Can I Keep My Diastema Front Tooth Gap During Invisalign® Treatment?

Invisalign® straightens the teeth, closes gaps, and corrects alignment issues using a system of clear aligners, making it a great option for those who want discreet orthodontic treatment. Although closing gaps between teeth is an option with Invisalign, not everyone wants to lose the gap between their front teeth.

At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, Invisalign customizations can be made to preserve a smile defining gap between the front teeth while correcting alignment and straightening the teeth. If you’re interested in keeping your diastema front tooth gap during Invisalign treatment, our Philadelphia, PA, Bala Cynwyd, PA, and Bensalem, PA, orthodontists can help you achieve your smile goals. 

What Is a Diastema?

A diastema is a gap between teeth. They can occur between any teeth but are most common between the two front teeth. This type of diastema is called a midline diastema.

Most of the time diastemas pose no risk to oral health but sometimes they develop as a result of gum disease. While many midline diastemas are genetic, they can form as a result of thumb-sucking or from an abnormal swallowing reflex.

Diastemas and Identity

There are many reasons someone may want to keep their midline diastema. For some, a front tooth gap is something that makes their smile uniquely them. For others, a front tooth gap can hold cultural significance.

As pointed out in a report by Huffpost, a large front tooth gap is seen as a symbol of beauty and wealth in some African cultures. In fact, front tooth diastemas are so desired in Nigeria that some people undergo procedures to artificially create a diastema.

Preserving a Diastema During Invisalign

A diastema between the front teeth can carry a lot of cultural significance. Other times it’s a unique feature that’s a part of someone’s identity. Sometimes it’s both. Whatever the reason, anyone who wants to keep their diastema during Invisalign treatment should be able to.

Invisalign treatment is customized to meet the needs and smile goals of each patient, making it possible for patients to keep their diastemas. Patients who want to keep their diastema should speak with their dentist before undergoing Invisalign to make their goals known.

When it’s known that a patient wants to keep their diastema, Invisalign aligners can be made to straighten the teeth while leaving the diastema alone. Once the aligners are ready, they must be worn at all times except when eating and brushing and flossing the teeth. Aligners are changed about every two weeks to gradually correct the position of the teeth while leaving the diastema open. Aligners are worn until the desired results are achieved. This can take about six to 18 months, depending on how much correction the teeth need.

After Invisalign treatment, patients can feel more confident showing off their diastema and straight teeth.

Schedule a Consultation

It’s possible to have a straighter smile while keeping a midline diastema with Invisalign treatment. For more information or to find out if Invisalign is right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics.