Invisalign®—How It Helps Fix Diastema

When the jawbones are too large for the size of the teeth that are expected to erupt, diastema (more commonly known as “gap teeth”) occurs. This is a condition where two or more teeth become separated by a small gap. It is something that can cause embarrassment, and some difficulty in biting. Fortunately, the problem can be corrected by Invisalign® braces.

Invisalign® is an effective alternative to metal braces. Considering the many complains about the discomfort people experience while wearing metal braces, in addition to the high risk of tooth decay because braces aren’t removable, scientists looked for a way to deal with all these issues without compromising the effectivity of the device—in comes Invisalign®, a removable and semi-transparent orthodontic device that makes it less noticeable than metal braces.

In Pairs

Teeth aren't bonded to a rigid, fixed base; they are anchored by periodontal ligament fibers (found in the gums). A series of cellular processes bond the teeth to the protein fibers in the ligament, which constantly moves and adjusts when exposed to pressure from chewing and other forces. It is this constant movement that creates malocclusions, or teeth misalignment, especially when a single tooth is lost or damaged.

A cosmetic dentistry office and Invisalign® treatment provider will prescribe the transparent aligners in sets, even if only one pair of teeth are to be corrected. This is to allow the entire set of teeth to adjust and move together as the Invisalign® subtly guides the teeth’s repositioning.