Why Are My Braces Not Closing The Spaces Between My Teeth?

When will the gaps between my teeth close up? Why do I feel that the gaps are closing too slowly? Patients are often worried that gaps between the teeth won’t close up after tooth extractions. So what’s the solution to this problem?

Gaps Between Teeth Will Close Up

In most cases a orthodontist will design a treatment plan depending on how overcrowded or protruding the teeth are. Even when the treatment plan includes tooth extractions the orthodontist will have designed a treatment which will take into account how the teeth will shift into the correct position and close spaces between the teeth.

What should I do if the gaps have not closed up?

It’s recommended that you should ask your orthodontist whether the treatment has reached the stage where the gaps between the teeth should have closed up. Generally speaking after tooth extractions it is after the teeth have shifted into the correct position that the gaps will then close up. It takes time for the gaps to slowly close up for some patients it can take a few months and for other patients it can take over a year.

Even just for closing the gaps between teeth it will also depend on the size of the gap. In most cases teeth can only shift a few millimeters at a time, closing gaps between teeth too quickly can lead to alveolar bone resorption which is not good for the teeth.

However, if the treatment has reached the stage where the gaps should have closed up but there are still gaps what should you do? In such cases you would have to see your orthodontist to see what options are available, methods such as the use of orthodontic bone anchors.

If your orthodontist is unable to treat the gaps between the teeth then you should consider contacting another orthodontist and you would have to go through a second round of orthodontic treatment. Therefore, before going through with any orthodontic treatment at dental clinics it’s crucial to make sure that the orthodontist is qualified and professional. 

Should You Get Veneers or Braces to Fix Gaps in Teeth?

For gaps between teeth is it better to get braces or veneers? A dentist will advise which option is better depending on the size of the gaps. For small gaps then veneers are suitable, for larger gaps then braces would be a better option.

The most commonly used methods for closing gaps between teeth are braces and veneers. However, in terms of costs and time scale then patients need to think it through before making the decision.

1. Braces to Fix Gaps in Teeth

Advantages: There is no need to remove enamel and will not damage the teeth. Braces will maintain the outer appearance of the teeth but will shift the teeth into the right positions. If the teeth are also overcrowded then braces will also sort out the problem.

Disadvantages: The biggest disadvantage with braces is that it will take at least a year for the treatment to close gaps between the teeth. Also braces can’t change the overall outer appearance of teeth. Getting braces is also much more expensive.

2. Veneers to Fix Gaps in Teeth

Advantages: Veneers can be fitted and completed in 1 to 2 weeks. The results are instant which is suitable for patients who want an instant solution. Veneers can improve the overall outer appearance of teeth as it cover the surface of the natural teeth.

Disadvantages: For veneers a layer of enamel will have to be removed from the surface of the tooth. After veneers are fitted patients will have to take extra care with oral hygiene and avoiding hard foods as this can damage the veneer. For gaps between teeth which are over 2mm then veneers are not suitable. 

Which Type of Braces Are Best?

For patients who are looking into orthodontic treatment there is a wide range of braces to choose from. With the different demands and requirements of patients, the orthodontist will choose braces that best fit the criteria. So here is the different orthodontic braces which are available. So exactly which braces are best for money? This will completely depend on the patient’s case, requirements and budget.

There are currently 6 types of braces:

1. Traditional Metal Braces

2. Ceramic Braces

3. Self-ligating Metal Braces

4. Self-ligating Ceramic Braces

5. Lingual Braces

6. Clear Aligners

Price

Traditional metal braces are the cheapest followed by ceramic brace, self-ligating metal braces, self-ligating ceramic braces, clear aligners and lingual braces are the most expensive.

Results

In terms of results the traditional braces give the best resultsfollowed by the self-ligating metal braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating ceramic braces and lastly clear aligners.

Aesthetics

For those who are wanting the invisible braces look then lingual braces are considered the most concealed followed by clear aligners, ceramic self-ligating braces, ceramic braces, traditional metal braces and finally the metal self-ligating braces.

