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How-To-Fix-A-Small-Gap-After-Braces

How To Fix A Small Gap After Braces?

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Note: This article is only to guide and increase your knowledge. Before taking any action, you can consult “drhealthandbeauty” doctors or your doctor for treatment.

A brace or orthosis improves biomechanical function, encourages proper joint alignment, or protects an existing limb.

An orthosis is the correct term for a device applied externally. Still, small gaps may appear after treatment is completed.

Many patients face the challenge of closing small spaces between teeth even after using braces for months or years. In this article, we examine the reasons for gaps after braces.

Table of Contents
How-To-Fix-A-Small-Gap-After-Braces 05

Why do small gaps appear after braces?

Sometimes, small cracks are created after braces. Even though braces are used to accuratly align the teeth, there are several reasons why a gap develops after braces:

Natural movement of teeth:

The covering of our teeth is stiff and rigid, but they are connected to flexible ligaments underneath. These ligaments are elastic enough to allow braces or aligners to hold your teeth in place. However, the same flexibility means they can also be moved afterwards. When the straightening treatment is finished, your teeth are no longer under pressure.  

As a result, a sudden lack of support can lead to moving your teeth and become misaligned. The amount of movement varies depending on your teeth and the treatment you have received.  Despite using braces, you may think that your teeth have not changed position. In the article “Why Are Braces Not Moving My Teeth?” You will find the cause of this problem.

Chewing:

When you take a bite, your teeth are under pressure, which can cause them to move.

Speaking:

You use your tongue and facial muscles to communicate.

Tooth loss:

Tooth loss can cause gaps in your smile. Other teeth are often moved to fill the extra space.

Ageing:

As you age, the structure of your face changes. This displacement can change your jaw and the alignment of your teeth.

Grinding teeth:

this is a condition in which you unconsciously press or grind your teeth together. This excessive pressure can destroy your smile and cause your teeth to shift.

Gum disease:

Without proper oral and dental hygiene, you can get gingivitis and other forms of gum disease. Left untreated, your gums loosen around your teeth, allowing them to shift.

How-To-Fix-A-Small-Gap-After-Braces 02

How can retainers help close small cracks?

Before answering this question, it is better to know that “age” is one of the important factors in the effectiveness of braces. So you might be asking yourself: “At What Age Do Braces Stop Working?“. You will find the answer in the relevant article.

But in answer to this question, as you know, retainers are used as supplements to orthodontic treatments. Most retainers are moulded plastic and consist of multiple wires. These devices are made in such a way that they stay on the teeth and maintain their position after completing orthodontics. These devices cannot move the teeth in a straight position or close the gap between the teeth.

Suppose your orthodontist notices a gap after braces. In that case, he may recommend a modified retainer to apply gentle pressure and close the space.

Two kinds of preservatives can have impact in this situation:

Fixed retainers: A small wire attached to the back of the teeth can hold them in place and help move them to close minor gaps.

Movable retainers: These can be adjusted to apply pressure on specific teeth and help them move closer together.

Continuous retainer wear is often suitable to close the small aperture without extra treatments.

Can clear aligners fix a small gap after braces?

In choosing the type of treatment to align the teeth, the “pain level” can be decisive. So you might ask yourself: “What Is More Painful, Braces Or Invisalign?“. Anyway, clear aligners is a popular dental procedure that corrects misalignment and aligns teeth in an aesthetically pleasing way that is useful for oral health.

In that regard its success rate is very high, making it a popular method. This solution is appreciated not only for its efficiency but also for the convenience and comfort it offers compared to traditional braces.

Using Invisalign to correct gapped teeth is simple and promising solution. they are custom-made for each patient, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal results.

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How long does it take to fix small cracks after braces?

It depends on the chosen treatment method. as follow:

Retainer: If you use a retainer to close the gap, it may take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the size of the gap and consistent use.

Clear aligners: For minor gaps, this treatment usually need between 6 and 12 months, although In minor cases it require less time.

Bonding or veneers: These cosmetic treatments are quick fixes and can fix the gap in just one visit.

Your orthodontist or dentist will provide a more exact time estimate based on your specific treatment option and individual case.

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Are there home remedies for small gaps between teeth after braces?

 Most methods of treating the gaps between the teeth are performed in clinics or dental offices. But there are some home remedies if the gap between the teeth is minimal.

If there is a significant gap between your teeth, we suggest you don’t use home remedies. Home methods may not be effective for everyone. DIY brackets, also called dental tape, are usually used to close the gap between teeth at home. Dental tape is an adhesive-like device that is placed around your teeth.

Home methods usually do not work quickly, and it takes some time to see the distance between two adjacent teeth decrease. In general, we do not recommend using home methods. You should use home remedies when you know the gum bone tissue and all the factors affecting the distance between the teeth.

The disadvantages of these methods can be more than their benefits. We will examine them below:

  • Tooth movement in unwanted directions
  • Root or gum damage.
  • Increased spacing or other alignment problems.

If you are concerned about a gap after braces, consult a dental professional to determine the safest and most effective course of action.

Frequently Question

Is orthodontics the only way to close the gap between teeth?

No, other methods exist, such as tooth bonding, tooth retainer, veneer, etc.

 

What is the best way to close the gap between the teeth?

Despite the high cost of closing the gap between teeth in orthodontics, it is the most effective and lasting treatment method because it can solve other problems simultaneously, such as not having straight and crowded teeth and even jaw mismatch.

While composite usually has a life span of 6 years, it is often necessary to refer again for repair. Of course, it cannot be denied that it is a faster and cheaper method. Indeed, if a frenectomy is needed, it cannot be replaced by any method.

