Are you considering braces but unsure how they might work with gaps and future restorations? Our orthodontists in Surrey discuss whether you can get braces if you have missing teeth and how orthodontic treatment applies in these situations.
Is orthodontic treatment possible with missing teeth?
A common question among patients is, 'Can you still get braces with missing teeth?'. Fortunately, the answer is yes. Orthodontic treatment is still possible. Whether you are missing teeth in the front, side or back, the initial step is to consult an orthodontist.
Your orthodontist will assess your teeth, gums, and bite to determine the most suitable approach for orthodontic treatment.
Braces & Restorative Dental Care
Orthodontic treatment improves mouth health by aligning teeth and preventing gaps that trap food, leading to decay and gum disease. Orthodontics for patients with missing teeth requires a comprehensive approach to achieve the best possible outcomes. This means that you will be recommended a dental restoration once the orthodontic process is complete.
Dental implants offer a lasting solution for tooth loss, providing a solid foundation for restorations such as crowns to help restore strength and function to teeth. Orthodontic treatment occurs before the placement of implants. Braces help align the remaining teeth, creating sufficient space for the implant. Once the teeth have been moved into their ideal positions, implants are surgically implanted and finished with a restoration.
Dental bridges replace lost teeth using crowns to secure a prosthetic tooth to neighbouring natural teeth. Braces allow for the alignment of teeth and the closure of gaps. To complete the process, a custom bridge is created that complements the newly shaped dental arch, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
How do braces work with missing teeth?
Braces exert pressure on teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired position. This pressure is delivered through brackets attached to the teeth, which are linked by wires. Over time, as the wire is adjusted, the teeth are gently guided into proper alignment.
To begin the process, your orthodontist will identify any issues by examining teeth and jaw alignment, analyzing X-rays and impressions, and reviewing your dental and medical history. Next, you will receive a customized orthodontic treatment plan for your specific needs and goals.
This roadmap ensures you clearly understand the process involved before treatment begins. The plan will include:
- The type of braces or aligners required to achieve your goals.
- How long treatment is estimated to last.
- Potential challenges to be aware of.
The approach your orthodontist takes will depend on your specific needs. In some cases, the bite will be aligned to remove the gap left by the missing tooth. In others, the smile will be corrected and teeth aligned to allow space for a restoration to replace the missing tooth.
What are the benefits of braces?
Braces serve multiple purposes, mainly aimed at correcting dental and jaw alignment issues. Here are some of the main functions and benefits of braces:
- Correcting Misaligned Teeth: Braces straighten crooked teeth, enhancing smile aesthetics and simplifying cleaning.
- Addressing Overcrowding: When teeth don't have enough space, they can bunch up. Braces shift them to create a more optimal alignment.
- Fixing Bite Problems: Braces correct bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, improving chewing and alleviating jaw discomfort.
- Improving Oral Hygiene: Aligning teeth allows for easier brushing and flossing, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Enhancing Speech: Crooked teeth can lead to speech difficulties. Braces may be able to help resolve these issues.
- Prevention of Gum Disease & Tooth Decay: Braces align teeth for more effective cleaning. By minimizing gaps where plaque and food particles can accumulate, braces lower the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
- Aiding Chewing & Digestion: Correcting bite problems can help improve chewing. Aligned teeth allow for better food breakdown, which aids in digestion.