With the different types of braces there are pros and cons, also orthodontic treatment takes 1 to 2 years to complete. Therefore, when it comes to choosing the right braces this is crucial. If you’re not particularly bothered by the metal mouth look and guaranteed results then the self-ligating braces are the best option.

If you still think the metal is still obvious but still want the self-ligating brackets then you could also choose the self-ligating ceramic braces where only the metal wire is visible to the eye. For those who have the money and want the most discreet look then lingual braces is the best choice followed by clear aligners。

What Type of Retainer is Best?

The most important thing after removing braces is preventing the teeth from shifting, in order to keep the teeth in place a retainer must be worn. However, when it comes down to choosing which type of retainer is best?

There are many types of retainers we’ll take a look at three of the most common and  you can determine which one might best suit your needs.

Metal Retainers are Better Than Clear Plastic Retainers?

The 3 main types of retainers used today are: Hawley retainer, clear retainer and fixed retainer. The Hawley retainer and fixed retainer are made of metal and the clear retainer is made of plastic.

Hawley Retainer Vs Clear Retainer

The Hawley retainer and clear retainer are both removable which makes it convenient. The Hawley retainer has wires that go around the teeth so in terms of aesthetics it’s not the best. However, the Hawley retainer is durable and adjustments can be made more easily.

In comparison to the Hawley retainer, the clear retainer is made of plastic and is similar to Invisalign which is virtually invisible when worn, but the biggest disadvantage is that it doesn’t have a long life span compared to traditional retainers.

Fixed Retainer Vs Clear Retainer

Both the fixed retainer and clear retainer are virtually invisible to the eye. The fixed retainer is fitted on the back of the teeth and can’t be removed whereas the clear retainer can be removed. In terms of results, the fixed retainer will keep the teeth in place better as it can’t be removed. The clear retainer can be damaged and lost so compared with the fixed retainer it’s not so convenient.

Therefore, different types of retainers have their pros and cons, so it’s best to ask your orthodontist which retainer is best for you.  

How X-rays Work for Braces

What examinations need to be done before orthodontic treatment? For example panoramic x-rays, cephalometric projections and take molds of the teeth. Once you have made up your mind that you want to go ahead with orthodontic treatment then you will need x-rays taken before treatment can begin.

A lot of patients ask why x-rays need to be taken before orthodontic treatment. The reason x-rays are taken is to see if there are any underlying problems with your teeth.

Why x-rays are taken?

Orthodontic treatment involves wearing braces which makes the teeth move into the correct position. How long you need to wear braces for and how much force is needed to straighten out the teeth will depend on your treatment plan. The use of x-rays can provide the orthodontist with imaging of your teeth to provide the best treatment plan. Professional orthodontist will carry out examinations, take x-rays and treat cavities and periodontal disease before fitting braces.

What types of x-ray need to be taken?

In most cases panoramic x-rays and cephalometric projections are taken. Panoramic x-rays are used to take a full view of the mouth, the image will not only allow the orthodontist to see the number of teeth but also show if there are any missing teeth, highlight any bone loss, supernumerary teeth and impacted teeth. The x-rays will allow orthodontists to diagnose if there are any other problems with the teeth.

Cephalometric projections are used by an orthodontist to show the degree of deformity in the upper and lower jaw. With the use of other examinations along with the cephalometric projections the orthodontist will be able to diagnose whether it’s dental malformation or a jaw problem. It could also be a combination of both, therefore the cephalometric projections can help with diagnosing the complexity of the treatment plan.

Of course, other types of x-rays may also be used and will depend on the Individual case. In more complex cases CT scans may also be taken, CT scans are slightly more expensive compared to x-rays which cost approximately 150 Yuan, so there is no need to worry. 

Do Orthodontic Clear Aligners Work?

