Post-Invisalign Gap. Is This Normal Or Should I Seek a Second Opinion?

Question

I have finished my Invisalign treatment and am now wearing retainers. Where my teeth were crowded, gum sections are missing. Now I have small gaps between a couple of my teeth where my gum should be. My dentist, the one who provided the Invisalign treatment, tells me this is just the way it is. Is this true or should I see someone else?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

One of the risks of uncrowding teeth in an adult is potential loss of papilla, the pointed gums between teeth.  A rule of thumb is tissue will remain 5 mm above the crest of bone, so if there is a lot of bone loss the papilla may never return.  The blunting of the tissues were not obvious when the teeth were crowded because they overlapped, but now that they are straight they can be seen.  Sometimes the tissue returns over time, but maybe not...

Kathy Frazar, DDS, FAGD · Answer

Can you go to the doctor who treated you with Invisalign and discuss your options?  I would consider a refinement with more trays and slenderizing the contact area where the teeth touch (lower) to see if the space could be smaller.  This a normal occurance when teeth were crooked and now in alignment.  Invisalign will line up teeth, not grow bone between them if it was already missing.

Jacqueline Demko, DDS, MSD · Answer

It looks like you got lots of good responses here. Black triangles as explained above are the after math of crowded teeth. I like to warn they will exist, that said they are better for you than crowding. If they bother you cosmetically you can have them filled.

Scott LeSueur, DDS · Answer

As mentioned previously, spaces sometimes result when crowded teeth are uncrowded as no tissue is present to fill the space.  This can usually be anticipated and discussed so there are no surprises at the end of care.  There are several options that can be discussed to correct this problem including bonding, refinement with inter proximal reduction to pull the teeth closer together, or possibly veneers in problem areas.  Discuss these options with your dentist as refinement by Invisalign has to occur soon after Invisalign is completed.   Best of Luck.  It can work out.

Jason K. Tam, DDS · Answer

While there is some merit to each of the posts below, it is important to note that the inherent shape of the teeth may be responsible for the spaces.  Often times, the width of the teeth at the biting surface of the teeth is larger than that at the gum.  Therefore, even if the roots are moved and the teeth are in fact parallel/straight, unless there is gum coverage, you will expect these "spaces".

	Keep in mind that the teeth themselves are actually touching each other, so there is no true "orthodontic space".   Therefore, if the gums do not grow back (which they may or may not, depending on a variety of periodontal criteria) you may need to have the teeth reshaped interproximally (IPR).

	Hope this helps!

Post-Invisalign Gap. Is This Normal Or Should I Seek a Second Opinion?

Answers (8)

Answer: Spaces between teeth after Invisalign

Answer: Spaces between teeth after Invisalign

Answer: Black triangles may be due to lack of papilla caused by the shape of the teeth

Answer: Black triangles may be due to lack of papilla caused by the shape of the teeth

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Post-Invisalign Gap. Is This Normal Or Should I Seek a Second Opinion?

Answers (8)

Answer: Spaces between teeth after Invisalign

Answer: Spaces between teeth after Invisalign

Answer: Black triangles may be due to lack of papilla caused by the shape of the teeth

Answer: Black triangles may be due to lack of papilla caused by the shape of the teeth

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.