Sachar Dental NYC
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All the below content has been written by NYC Dentist, Dr. Sandip Sachar.
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Invisalign Dentist NYC for gaps between the teeth
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Gaps between the teeth
What causes gaps between the teeth?
Can I fix my gapped teeth with Invisalign?
How does Invisalign straighten my teeth to close the gaps?
How long will it take for Invisalign to fix the gaps between my teeth?
How many hours per day should I wear my Invisalign aligners in order to correct the gaps between my teeth?
What is the best way to clean my Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign versus traditional metal braces for gapped teeth
Will I need to wear a retainer after my Invisalign treatment for gapped teeth?
What is the cost of Invisalign for gaps between my teeth in NYC?
Does insurance cover the cost for Invisalign for gapped teeth?
Why are we the best dentists in NYC for Invisalign for gapped teeth?
Picture description: Before and after pictures of patients treated with Invisalign for gaps between the teeth.
Are you self-conscious or embarrassed about gaps between your teeth? If you answered yes, you may be an excellent candidate for Invisalign for your gapped teeth. Invisalign is “The Clear Alternative to Braces!” Invisalign offers an easy and discrete way to straighten your teeth to close the gaps between them, and does not require the use of cumbersome metal braces. Invisalign may be the answer to that perfect smile that you have always wanted.
Gaps between the teeth
Gaps between the teeth exists when during development the teeth come in with spaces between two of more them. The medical term for gapping of the teeth is called diastema. Gaps between the teeth can permits food to get stuck between them and for the build-up of plaque and tartar. This can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Uneven spaces between the teeth can make them look unappealing and out of alignment. Patients report feeling insecure and embarrassed of gaps between the teeth. They wish to have a more cosmetic looking smile.
What causes gaps between the teeth?
Gapped teeth are almost always an inherited trait. In some rare circumstances, they may be caused by thumb sucking as an infant. Some theories are that gapped teeth may be related to a discrepancy between the size of the teeth, and the size of the jaw. Other theories discuss the position of the tongue in the mouth and the forces on the teeth. And finally, gapped teeth can be the result of severe gum disease with bone loss.
What are some problems associated with gapped teeth?
For majority of patients with gaps between the teeth, their only complaint is a cosmetic one. However, it is possible that having gapped teeth can cause food to get stuck between the teeth, leading to the build-up of plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar may lead to gum disease and tooth decay. In severe cases of gum disease with bone loss, the teeth may move resulting in gaps. This may be a sign of a larger underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
Why should I fix my gapped teeth?
A majority of patients come in to have their gapped teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons alone. Patients have told us many times that repairing their gapped teeth has increased their self-esteem and self-confidence. We have also seen patients that have come in with gaps between the teeth that have formed later in life as a result of severe gum disease and bone loss that need to be addressed.
Can I fix my gapped teeth with Invisalign?
At Sachar Dental NYC our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists have helped many people to close the gaps between their teeth. Invisalign offers an alternative to traditional metal braces that are less cumbersome and easier to tolerate. With the use of Invisalign clear and removable aligners, we are able to move the teeth to close the gaps between them. Invisalign is excellent and effective option for treating gaps between the teeth. Invisalign works well and on the top teeth, the bottom teeth or both.
It is a common misconception that Invisalign is only indicated for people with slightly crooked or gapped teeth. We have seen people with severely crooked teeth or large gaps between the teeth that have had excellent results with Invisalign. Our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists are experts in determining who is a good candidate for Invisalign who is not. With Invisalign, you can remove the gaps between the teeth discretely with nearly invisible aligners that can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. Invisalign removable aligners are an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces for closing gaps between the teeth.
For patients that have formed gaps between their teeth later in life due to bone loss and gum disease, we will address the underlying periodontal disease first.
How does Invisalign straighten my teeth to close the gaps?