Over the past few years the growing popularity of plastic clear braces professionally known as orthodontic aligners has taken orthodontic care to a new level. However, a lot of patients often ask do plastic aligners work as effectively as traditional braces?

The latest trend in orthodontics is the clear plastic aligners and costs are more expensive than traditional braces so no wonder patients are worried about results! So here is a quick guide and breakdown of how clear aligners work.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?  

Clear aligners are “custom- made” for every patient. Dentists will use the i-Tero scanner to create 3D digital images of the teeth and patients can even see the before and after results. After, the orthodontist will devise a treatment plan depending on the position of the teeth and mapping out how the teeth will shift with the use of different aligners at certain stages.  

Patients usually switch to a new set of aligners every 2 weeks according to the advice of their orthodontist. Though it must be emphasized that aligners must be worn at least for 20 – 22 hours a day.

How effective clear aligners are will depend on the following:

1. How often patients wear the aligners: Each set of aligners apply different amounts of pressure and forces to create predictable teeth movement so this will require patients to wear the aligners accordingly. If patients do not wear aligners for the recommended time or as advised by the orthodontist they may experience problems when they try to put on the new set of aligners.

2. Are clear aligners suitable for the patient: A orthodontist will have to carry out an examination to determine whether the patient is suitable. If clear aligners is not an option for the patient and they are adamant that they want to go through with the treatment it will not give effective results.

3. Persistence of Patients: With clear aligners patients have to be willing and persisting with wearing the aligners. Straightening the teeth with aligners can take between 1 - 2 years so patients have to be determined to see the treatment to the end.

4. Wearing retainers: Once the orthodontic treatment has finished the importance of wearing a retainer is top priority. The retainer can be made of different materials and during the first 6 months it is advised that you wear your retainer as advised if not the teeth will shift.

Maxillary Expansion Vs Tooth Extraction in Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment works usually by using braces to make the teeth move slowly into the correct position. However, if there are no gaps and the teeth are overcrowded, there is no way to correct them. This is when methods such as maxillary expansion and tooth extraction are used to create space between teeth. So which is better maxillary expansion or tooth extraction?

  

What is Maxillary Expansion?

Firstly, let’s talk about the dental arch, the mouth has two curved arches: the maxilla and the mandible, when the teeth in the dental arch are aligned correctly they are straight, uniformed and also symmetrical. The size of the arch usually determines the number of teeth that can be accommodated.

  

Maxillary expansion is carried out when the upper jaw is too narrow in comparison to the lower jaw. This procedure is done by using an expansion appliance to create more space for crowded teeth to move into the correct position.

Tooth Extraction

Extractions in orthodontics usually involves extracting the premolars that have less effect on the aesthetics and chewing. In most cases 4 premolars are removed to create room for the anterior teeth which can resolve the problem of overcrowded teeth.

Tooth extraction creates more space for teeth, whereas maxillary expansion is more suitable for cases with small gaps. Moreover, tooth extraction is irreversible but  using an expansion appliance for maxillary expansion can result in relapse. Therefore, whichever method is used you must listen and cooperate with your orthodontist.

A professional orthodontist will choose the method which is best for your treatment plan. To create small gaps between the teeth maxillary expansion and possibly interproximal reduction can be used. To make more space for teeth then extractions will be done for more serious cases such as overcrowded and protruding front teeth.  

Getting Braces is Affordable

Is 10,000RMB enough to fix my teeth? Will 20,000RMB cover the costs? During dental inquiries this is the most frequently asked questions by patients. But in fact, for those who want to fix their teeth on a budget it is still possible.

After hearing the costs for braces the first thing that comes to mind for patients is the costs. Why are braces so expensive? You don’t have the money for braces? So can you still get braces even if you’re tight on a money budget?

Are you really short of money?

Are you really living on a budget or are you just bad at budgeting yourself? Something to think about carefully, a lot of patients actually can afford to get their teeth treated but spend their money on other aspects which they think are more worth their value or they spend money that they don’t think about and then at the end of the month they find their budget is completely blown. Fixing your teeth is affordable you just have to budget carefully.