 

What should be done to eliminate tooth gaps at home?

You can use DIY brackets or dental tape to close the tooth gap at home.

 

What is the most convenient and cost-effective way to fill the gap between teeth?

The dentist can make a special retainer for your teeth that you can remove whenever necessary.

 

What is the care after dental bonding?

A bonded tooth does not require special care. Just take care of your overall oral hygiene: brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once daily. Also, you should wash your mouth once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash and see a doctor often to clean and check your teeth.

Conclusion

In the whole world, a smile is considered an essential component. It is often the first thing that people pay attention to about you. Don’t let a little space between the teeth deprive you of this good feeling.

The distance between two teeth is called Diastema. This distance is usually between two front and upper teeth. Still, it may exist abnormally between any of the adjacent teeth. Small gaps may also exist after braces, and this gap will affect your beautiful smile.

Using different types of braces is one of the effective treatments for correcting these disorders. If you are in doubt about which type of braces will work best, reading the article “Do Metal Braces Work Better Than Ceramic?” will cleared your doubt.

However, there may be small gaps between your teeth after using braces. There are many ways to eliminate these gaps that we have discussed in this article.

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Author and specialist

Dr. Majid Zahrabi,

Neurosurgeon

  • Board Certified Neurosurgeon
  • DHA certificate holder
  • Plantation certificate holder, France
  • Certified holder of Discogol, France
  • A pioneer in the non-surgical treatment of disc herniation in the Middle East and CIS countries.
  • Under the training and coaching of Professor Jacques Theron (founder of Discogel Therapy) since 2008
  • More than 400 successful cervical and 1300 lumbar discogel injections
  • Trained and certified several neurosurgeons and spine surgeons in the Middle East and CIS countries for the treatment of Discogel
  • Strong belief in patient-centered care planning and participation
  • Neurosurgeon and spine surgeon at Imam Khomeini and Amir Mazandarani Hospital, Sari, Iran, with more than 430 surgeries annually, 2000-2011
  • Neurosurgeon and spine surgeon at Farmaniyeh, Nikan and Yas Sepid Hospital, Tehran, Iran, with more than 400 surgeries annually, 2011-2012
  • Neurosurgeon at Iranian Hospital, Dubai, 2022-2023
  • Since 2015, he has been working as a reference doctor for the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation with Discogel and has trained many doctors of spine-related specialties in various countries of the Middle East and CIS in person/practically and online.

 

Education:

  • Individual training sessions under the direct supervision of Professor Jacques Theron in Discogel treatment, 2008-2020
  • Training sessions under the supervision of Professor Thierry Boye on spinal implants, 2007
  • Participation and presentation in several national and international medical and neuro-spinal conferences
  • Board certificate by Iran Neurosurgery Board, 2001
  • Neurosurgery assistant training course, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, 1996-2001 (In 2001, he graduated from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with the first rank in the country.
  • His thesis the titled:The Application of human amniotic membrane in repair of dura matter in dogs.” ( It was happening for the first time in the world. )
  • General medical education, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran, 1984-1993

 

Published books:

  • CT scan of the brain for doctors
  • Etiology and treatment of painful spine disorders
  • Atlas of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of spine disorders
  • The most common mistakes in the treatment of spinal disorders
  • Reading brain CT scan in simple language (3rd place in the book of the year)
  • Treatment of head and spine injuries

 

Publications and articles:

  • Bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of DISCOGEL® (https://www.researchgate.net/)
  • Muscle recovery, reduction of pain, and improvement of movement strategies in patients with lumbar discopathy after injection of Discogel.
  • The article on the initial results of the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation with discogel injection, which won the second-best poster rank at the Pan Arab International Congress of Interventional Radiology (March 14-16, 2015) and was accepted for presentation at the Chicago Pain Congress.
  • The use of human amniotic membrane in dura mater repair in dogs, a study for the first time in the world.

 

Lectures:

  • Annual Congress of Physiotherapists of Iran, 2019
  • Chicago International Pain Congress, 2019
  • Iran International Pain Management Congress, 2018
  • Annual Congress of Physiotherapists of Iran, 2018
  • Presentation of Discogel as an innovative solution for the treatment of spinal disc herniation in Armenia for orthopedic specialists and neurosurgeons, 2017
  • First Live Workshop and Seminar on Minimally Invasive Disc Therapy (DISCON), 2017
  • Presentation of Discogel as an innovative solution for the treatment of spinal disc herniation in Azerbaijan for orthopedic specialists and neurosurgeons, 2016
  • Seminar of Iranian official managers, 2016
  • Presentation of Discogel as an innovative solution for the treatment of spinal disc herniation in Tajikistan for orthopedic specialists and neurosurgeons, 2016
  • International Neurological Intervention Congress in Iran, 2014
  • Educational seminar for nurses on treatment approaches for head and spine trauma, 2014
  • Educational seminar for general practitioners on treatment approaches for head and spine trauma, 2014
  • Speech at the Retraining Seminar for General Practitioners and Specialists in Dubai (Discon) in 2017
  • Speech in the internal retraining courses of Irani Hospital, Dubai
  • Holding lecture sessions and practical workshops on the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation with discogel injection in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Oman, and Armenia during the years 2015 to 2021.
  • Giving a lecture and holding a practical workshop for neurosurgeons in Vietnam at Ho Chi Minh City University in 2023

Dr. Majid Zohrabi started treating his patients in Dubai in 2022 and continues his activities in private medical centers in the UAE.