facial Asymmetry
- Teeth Crowding (without extractions)
- Cross Bites
- Open Bites
- Overbites
- Underbites
Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to review the best alternatives for your orthodontic care. The doctor will address any questions you may have regarding your treatment and will provide a plan for a future gorgeous smile with style. Products and approaches may include:
- Damon® Braces, which utilize state of the art high tech memory wires that provide a much lower profile than traditional braces available today and have no need for the use of elastics or metal ties to connect the memory wire to the brackets.
- Invisalign®, which takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth.
- Spark Aligners, which represent the latest advancements in clear aligners, trusted by orthodontists worldwide. Spark Aligners are said to be clearer, more comfortable, and stains less. compared to other aligner brands.
To learn more about these and other options, schedule an appointment with us today.