Braces are an effective and highly versatile orthodontic system. When you have braces, small gaps in your teeth will close relatively quickly, starting at about six to nine months. If you have multiple gaps in your teeth, it may take about 12 months to 2 years to close them with braces.
Causes of Teeth Gaps
The most common cause of gapped front teeth is a low-seated frenulum that keeps the teeth from meeting. The frenulum is a fold of skin that attaches the upper lip to the gum.
Other causes include having small teeth, large jaws, unerupted permanent teeth, and an absence of teeth in the jawbone.
Effects of Gapped Teeth
Many patients feel self-conscious about gapped teeth. Gapped teeth can also affect your oral health. If your teeth have a large gap, you may not have room in your mouth for teeth that need to erupt, disrupting your bite.
Correcting Teeth Gaps With Braces
Gapped teeth are among the most common reasons patients choose to receive braces. Braces are a cost-effective way to achieve permanent tooth realignment. While clear aligners also work to correct gaps, braces are more versatile and appropriate for children and adult patients.
Before you receive braces, your orthodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth and determine whether gaps interfere with your bite or the eruption of other teeth. They will take a complete set of 3-D digital impressions with the iTero® Element Digital Impression Scanner, making a model of your teeth to plan your treatment.
Braces Options We Offer
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most cost-effective option. They are appropriate for all ages and have great flexibility in treating misaligned teeth.'
Clear Braces
These braces come with clear brackets, making them less visible on the patient's teeth and allowing some discretion in treatment.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are attached on the inside of the patient's teeth, giving the control and versatility of braces while keeping brackets and wires out of sight.
H4® Braces
Self-ligating braces need no elastics or metal ties to hold the wire on the brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
Are braces uncomfortable?
There can be some discomfort when you adjust to wearing braces and sometimes after adjustments, but it should be minor. Use orthodontic wax on the brackets and wires if they rub against the inside of your lips and cheeks.
After I have braces, will my teeth stay in place?
If you wear your retainer as prescribed, you will not lose the hard work you put into your orthodontic treatment. If you ever need a tooth extraction after treatment, replace the tooth immediately to avoid alignment problems and the reappearance of gaps.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
If you have gaps in your teeth and want a beautifully aligned smile, please call our Newington, CT, office at 860-667-8277. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Cos to plan your treatment.