According to a survey by Kelton Global, 48 percent of adults are more likely to remember your smile than any other feature after meeting you for the first time. If you don't smile because you're embarrassed about gaps between your front teeth, you could be missing out on making a lot of memorable first impressions. Even worse, gaps between your teeth could put you at high risk of dental health issues that could damage your smile even further. Thankfully, there is a way to fix gaps between teeth, even if you're well past adolescence.  

How to Fix Gaps Between Teeth

Invisalign braces can push gapped teeth together, gradually reducing the spaces between them to make a more even and attractive smile. Unlike traditional metal braces, which are very noticeable, Invisalign clear braces are almost invisible, making them a good choice for adults in professional roles.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

The length of treatment with Invisalign depends on how much your teeth have to move to close up the gaps. The best way to find out how long your treatment is likely to take is to consult a dentist, who can examine your teeth and work out how long you will need to wear the aligners to persuade your teeth to move into their correct positions. Note that this timescale is only an estimate: some people end up needing to wear clear braces for longer than they first expected to fix their gapped smile.

Why Fix Gaps Between Teeth

Gaps between your teeth don't just give your smile an uneven look. They could also put you at risk of developing problems with your gums. Teeth protect gums, which means that when you have an exposed section of gum tissue in a gap between teeth, it can be more vulnerable to problems such as periodontal pockets, where harmful plaque and tartar can gather, putting you at risk of periodontal disease.

Other Options for Fixing Gaps Between Teeth

If the gap between your teeth is due to a tooth extraction, a dental implant could be the best option for replacing the missing tooth and creating a gap-free smile. Dental implants protect your gums and the bone beneath them, keeping them strong and healthy so they can continue to support your other teeth.

Fixing Your Smile: The First Step

Whether you need a dental implant to replace a missing tooth or Invisalign treatment to even out your smile, it's important not to ignore the issue any longer. See a dentist to find out what your options are so you can get the smile you always wanted.