Tooth gap, or diastema, is a dental condition in which a visible space exists between two or more teeth, most often between the two front incisors (midline diastema). Don’t let the name fool you — although “diastema” sounds somewhat serious, it’s generally harmless. That said, if your tooth gap bothers you for any reason, correcting it is incredibly easy, regardless of your age.
Since diastemas are such a common and minor type of misalignment, there’s a whole world of treatment options to choose from. Invisalign is among the most popular methods for treating adult dental concerns, but frankly, with an average cost of $5,000, this robust treatment system isn’t always the right fit for simple spacing issues. With this in mind, let’s dive into the details of the Invisalign system and outline a few more affordable alternatives in case it’s not right for you.
Table of Contents
Is Invisalign Effective For Tooth Gaps?
Absolutely. Tooth gaps are considered a very minor dental issue, typically affecting only a few teeth. In fact, when it’s not accompanied by a bite misalignment or other complication, Invisalign’s “Express” alignment system can be a totally viable treatment method (more on this in a bit).
Invisalign has been producing impressive treatment results for diastema (and much more complex dental concerns) for over 20 years. And with advances in their technology, Invisalign has only become more effective. Today, it’s as ubiquitous a treatment as traditional braces, particularly when it comes to spacing issues.
For cases that call for more involved movement of the teeth or jaw, dentists can supplement with additions like elastics or Invisalign’s proprietary “Smartforce” attachments. These attachments are discreet tooth-colored devices that allow for more intricate movements. In other words, even if your diastema is accompanied by a more complicated issue (such as overjet or crossbite), Invisalign will be capable of producing the results you’re seeking.
All that said, these days, many other providers are offering clear teeth aligners. If you’re looking for a more affordable treatment method than Invisalign or are simply curious what other brands are out there, we encourage you to keep reading.
What Is It Like to Wear Invisalign?
The leading reasons adults often favor Invisalign over braces are that they’re clear and removable. This means they’re much less noticeable than metal (or ceramic) braces, and you can take them out to eat, brush your teeth, or even attend an important meeting or special occasion. If your treatment plan includes Smartforce attachments, these will remain fixed to your teeth for all or most of your treatment duration — but again, they are hardly noticeable.
Invisalign also tends to be more comfortable than braces. Since they’re made of plastic, Invisalign trays cause less irritation on the cheeks and tongue than the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces. This isn’t to say Invisalign doesn’t cause any discomfort whatsoever. Moving your teeth is going to result in some pain and discomfort, regardless of the dental appliance you select. But all in all, Invisalign tends to offer more comfort and flexibility to the user than conventional braces.
On the flip side, it’s worth keeping in mind that Invisalign treatment calls for a significant amount of discipline not required by traditional braces. Since Invisalign trays are removable, it’s up to you to keep them in your mouth for 22 hours each day in order to progress through the alignment process successfully. If you struggle to stay on top of things like this, Invisalign may be TOO flexible of an option for you.
In this case, it might be worth considering braces instead. These days, there are many more options available than the traditional metal braces you remember from your childhood. We go over the various types of braces that exist today (and much more) in our guide to correcting tooth gaps with braces.
Alternative Invisible Aligners
While Invisalign pioneered the clear aligner market and remains among the most popular providers, there are a few other clear aligner brands that can be administered by dentists around the country. Additionally, there’s a whole new industry on the rise for at-home teeth alignment that can be completed without ever having to visit a dentist.
Whether you’re simply interested in an alternative clear aligner brand or you’re looking to correct your tooth gaps from home, there’s most likely a solution on this list for you. Below, we’ve broken down the most common alternatives to Invisalign and several reasons you might consider going with one of these options instead.
ClearCorrect
Align Tech (makers of Invisalign) is no longer the only company that partners with dentists and orthodontists to provide treatment with clear aligners. Today, many dentists offer aligners produced by a Texas-based company called ClearCorrect.
Though comparable to Invisalign in terms of effectiveness, ClearCorrect aligners are made using a different material and production process. Their aligners are slightly thinner and said to be less noticeable, but some patients find them to cause a bit more soreness and sensitivity in the teeth and gums.
Although ClearCorrect is less well-known than Invisalign, some dental providers prefer these aligners because they cost significantly less to offer. Occasionally, these savings are passed along to the patient — but this depends on the particular dentist you’re working with, and the type of treatment plan you’ll require.
Express Aligners
Express aligners offer a shorter treatment period and more affordable pricing than traditional clear aligners. Most express systems include 5–15 sets of aligners (as opposed to the roughly 30 required for a full course Invisalign or ClearCorrect treatment) and come out to about half to two-thirds the cost of standard treatment.
Express alignment systems, which specifically target the front six teeth, are often a great option for correcting diastema. As long as your tooth gaps aren’t accompanied by another condition (like severe overjet or overbite), one of the express alignment plans below would likely be able to produce your desired results:
- Invisalign Express: Unsurprisingly, Invisalign offers their own express treatment option. Invisalign Express is often recommended for folks who fail to wear their retainers after braces. Whether or not you’ve had previous orthodontic treatment, though, Invisalign’s Express system may be a viable option for you. Most cases of tooth gap are fairly straightforward and don’t take very long to correct. Treatment with Invisalign Express typically costs between $1,800 and $3,500 and ranges from 3–9 months in duration.
- Simpli5: A competitor to Invisalign, Simpli5 offers fast-paced treatment plans that last just five months on average. Simpli5 costs significantly less than traditional Invisalign treatment, but just like Invisalign Express, is limited in capability and not well-suited to address more complex smile concerns. Pricing is typically a bit lower than Invisalign Express, averaging around $2,000.
- Six Month Smiles: Although best known for their braces treatment, Six Month Smiles also offers express clear aligner treatment. However, as with other express services, Six Month Smiles aligners are not nearly as robust as traditional clear aligner treatment. They’re also somewhat more expensive than other express options, averaging $3,500–$5,000 for a six-month course of treatment.
At-Home Invisible Aligners
In recent years, a number of online companies like SmileDirectClub and Byte have entered the industry to provide a more affordable option for adults seeking to straighten their teeth and correct spacing issues. Similar to the Invisalign treatment process, you’ll receive a set of clear, removable aligners customized to your teeth by a dental professional. But unlike Invisalign, your care will be handled entirely remotely and won’t require any trips to the dentist’s office.
Home alignment products are more affordable than any other corrective treatment option, with an average cost of just $1,900. The companies that sell home aligners typically provide an opportunity to review your expected results before purchasing a full course of treatment, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before moving forward. People with tooth gaps are optimal candidates for home aligners. Since it’s such a simple type of misalignment, some cases can be fully corrected in as little as three months.
To learn more about home teeth alignment, check out our review of the top services.
Other Treatment Options
Braces
If you think you’d have trouble integrating Invisalign into your day-to-day routine, it might be worth considering traditional braces instead. Braces are one of the most trusted and time-tested treatment options for teeth spacing. Adults might shy away from the metal brackets involved, but their transformative results are undeniable. Not to mention that recent dental technology has engendered the development of new, less visible styles, like clear braces that blend in with your teeth and lingual braces that are positioned behind them.
Traditional braces generally take 18–30 months and cost $3,000–$7,000 to achieve the desired results. However, teeth spacing cases are usually much simpler than bite misalignments, so they often fall into the lower end of both ranges. While they are slightly more intrusive and sometimes uncomfortable, braces are a reliable option for treating teeth spacing. Read more about types, effectiveness, outcomes, and much more in our guide to correcting tooth gaps with braces.
Veneers
Veneers can be a good option for anyone looking to transform their smile without physically shifting their teeth. These thin, strong pieces of porcelain are affixed to the front of your teeth, giving your smile an immediate makeover.
Adults that have less severe cases of spacing can opt for veneers to achieve visually impressive results. They give the appearance of a straight, gapless smile without the discomfort and time commitment of shifting teeth with braces or aligners. On the downside, veneers don’t solve the underlying issue and aren’t a permanent solution, lasting 7–20 years before they need to be replaced. Also, at $500–$2,000 per tooth, veneers are a quick route to a brand-new smile, but it’s worth considering whether you would rather put that money toward a more permanent fix.
Bonding
For very minor cases, specifically ones only involving the front four teeth, dentists can use a moldable, putty-like substance, very similar to the substance used to fill a cavity, to fill in the gaps. Once the spaces are filled, the dentist uses ultraviolet light to harden the substance. Bonding is both strong and durable, but like veneers, it doesn’t solve the underlying orthodontic issues, and it isn’t a permanent solution. Still, it could be a desirable option if your teeth spacing is mild and confined to just a few teeth.
Conclusion
Adults with minor dental concerns such as tooth gap have turned to Invisalign time and time again because of the program’s flexibility, low profile, and proven results. However, Invisalign is no longer the only treatment method with these qualities, and it’s certainly not the most affordable one in the bunch.
As you consider potential treatment options, we encourage you to weigh the pros and cons of each and measure them against your unique dental and financial circumstances. If you haven’t yet, it’s also a good idea to consult a dentist for an analysis of your particular condition. With a professional opinion and some independent research in your back pocket, we trust you’ll be able to choose the path that best suits you — even if that means not pursuing treatment at all. Best of luck to you and your teeth!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a diastema?
Diastema is the medical term for a gap or spacing between two teeth. These gaps can be of any size and between any two teeth, but in most cases, they are narrow and between the two front teeth.
Is it problematic to have a tooth gap?
A gap on its own is not a health concern, though for you, it could be a cosmetic one. However, the presence of a gap could indicate crowding in the other teeth or even more severe misalignments. If you have teeth spacing, see a dentist or orthodontist to make sure there are no larger issues present.
Why did I develop a tooth gap as an adult?
It usually comes down to one of two reasons: not wearing retainers after previous orthodontic treatment and periodontal disease. With the first, you’ll likely just need some refinement aligners or braces — but wear your retainer after! For the second, you will need extensive oral healthcare treatment before you can address the spacing.
Are braces the best option for closing a gap?
In some cases, yes, but in most, no. Usually, teeth spacing is a minor issue that can easily be corrected with aligners, which most adults are more comfortable with.
How long would I wear braces when correcting a tooth gap?
That varies between patients. If you need to move multiple teeth and have a large gap, expect it to take longer than if you only needed to move two teeth to close a minor one.
I’ve been told aligners hurt. Is this true?
Any appliance that moves the teeth has to place pressure on them, and this leads to soreness, especially when biting or chewing. Braces can be more painful than aligners due to irritation. They are hard metal and stick out from the teeth, so they can make the soft tissues feel raw until they adjust.
How often will I need to change my aligners?
Most people change to the next in the series every 1–2 weeks
Am I better off with Invisalign over braces?
Both are great options for closing a tooth gap. Which is right for you depends on your preferences.
Will I need to wear a retainer after closing my gap?
Yes, assuming you are happy with your closed gap. Keep in mind that you will start out wearing your retainer full time, then only at night, then only every so many days, so it will always be in your life but not a daily or nightly concern.
Customer Ratings
- Results: 1 through 7 out of 7 resultsValentina T.Norfolk1 year ago
After
Before
ProgressI have been very unhappy with my smile for a very long time. I would always hide my smile because I didn’t want anyone to see the gaps that I had. I was born without my lateral incisors so basically I have two missing teeth which has created large spacing through my smile. I have always been so insecure and as I’ve gotten older it has gotten worse because I always wish I could have fixed my teeth when I was younger.
Now that I’m my own adult I’ve looked into so many options and didn’t know that Invisalign was something I could do. Turns out that Invisalign really can fix anything!! I’ve made so much progress in a short amount of time. If you look at my before and after pictures you can see that my front two teeth are coming closer together and the rest of my teeth are being pushed back to create a space for implants. It has definitely exceeded my expectations because I didn’t expect these type of results especially so quick. Everyone was really great and supportive and there for me if I had any questions.
I really recommend anybody to try any type of clear aligners because there really isn’t a limit on what they can and can’t do. As the spaces for my implants have been forming I thought that it would be another hurdle and insecurity to deal with such huge gaps. Luckily, they filled in the gaps with a wax to make it look like a complete smile. That way I do not feel embarrassed or feel uncomfortable and instead feel more confident until I’m able to get my implants which I think is great. So there are a lot of options in a lot of ways that people can get what they need done and have it done right!
Yasmine R.San Diego6 months ago
Before
ProgressI wanted Invisalign because I was tired of feeling insecure every time I had to smile. I chose this current office due to the friendliness of the staff and the very reasonable price for the entire treatment. Previously, I had contacted multiple offices but they did not have as great of an offer as San Diego Smile Pros did. I recommend San Diego Smile Pros and I also recommend the Invisalign treatment to those who want to feel confident when they smile. My treatment is not over yet but I am very happy with the progress. I feel happy smiling now and will be even happier once the entire process is complete. The first two weeks were the most painful but after that, everything became easy and I love that I can still eat whatever foods I want to. Something else that I love is how you have to keep your trays and teeth clean after every meal so this makes you brush your teeth multiple times a day. I love Invisalign.