Invisalign is excellent treatment option for gaps between the teeth. The use of Invisalign for gapped teeth is convenient, safe and easy. We will start by taking a mold of your gapped teeth to determine the starting point. Our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists will then develop a complete and comprehensive treatment plan to fix your gapped teeth. Invisalign clear and removable aligners will slowly move your teeth into the new desired position. Every patient requires a unique treatment plan for their unique teeth. Our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists will discuss your goals with you and make any recommendations in order to achieve that perfect smile.
Prior to starting any Invisalign treatment, we will take x-rays to identify any pathologies that may be present and also help us to develop your individual treatment plan. Many of our existing patients already have had x-rays taken during their routine checkups. We also take photographs from many different angles in order to document the initial gaps between your teeth and compare them to your final desired position of your teeth after Invisalign treatment. Along with a mold of your teeth, we will send photographs and x-rays to Invisalign in order for them for them to prepare the perfect aligners.
Once our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists have completed your individual and unique treatment plan, the Invisalign 3-D imaging software takes over. This patented software will perform a smile and bite analysis and map out the course of your treatment. This software enables us to view easily the position of each tooth along the course of your treatment. The software allows us to see what to expect at any given time interval.
Once we receive your clear and removable Invisalign aligners, we will have you come in for dispensing them and instructions. We will have you change them approximately every two weeks to the next aligner in sequence. Each of these clear aligners are designed specifically and carefully to move individual teeth into the exact desired position. Each aligner will provide the exact amount of force that is necessary to move each tooth into alignment. With Invisalign aligners, we are able to move individual teeth the perfect amount to close the gaps. Our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists are experts in determining which teeth to move, and when to move them.
We recommend that you wear your Invisalign clear removable aligners for 20-22 hours per day, taking them out only to floss, brush, eat and drink.
Every few weeks, we will ask you to come back in to our office so that we can monitor your progress and the movement of your teeth. Depending on your exact treatment plan, we may give you multiple trays and instruct you to change them every 2 weeks on your own between your appointments. For the more complex cases, we may have you come in more often so that we can monitor your progress and position of your teeth closely, and possibly make mid-course adjustments to your plan.
One important consideration that we take into account at Sachar Dental NYC, is the alignment of the top to the bottom teeth. If we close the gaps only on the top teeth, or only on the bottom teeth, we also must take into consideration how they align with each other when you bite. When you come in for consultation, we will figure out the best possible treatment plan to take this into consideration.
How long will it take for Invisalign to fix the gaps between my teeth?
Most patients will use the Invisalign aligners for between 6 and 12 months and rarely longer for more severe cases of gaps between the teeth.
How many hours per day should I wear my Invisalign aligners in order to correct the gaps between my teeth?
We recommend wearing your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours per day, and only taking them out when you are flossing, brushing, eating or drinking.
How often should I come in for dental appointments during my Invisalign treatment for gapped teeth?
We will schedule you to come in periodically during the course of your Invisalign treatment for gapped teeth. The length of time between appointments varies and will be determined by your Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists when they make your unique treatment plan. On each of the visits to our office during your Invisalign treatment, we will assess how your treatment is going and how your teeth are moving. Sometimes, we will perform a mid-course correction or refinement of your treatment plan. We may take new molds and refine your treatment and/or adjust your aligners. Occasionally, we may add attachments to certain teeth that allow the aligners to gently push these teeth into proper alignment more efficiently. These attachments allow the aligner to grip the tooth and move it better. They are barely noticeable.
Living with Invisalign aligners for gapped teeth
Compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners of much easier to tolerate. Invisalign aligners will be taken out when you eat, drink, floss and brush. Unlike traditional metal braces that are not able to be removed, Invisalign aligners allow for a much easier treatment course and better oral hygiene.
For a majority of patients, Invisalign treatment for gapped teeth will be pain-free. Some patients only experience mild temporary discomfort in the first few days of starting a new aligner. Most of these patients describe this as a feeling of mild pressure. Most patients report that they get used to the new aligner within a couple of days for changing. On occasion, some patients have told us that they feel like their teeth feel slightly loose when they remove their aligners. This is a completely normal feeling and occurs as a result of your gums reforming around the new alignment of your teeth as we close the gaps.
What is the best way to clean my Invisalign aligners?
We recommend that patients clean the Invisalign aligners whenever they take them out by brushing them and rinsing them in water.
Invisalign versus traditional metal braces for gapped teeth
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners move the teeth using a clear aligner that is removable. This allows patients to be able to floss and brush easily while fixing the gapped teeth. Another great advantage of being removable, is that Invisalign allows one to eat and drink normally without food restrictions that can be caused by wearing metal braces.
One of the most desirable advantages of Invisalign over traditional metal braces, is that Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually undetectable. They are not unsightly and cumbersome like traditional metal braces are. Many people may not even know that you are wearing them.
And finally, Invisalign removable aligners require many less trips to the dentist than traditional metal braces. Traditional metal braces require multiple trips to the dentist for wire adjustments. Also, wires may be sharp and cause irritation of the lips and gums. Invisalign aligners are very comfortable and do not cause this.
Will I need to wear a retainer after my Invisalign treatment for gapped teeth?
In order to prevent relapse and to maintain your new alignment of your teeth, it is necessary to wear a retainer at night after your Invisalign treatment is done.
What is the cost of Invisalign for gaps between my teeth in NYC?
There are two types of Invisalign treatments that we perform at Sachar Dental NYC, express Invisalign treatment and full Invisalign treatment. Express Invisalign treatment is used for the simpler cases of gapped teeth and does not require as much time or movement of the teeth as full Invisalign treatment cases. Our expert Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists will always inform you if you are a candidate for express Invisalign treatment during your initial consultation. Express Invisalign treatment takes approximately six months. Full Invisalign treatment is utilized for all other cases and takes between 6 and 12 months, and rarely more.
As of the time of this writing, in Midtown Manhattan, the cost range for Invisalign treatments is $3,000 - $6,000 for express Invisalign treatment, and $6,000 - $8,000 for full Invisalign treatment.
At Sachar Dental NYC our costs for Invisalign treatment of gaps between the teeth are:
- $4,500 for express Invisalign treatment
- $6,500 for full Invisalign treatment
Does insurance cover the cost for Invisalign for gapped teeth?
Many PPO dental insurance plans cover the cost Invisalign treatment at 50%-60%, up until your annual maximum. At Sachar Dental NYC, we always check your insurance benefits prior to your visit. We will let you know if Invisalign treatment is a covered service under your dental insurance, and also let you know what your out-of-pocket expenses will be prior to performing any procedure. We will submit a claim to your dental insurance and receive payment for the insurance portion directly from them. At the time your visit, you will only be responsible for your percentage out-of-pocket.
Can I use flexible spending dollars or a medical savings account for these charges?
Yes, you may be able to use your medical savings accounts or flexible spending dollars to cover charges related to your Invisalign treatment. At the time of your service, we will provide you with all the necessary documentation and receipts.
Do you offer payment plans for Invisalign treatment?
At Sachar Dental NYC, we offer interest free financing through Lending Club and Care Credit. In 15 minutes, we will let you know if you are approved for interest-free financing. These options will enable you to make payments over the next 12-18 months without any interest charged.
Why are we the best dentists in NYC for Invisalign for gapped teeth?
The Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists at Sachar Dental NYC have undergone extensive training in Invisalign treatment. With advanced training and experience of practicing in New York City for over two decades, they are able to visualize your perfect smile and your teeth without the gaps in advance. Every patient with gapped teeth will require a unique treatment plan. Our cosmetic dentists will discuss with you your desired goals to close the gaps between your teeth. We have performed many successful Invisalign treatments for gapped teeth.
Our cosmetic dentists have all undergone extensive cosmetic training at Spear Education for Advanced Dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona. This advanced training has allowed us to be experts in the alignment of your bite. It is very important to be taken into consideration the alignment of the bite between the top and bottom teeth when correcting gaps between them. During your consultation, our cosmetic dentists will explain to you in detail what is necessary to maintain the proper alignment after we close the gaps between the teeth.
As always at Sachar Dental NYC, our dentists and dental assistants are empathetic, compassion and have excellent bedside manner.