Invisalign® and Tooth Gaps in Smyrna & East Point, GA

Closing the Gap With Invisalign®

Tooth gaps, or diastema, exist at the intersection of personal identity and dental health. These distinctive spaces between teeth inspire diverse reactions—some wear them as badges of individuality, while others feel they detract from an otherwise confident smile. Beyond aesthetics, these natural openings can become vulnerable points in one’s oral architecture, potentially harboring bacteria that threaten both gum and tooth health. 

From traditional metal braces to clear aligners like Invisalign, our Atlanta area dentist, Dr. Jarrett Manning is here to provide personalized solutions that meet your specific needs. Contact our dental office in the Atlanta metro area today at our Smyrna office at 770-433-1515 or our East Point location at 404-766-8559.

What Are Tooth Gaps?

A tooth gap is a space between two teeth that can occur for various reasons. Common causes of tooth gaps include: 

• Size and Growth Discrepancies: If your teeth are small compared to your jawbone, gaps can occur. This can also happen when your upper and lower jaws aren’t the same size, resulting in either an overbite or underbite, which can create spaces between teeth.
• Mismatch Between the Size of the Jaw Bones and Teeth: If the jaw is too large and the teeth too small, gaps can appear. Conversely, if the teeth are too large for the mouth, overcrowding can occur.
• Missing or Undersized Teeth: Some people may naturally have one or more missing teeth, or their teeth may be smaller than average, creating gaps.
• Habits and Other Health Issues: Certain habits, such as thumb-sucking in children, or the improper swallowing reflex, can cause tooth gaps. Gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss, may also result in gaps between teeth.
• Tissue Overgrowth: The piece of tissue that extends from the gum to the upper lip, known as the labial frenum, can sometimes overgrow, leading to a gap between the upper front teeth.

How Tooth Gaps Can Close With Invisalign

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that can help to close gaps between teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position.

If Invisalign is an option for treating your tooth gap, Dr. Jarrett will start by taking impressions of your teeth to create a personalized treatment plan. Then, a series of custom-made aligners will be created to fit your teeth perfectly. You’ll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set in the series.

By exerting gentle, controlled force on your teeth, Invisalign aligners gradually close the gaps. The duration of the treatment depends on the severity of the gaps and individual response to treatment, but it generally takes anywhere from six to 24 months.

Do I Need to Close a Tooth Gap?

Whether or not you need to correct a tooth gap largely depends on personal preference and any associated oral health issues.

• Aesthetics: If you’re uncomfortable or self-conscious about your tooth gap, you might choose to have it corrected for cosmetic reasons. The perception of beauty varies widely from person to person, and what one person might find attractive, another may not. It’s ultimately your decision if you want to change your smile for aesthetic reasons.
• Oral Health: Some tooth gaps, especially larger ones, can potentially increase the risk of gum disease, because they may expose the gum line to more bacteria and plaque. In some cases, a dentist might recommend closing the gap to improve oral health.
• Function: If the gap is causing functional problems – such as affecting your bite, or causing difficulty in chewing or speaking – then it might be necessary to consider having it corrected.
• Progression: If the gap is getting bigger over time, it may indicate an underlying issue, such as gum disease or habits like tongue thrusting. In such cases, it may be recommended to close the gap to prevent further issues.

If you’re looking for tooth gap correction in Smyrna (770-433-1515) or East Point (404-766-8559), give our Atlanta area dental team a call today to schedule your Invisalign consultation.

Invisalign Candidacy at JLM Dental Studios

Invisalign offers an effective solution for many seeking orthodontic correction, though not everyone is an ideal Invisalign candidate. You’re likely well-suited for this treatment if:

• You have mild to moderate dental issues (gaps, crowding, or slight bite problems)
• All your permanent teeth have come in
• You can commit to wearing aligners for 20-22 hours daily
• Your oral health is generally good with no gum disease
• You don’t have extensive dental work like bridges or dental implants
• You have realistic expectations about what treatment can achieve

A thorough consultation with our Atlanta area dentist, including digital imaging, will determine whether your specific situation aligns with Invisalign’s capabilities. For qualified candidates, this discreet approach offers significant smile transformation while fitting seamlessly into your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions