How to Reduce the Gap between Teeth Naturally at Home: Myths vs. Reality

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gapped teeth

Dental misalignments have become predominantly common around the world. Among the different malocclusions, gapped teeth are a rising concern. However, the improvement in orthodontics has made it easier to fix teeth alignment and close the gaps between teeth. Let us delve into the complete understanding of gapped teeth, how to reduce the gap between teeth naturally at home, and their myths vs reality.

Understanding Teeth Gaps

Gap teeth, also referred to as diastema, occur when there is an unwanted space between two teeth. This space can occur anywhere in the mouth but is more common in the upper front teeth. Some people might like the gap and embrace it, while others have impacted confidence and feel insecure about smiling. Different orthodontic treatments have made it easier to close unwanted teeth gaps. Other than the orthodontic approach, teeth gaps can also be reduced naturally at home.

Causes of Teeth Gaps

Genetic Factors

Some people inherit gaps due to jaw and tooth size differences.

Missing Teeth

Gaps between teeth can also be the result of having teeth smaller than usual or missing teeth.

Lifestyle Behaviors

A baby girl sucking her thumb.
A baby girl sucking her thumb.

Lifestyle behaviors including thumb sucking, or prolonged usage of a pacifier, may cause the outward movement of the teeth.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease can cause gums to recede and loosen teeth, leading to gaps.

Common Myths about Teeth Gaps

Let us explore the common myths and realities about closing teeth gaps naturally at home.

Myth 1: Using Rubber Bands to Close Tooth Gap

Some people claim that rubber bands can help close the unwanted gap between the teeth.

Reality

Using rubber bands to close the gaps between teeth is highly discouraged by dental professionals. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has documented several cases in which individuals have experienced severe consequences. Therefore, using rubber bands for closing teeth gaps is not recommended.

Myth 2: Using Oil Can Close Teeth Gaps

An Ayurvedic practice of using oil (coconut or sesame) is claimed to reduce gaps between the teeth.

Reality

Oil pulling is known for improving oral health by reducing bacteria and plaque. A study published in the International Journal of Health Sciences indicates that oil-pulling may reduce the total oral bacterial count and reduce plaque and gingival scores. But there is no evidence of oil pulling helping with the alignment of teeth or closing gaps.

Myth 3: Certain Foods to Close the Gap

Some sources claim that certain food products like leafy green vegetables and dairy products help close the tooth gaps.

Reality

A balanced diet rich in minerals and nutrients is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. However, there are no scientific claims that dietary choices help in teeth alignment or closing the gaps naturally.

Close Teeth Gaps at Home with ALIGNERCO

ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners placed inside the container.
ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners placed inside the container.

When it comes to teeth alignment, ALIGNERCO sure offers hassle-free teeth straightening. If you are struggling with dental misalignments like gapped teeth, our clear aligners can be the best assistance for you. They are composed of BPA-free plastic that helps to align teeth and fill the space between teeth.

Wondering if you could fix your gapped teeth with ALIGNERCO?

Take a FREE Smile Assessment today to find out.

Get started

Benefits of Choosing ALIGNERCO

There are several aligner brands to look forward to. It must get confusing to choose the best one for yourself. Here are some of the reasons why ALIGNERCO can be the best pick for you.

Budget-Friendly

Teeth straightening usually seems like an expensive treatment. But not anymore. With ALIGNERCO Clear Aligner plans, you can get your teeth straightened affordably. Furthermore, you can avail of special offers on our clear aligners for even more discounts.

Comfortable Journey

With ALIGNERCO, you get to enjoy at-home clear aligner treatment. It means no clinic visits or waiting for your dental appointments.

FREE Accessories

Our clear aligner plans are not only effective but you also get to enjoy FREE Accessories with any of your chosen plans.

How Does It Work?

Here is a step-by-step process on how a clear aligner treatment works at ALIGNERCO.

Online Assessment

To begin your journey to a straighter smile it is important to know if you are eligible for the treatment or not. Take a free smile assessment to know if aligners can be your right approach.

Pick Your Desired Plan

We offer day and night plans for teeth straightening. Choose the one that best suits your case and lifestyle.

Wish to align your smile with clear aligners?

Choose from our day or night plans to fix the space between teeth at home.

Shop now

Create Impressions

Our aligners are customized to each individual’s dental structure. Use our impressions kit to draft good impressions for a perfect fit of your aligners.

3D Smile Projection

Upon receiving your impressions, our expert will create a 3D smile projection. Once you approve the smile projection, your aligners will be fabricated accordingly.

Aligner Journey

Receive your aligners at your doorstep and begin your journey. Individuals are advised to wear their aligners as the orthodontist prescribes to get the best results within the given time.

Call us at (365) 398 5838 to learn more about how clear aligners can help fix the front teeth gap.

Final Thoughts

Teeth gaps are a common concern that not only impacts oral hygiene but also makes an individual insecure about smiling freely. Individuals often seem to adopt different ways at home to close the gap between their teeth. With the help of this guide, you hopefully got to understand the realities behind different myths about closing your teeth gaps. However, you can always rely on orthodontic treatments like clear aligners to get your teeth gaps treated. ALIGNERCO offers a hassle-free way to fill the gaps between teeth.

FAQs

How can I close my teeth gap naturally at home?

ALIGNERCO offers at-home teeth straightening which can help you close teeth gaps effectively.

What is the cheapest way to close a gap in teeth?

Clear aligners are an effective and affordable approach to closing the space between teeth.

Will my gap eventually close?

Orthodontic treatment methods like clear aligners help to close the spaces between teeth effectively. Within just four to six months, you can get a straighter, radiant smile.

How to fix a gap between teeth without braces?

Metal braces are the commonly known treatment for misalignments like teeth gaps. However, you can also opt for clear aligners if you do not want to experience metal braces.

References

Abraham R, Kamath G. Midline diastema and its etiology-a review (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25073229/). Dent Update. 2014 Jun;41(5):457-60, 462-4. Accessed 7/15/2022.

Kabbach W, Sampaio CS, Hirata R. Diastema closures: A novel technique to ensure dental proportion (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30367823/). J Esthet Restor Dent. 2018 Jul;30(4):275-280. Accessed 7/15/2022.

Wheeler B, Carrico CK, Shroff B, et al. Management of the Maxillary Diastema by Various Dental Specialties (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29245001/). J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018 Apr;76(4):709-715. Accessed 7/15/2022.

Leonard, J. (2023c, September 24). What is a diastema? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diastema

Kester, S. (2019, December 18). Dangers of gap bands and DIY braces: What to know. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/gap-bands

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  • Victoria Bentley

    Victoria Bentley

    Content Contributor

     Victoria Bentley stands at the forefront of dental and public health, holding a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree and a Master's...

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  • Dr. Anas Athar

    Dr. Anas Athar

    Medical Reviewer

    Dr. Anas Athar is a highly sought-after orthodontist with nearly two decades of experience in dentistry. He is the only dual-trained Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist...

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