Spacing can come from tooth size, missing teeth, tooth position, oral habits or other factors. Closing a visible space without understanding the cause can compromise stability or appearance.
Spacing can come from tooth size, missing teeth, tooth position, oral habits or other factors. Closing a visible space without understanding the cause can compromise stability or appearance.
This guide is written for Maple Ridge patients as decision support. It cannot determine suitability for treatment without an examination and appropriate records.
Cause of the spacing is one of the practical factors that can change diagnosis, appliance choice, treatment timing or the way progress is monitored. It should be discussed in the context of the whole case rather than treated as an isolated checklist item.
Tooth size relationships is one of the practical factors that can change diagnosis, appliance choice, treatment timing or the way progress is monitored. It should be discussed in the context of the whole case rather than treated as an isolated checklist item.
Gum and frenal factors is one of the practical factors that can change diagnosis, appliance choice, treatment timing or the way progress is monitored. It should be discussed in the context of the whole case rather than treated as an isolated checklist item.
Retention after closure is one of the practical factors that can change diagnosis, appliance choice, treatment timing or the way progress is monitored. It should be discussed in the context of the whole case rather than treated as an isolated checklist item.
Many spacing problems can be treated with clear aligners, but diagnosis determines whether aligners are appropriate.
Soft-tissue forces, tooth-size relationships and inconsistent retainer wear can contribute.
Orthodontics may close the space or prepare it for restorative replacement, depending on the overall plan.