Aligner gapping refers to the occurrence of small gaps or spaces between your teeth and the aligner trays during orthodontic treatment with clear aligners like Invisalign or Angel Aligner. These gaps can indicate that the aligners are not fitting properly, which can affect the effectiveness of the treatment and potentially delay the progress of teeth movement.
1. Causes of Aligner Gapping
Inaccurate Fit:
- Manufacturing Tolerance: Clear aligners are custom-made based on digital scans of your teeth. However, slight inaccuracies during the manufacturing process can sometimes lead to aligners that don’t fit perfectly, resulting in gaps.
- Teeth Shape Changes: As your teeth move, their shapes and positions change. Sometimes, these changes can create an uneven fit if the aligners were not designed to accommodate these variations.
Failure to Wear Aligners Consistently:
- Inconsistent Wear: Aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours per day to apply consistent pressure on the teeth. If you don’t wear them as recommended, your teeth may not move as expected, leading to gaps between the aligners and teeth.
- Skipping Trays: Advancing to the next set of aligners too early, without allowing the teeth to fully move into the previous set’s position, can cause gapping.
Loss of Attachments:
- Attachment Issues: Attachments (small, tooth-coloured bumps) are often used to help guide tooth movement. If an attachment comes off or isn’t properly placed, the aligner might not fit as well, leading to gaps.
Teeth Not Moving as Expected:
- Resistance: Sometimes, teeth do not move as predicted due to biological factors, such as bone density or root shape. When this happens, the aligners may no longer fit snugly, leading to gaps.
2. Potential Issues with Aligner Gapping
Reduced Effectiveness:
- Impaired Tooth Movement: Aligner gapping reduces the amount of force applied to the teeth, which can slow down or stop the planned movement, potentially prolonging the treatment time.
- Inconsistent Pressure: Gaps can lead to uneven pressure on the teeth, causing them to move unpredictably or not at all.
Discomfort:
- Irritation: Misfitting aligners can cause discomfort or irritation to the gums and soft tissues of the mouth, as the edges of the aligners may rub against them.
- Difficulty Wearing Aligners: If gaps are significant, the aligners may feel loose or difficult to wear, which can be frustrating for the patient.
Risk of Treatment Delays:
- Prolonged Treatment: When gaps occur, it may take longer to achieve the desired results, as adjustments may be needed, including revising the aligner trays or introducing additional aligners to correct the issue.
- Need for Refinements: In some cases, significant gapping may require refinements, meaning additional aligners are created to get the treatment back on track, which can extend the overall treatment duration.
3. How to Address Aligner Gapping
Consult Your Orthodontist:
- Regular Check-Ups: It’s crucial to attend regular orthodontic check-ups, where your orthodontist can monitor the fit of your aligners and make adjustments if necessary. If you notice gaps, inform your orthodontist immediately.
- Assessing the Cause: Your orthodontist will determine the cause of the gapping and decide whether adjustments to the treatment plan or a new set of aligners is needed.
Ensure Consistent Wear:
- Follow Instructions: Wear your aligners as directed, for the full 22 hours per day. Consistent wear is key to preventing gaps and ensuring your teeth move according to plan.
- Avoid Skipping Trays: Do not move to the next set of aligners until your orthodontist advises you to do so, ensuring your teeth have properly adjusted to the current set.
Attachment Care:
- Check Attachments: Regularly check that your attachments are still in place and intact. If one falls off, contact your orthodontist to have it replaced as soon as possible.
- Proper Maintenance: Keep your aligners and attachments clean to prevent any issues that could affect their fit.
Consider Aligner Chewies:
- Using Chewies: Aligner chewies are small, cylindrical pieces of rubber that can help seat your aligners more snugly against your teeth. By biting down on the chewies, you can close any small gaps and ensure the aligners fit properly.
4. Conclusion
Aligner gapping is a common issue that can occur during clear aligner treatment, but it’s important to address it promptly to avoid delays in achieving your desired results. By following your orthodontist’s instructions, maintaining consistent wear, and attending regular check-ups, you can minimize the risk of gapping and ensure your treatment progresses smoothly. If you do experience gapping, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist for guidance and potential adjustments. At Broadbeach Orthodontics, we’re here to support you every step of the way to ensure you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