Jessica N.Hillsborough1 year ago
After
I am so glad that I chose invisalign. I did not like all of the gaps in my teeth and did not have braces when I was younger. My dentist was very flexible with my monthly appointments and answered any questions I had. Invisalign hurts for the first few weeks, but then became a normal part of my daily routine. I sometimes forget that I am wearing them. It is important to put them in right after eating so teeth don’t begin to shift and hurt when you put them back.
Flaviana D.Canada2 years ago
After
BeforeI chose this company because I’ve only heard good things about it. I started 4 months ago and so far it’s been perfect. I don’t have anything to complain about except the fact the first few days of a new tray are a bit rough but it’s normal. The customer support is always here in case I have a question or a recommendation. My advice would be to don’t be discouraged if you don’t see quick results because it takes time.
Sylwia J.Brooklyn1 year ago
After
BeforeI purchased aligners because I did not like my smile. I chose invisalign because I wanted the treatment to be lead by an orthodontist. I was hoping to correct a gap between my two teeth and spacing. The customer support was great. I would advise to use Invisalign to straighten your teeth if you are willing to wear the aligners religiously.
Jane E.New York, NY1 year ago
After
BeforeI was self conscious about my teeth spacing. I am missing a tooth and there was significant gaps in my smile. Invisalign successfully closed these gaps and made me confident in my smile again. This process was relatively easy and did not take incredibly long or cost too much. My retention is also very good with the retainers I have for long term use.
Tucson AZ5 months ago
After
BeforeI had always had multiple gaps in my teeth. I was told I would need braces at 5 years old. My front teeth gap was so big a quarter could fit in it. At 19 I tried getting braces but it wasn’t an option, financially. As I got older my gappy smile bothered me and I was called “picket” on multiple occasions. After talking to a coworker about her son’s braces I decided to go to Orthopros. Invisalign was explained to me and my gaps were about to be history. It’s pricier than braces but less life impacting and quicker. It hurt the first 2 weeks and was fine after that. Never regretted it and loved my orthodontist. If I knew how easy it was I would have done it sooner. My results excided my expectations.
Results: 1 through 7 out of 7 resultsFrequently Asked Questions
What is a diastema?
Diastema is the medical term for a gap or spacing between two teeth. These gaps can be of any size and between any two teeth, but in most cases, they are narrow and between the two front teeth.
Is it problematic to have a tooth gap?
A gap on its own is not a health concern, though for you, it could be a cosmetic one. However, the presence of a gap could indicate crowding in the other teeth or even more severe misalignments. If you have teeth spacing, see a dentist or orthodontist to make sure there are no larger issues present.
Why did I develop a tooth gap as an adult?
It usually comes down to one of two reasons: not wearing retainers after previous orthodontic treatment and periodontal disease. With the first, you’ll likely just need some refinement aligners or braces — but wear your retainer after! For the second, you will need extensive oral healthcare treatment before you can address the spacing.
Are braces the best option for closing a gap?
In some cases, yes, but in most, no. Usually, teeth spacing is a minor issue that can easily be corrected with aligners, which most adults are more comfortable with.
How long would I wear braces when correcting a tooth gap?
That varies between patients. If you need to move multiple teeth and have a large gap, expect it to take longer than if you only needed to move two teeth to close a minor one.
I’ve been told aligners hurt. Is this true?
Any appliance that moves the teeth has to place pressure on them, and this leads to soreness, especially when biting or chewing. Braces can be more painful than aligners due to irritation. They are hard metal and stick out from the teeth, so they can make the soft tissues feel raw until they adjust.
How often will I need to change my aligners?
Most people change to the next in the series every 1–2 weeks
Am I better off with Invisalign over braces?
Both are great options for closing a tooth gap. Which is right for you depends on your preferences.
Will I need to wear a retainer after closing my gap?
Yes, assuming you are happy with your closed gap. Keep in mind that you will start out wearing your retainer full time, then only at night, then only every so many days, so it will always be in your life but not a daily or nightly concern.
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