Though models and actors like Georgia May Jagger and Lauren Hutton became famous for their gapped front teeth, some people with dental gaps find them unsightly or even painful. If you’ve been bothered by your gap for a while, you may be wondering, “can braces fix a gap?” For many, the answer is yes. Below, learn more about how braces—along with some alternatives—may be able to correct a gap in your teeth.
Can Braces Fix a Gap?
There are several types of braces that can be used to fix a tooth gap. They include invisible braces like Invisalign, lingual braces, ceramic braces, and traditional metal braces.
Invisalign
These invisible braces are tray-shaped and designed to fit over your teeth. As your teeth begin to shift toward their proper positions, your trays will be refitted to continue guiding them into place. You’ll wear your Invisalign braces almost all the time, taking them out only to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. So can braces fix a gap when they’re invisible? Yes. The more you wear your Invisalign braces, the more quickly you’ll begin to see results.
Lingual Braces
Instead of being applied to the front of the teeth, lingual braces are affixed to the back of your teeth—which means they’re all but invisible to others. These braces can be a bit more expensive than other types and aren’t available at all dental offices.
Traditional Metal Braces
Though traditional metal braces have been around the longest, they’ve evolved well beyond their earliest forms. These braces are relatively inexpensive and effective in closing even the largest gaps, as they use metal wires and rubber bands to slowly guide the teeth into place.
Ceramic or Clear Braces
These braces are similar to traditional metal braces in that they involve brackets affixed to the teeth—but because these brackets are clear or tooth-colored, they can blend in with your natural teeth more easily than metal braces.
Other Options For a Gap
Braces aren’t the only option for fixing a gap. Dental veneers are thin porcelain layers that affix to your teeth, instantly transforming your smile. You can place veneers on only the teeth that form the gap or on multiple teeth to create a more uniform appearance.
Can braces fix a gap? From Invisalign to ceramic braces to traditional metal braces, they often can. If you need more information on fixing your gap or want to make an appointment for a consultation, look no further than Perfect Smiles. Our experienced orthodontists can work with you to find a gap-correcting option that fits your budget, lifestyle, and orthodontic needs.