Yes, Invisalign can close wide gaps after tooth extraction in many cases, especially when the tooth was removed as part of a planned orthodontic treatment.
The aligners slowly move the teeth on either side into the space. Very wide gaps, or gaps left open for many years, are harder to close and may need extra help or a different treatment, such as an implant or bridge.
Where Can I Get Invisalign to Close Gaps in Canterbury, Kent?
Speak To A1 Dental if you are interested in using Invisalign to close gaps between your teeth. We are based on London Road in Canterbury, Kent. We are a Diamond Invisalign Provider, and our principal dentist, Dr Somitra Banvir, has a background in maxillofacial surgery.
We can assist with your tooth extraction too and Invisalign treatment so that everything can be treated by our expert team under one roof. Book a free consultation for Invisalign in Kent or get in touch by email on a1teeth52@yahoo.com or call us 01227 765851.
Key Points
- Invisalign can close wide gaps after tooth extraction in many cases over 6 to 18 months
- This is achieved by moving the neighbouring teeth into the space a little at a time and through constant adjustments of the aligners
- In some cases, wide gaps cannot be closed, especially if means making the bite worse or you are being treated for gum disease
- For some patients, closing wide gaps through Invisalign may not be sensible, but instead considering a dental implant or bridge
How Does Invisalign Close Wide Gaps After Tooth Extraction?
Invisalign closes wide gaps after tooth extraction by moving the neighbouring teeth into the space a little at a time. Each new set of aligners is shaped slightly differently, so it pushes the teeth a small step further.
To control larger movements, your dentist may add small tooth-coloured bumps called attachments. These give the aligners something to grip, so the teeth move upright rather than tipping into the gap. Some people also wear small elastic bands between the top and bottom teeth.
Everything is mapped out on a computer before you start. This means you can see how the gap will close, stage by stage.
How Wide a Gap Can Invisalign Close After Tooth Extraction?
Invisalign can usually close a gap the width of a premolar tooth, which is the most common tooth removed for orthodontic reasons. Wider gaps, such as those left by a back molar, are more difficult.
A study of 55 adults treated with Invisalign found the average gap shrank from 3.3 mm to just 0.4 mm. Around 71% of patients needed no extra aligners at the end of treatment.
The same study showed wider gaps are tougher. People with the largest gaps, averaging 10.3 mm, still had around 2 mm left at the end. Over 71% of this group needed a further round of aligners to finish the job. (Source: Research Gate)
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Close Gaps After Tooth Extraction?
Invisalign usually takes between 6 and 18 months to straighten teeth, and closing gaps after tooth extraction tends to sit at the longer end of that range. The exact time depends on the size of the gap and how much other movement is needed.
Wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day is key. If you leave them out too often, the teeth will not keep up with the plan and treatment will take longer.
When is Invisalign Unable To Close a Gap After Tooth Extraction?
Invisalign may not be able to close a gap after tooth extraction if the space is very wide, the nearby teeth have already tipped badly, or the bone in the area has shrunk. Gaps left open for years are often the hardest to close.
Invisalign may also not be the best option if:
- The gap is from a large back molar
- Closing it would make your bite worse
- You have active gum disease that needs treating first
- You would struggle to wear the aligners for most of the day
In these cases, your dentist may suggest fixed braces or options such as dental implants or bridges.
Should I Close the Gap with Invisalign or Replace the Tooth?
Whether you close the gap with Invisalign or replace the tooth depends on where the gap is and how your bite works. If the tooth was removed to make room for crowded teeth, closing the gap with Invisalign is normally the plan.
If the tooth was lost through decay or injury, replacing it may be better. A dental implant or dental bridge can fill the space without moving the other teeth. Sometimes Invisalign is used first to make the space the right size for an implant.
Leaving the gap alone is rarely a good idea. Nearby teeth can lean into the space, and the opposite tooth can drift out of position.
Does it Hurt When Invisalign Closes Gaps After Tooth Extraction?
No, it does not usually hurt when Invisalign closes gaps after tooth extraction, but you may feel some pressure or tenderness – but this is normal with Invisalign treatment and shows the aligners are working.
The discomfort may be for a day or two after you switch to a new set of aligners and then it fades as your teeth settle. Eating softer foods and taking a simple painkiller, if you need one, can help during these first few days.
Your dentist will normally wait for the extraction site to heal before starting or continuing treatment. This keeps you comfortable and gives the teeth healthy gum and bone to move through.
How Do I Stop the Gap Coming Back After Invisalign?
You can typically stop the gap coming back after Invisalign by wearing a retainer once your treatment is finished. Teeth that have moved a long way, such as those closing an extraction gap, are more likely to drift back.
Most people wear a clear retainer at night after Invisalign treatment. Some also have a thin wire fixed behind the teeth to hold them in place.
During this kind of treatment it is worth looking after your gums too. Healthy gums and bone help keep teeth stable, so keep up with brushing, cleaning between your teeth and regular check-ups.
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