You can pay for braces in installments

Orthodontic treatment is not as expensive as most patients think. For example traditional braces cost approximately between 10,000 RMB to 20,000 RMB. Even if you don’t have savings but each month if you budget well enough with your wages and save over a few months you will have the money for orthodontic treatment.

More importantly you can pay for braces in installments, which means you don’t need to make the full payment all in the one go. The first payment you make is only a proportion of the total payment. The remaining payments for the braces are made with each appointment you attend. Orthodontic treatment usually takes 1 to 2 years, so with payments being made across this time schedule and making payments only when you come in for appointments it’s affordable for most people.

Therefore, if you want your teeth straightened and living on a limited budged, you can contact us for more information and our professional orthodontists will tailor a treatment plan that fits in with your budget and paying in installments. 

Costs of Fillings & Tooth Extractions Included in Orthodontic Treatment?

During your orthodontic consultation, your orthodontist will devise a treatment plan for your teeth. Whether this treatment requires extraction of teeth, fillings or other treatments your orthodontist will give you a price estimation.

Extra Costs for Extractions & Fillings?

Generally speaking before carrying out the orthodontic treatment the orthodontist will tell you which treatments will be carried out and detailing costs. This means that any costs incurred for extractions, fillings, scale and polish or periodontal treatment you will be told in advance.

Different clinics and stomatological hospitals will have different fees and policies. Some dental clinics include fillings and tooth extractions in their orthodontic treatment prices whereas other clinics charge for each treatment separately. Therefore, during consultations it’s best to ask the orthodontist about costs and what is included in the treatment and what needs to be paid for separately.

Strictly speaking tooth extractions and fillings are not usually done by orthodontists, for example tooth extractions require patients to be referred to oral surgeons and fillings need to be carried out by a general dentist or the department of endodontics. So it is understandable that for treatment of cavities and extractions before orthodontic treatment that these costs are not covered.

Tip: Before going through with any type of treatment, it’s best to go through a consultation with the clinic or stomatological hospital to ensure they are professional and treatment costs are discussed. 

What You Need to Know About Braces & Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment isn’t simply just getting braces fitted, from the consultation stage to designing the treatment there are a lot of factors to consider. Getting braces is a nerve wracking experience for most people so here’s a simple guide so you know what to expect and can alleviate some of your anxiety.

1. Examination & Consultation

At your first appointment the orthodontist will take a look at your teeth and also take some x-rays and a mold of your teeth. They will then advise on a treatment plan designed just for you.

2. Treatment of Cavities & Gum Disease

Prior to orthodontic treatment if the patient has cavities or gum disease these need to be treated before any of the orthodontic treatment can begin.

3. Preparation for Braces

According to the treatment plan if your dentist advises that you need to have teeth removed this will need to be done over a few appointments, this includes removing wisdom teeth. If your teeth don’t need to be removed the orthodontist may carry out interproximal reduction where they remove enamel between the teeth.

4. Placing the Braces

Once the surface of the teeth have been conditioned and brackets are placed on the determined areas the wires will then be placed into the brackets. To begin with it will take time to adjust to braces, the teeth will feel pressure and discomfort. You may also find that sores or ulcers develop in the mouth this is normal.   

5. Appointments

Once the braces have been fitted you will need to go back to your orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks. During the appointments the orthodontist will adjust the wires in order for the teeth to continue to move. The orthodontist will also advise about oral hygiene during appointments.

6. Removal of Braces & Retainer

Once your teeth have been straightened which can take between 1 or 2 years the braces can be removed. However, once the braces have been removed you need to wear a retainer. During the first 6 months to a year the teeth can still shift so you must wear your retainer to prevent this from happening.

For more information about getting braces you need to contact a professional orthodontist who can provide you a treatment plan that is tailor-made for you.