Orthodontics for Diastema: How Long Does Treatment Take in Indianapolis, IN

A diastema is a space or gap between two teeth and can be seen in children as well as adults, explains a dentist in Indianapolis, IN. Though it can occur between any two teeth, the spaces are most pronounced and problematic if they form in between your upper front teeth. A diastema may not be dangerous, but it can negatively impact a person’s self-esteem and confidence in social situations. Those in Indianapolis, IN looking to bridge the gap between their smile will have access to a long list of different types of orthodontic solutions with a range of treatment times and routes.

Orthodontic Treatment Options

A wide range of orthodontic treatments for diastema in Indianapolis are from traditional braces to modern clear aligners. Common metal bracket braces, over time gently shifting teeth to get the perfect smile. This typically works for more severe cases or where there are other orthodontic problems involved as well.

For a more aesthetically pleasing version of these, consider clear aligners like Invisalign. The clear aligners will fit comfortably over your teeth and be worn every two weeks to gently move them into a more aligned position. Ironically, aligners are ideal for adults and adolescents; they benefit them the most as these clear trendy devices look discreet while removable.

How Long Does Diastema Orthodontics Take?

The duration of orthodontic treatment for diastema can vary depending on the size of the gap, what type and method is used to fix dental gaps in diastemas, then finally individual patient factors such as how adherent a person may well be with therapy planning. Here are the options and the time they take:

Traditional Braces

The period that it takes to close a diastema with traditional braces varies from six months up until two years. While smaller gaps may close in as little as seven weeks, others requiring more complex orthodontic corrections could take longer. Ongoing appointments with orthodontists in Indianapolis are to adjust the braces and track progress.

Clear Aligners

Invisalign typically provides a comparable treatment timeframe with most cases corrected in six months to two years. Yet, the exact range may differ with different aligner systems and how large of a gap there is to close. With aligners, compliance is the name of the game too – they need to be worn for 20-22 hours each day to work. Those who follow their orthodontist’s directives exactly are more likely to get results quicker.

Post-Treatment Retention

Because, after closing the diastema it is very important to take good care of those spaces. Orthodontic retainers are custom-made devices, usually made of wires or clear plastic that hold teeth in position after they have been straightened with orthodontics. Retainers are usually removable, though sometimes the orthodontist will prescribe fixed retainers as well and you must wear your retainer according to instructions for this therapy to work over a long period. The length of the retention period can widely vary from a couple of months to several years, and some patients are informed that they have to wear retainers while sleeping indefinitely.

Indianapolis, IN orthodontic care for diastema may include multiple options and treatment timelines. Whether via traditional braces or clear aligners, orthodontics offers several paths to get a straighter smile. Although some Invisalign treatment lengths may last between a few weeks to more than two years, the overall result is always an enhanced smile and oral health. A consultation with an experienced orthodontist will create a customized plan to help determine the best course of action for your specific needs and goals.