Can you get braces with missing teeth? Many times, the answer is yes, but sometimes dental care may be indicated first. To find out for sure, choose an expert orthodontist to assess your smile.
Since 1994, Dr. Kesselman has been providing top-quality orthodontic care. After seeing your smile, he will determine the best custom treatment plan. In some cases, he will work with your dentist to help you achieve the best results possible.
Let’s take a closer look at braces with missing teeth.
Braces with Missing Teeth
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, braces with missing teeth can be an option for some people. For example, braces can help close the gap created when a tooth is missing in some cases. In cases of overcrowded teeth, this may be a great option.
Conversely, braces can also move teeth to open up space where needed. Let’s say you lost a tooth, and the surrounding teeth began shifting toward the opening. Then, the orthodontist can create the room for a dentist to place a dental implant later.
What if You Need Braces and Dental Implants?
In some cases, people may need to have both orthodontic and restorative dental care. After examining your smile, Dr. Kesselman may determine that it’s better to start with braces or Invisalign, followed by dental work to fill any spaces. Why? Your teeth can move naturally while a dentist fixes an implant in place permanently.
Although many people think teeth are permanently in place, they are surprisingly flexible and mobile. Rather than being anchored in the jawbone, teeth are held by soft tissue called the periodontal ligament. It acts as a shock absorber when you chew and allows flexibility. Fortunately, this allows orthodontic treatment like braces to work so effectively.
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Natural Tooth Versus Dental Implant
On the other hand, a dental implant is surgically fastened to your jawbone. It’s one way implants aren’t like a natural tooth, although they look and function much the same otherwise. In fact, a dental implant will help keep the underlying bone strong like a natural tooth.
Considering the differences between natural teeth and dental implants, Dr. Kessleman may decide braces should come before dental work. Other times, an implant may come first. For instance, there may already be space to place an implant without moving the surrounding teeth. When a dentist fills the open space with an implant, it will prevent neighboring teeth from shifting. Plus, it keeps your jawbone strong and healthy.
Missing Teeth and Periodontal Disease
Losing a tooth is common, affecting over 120 million Americans. Unfortunately, this can be caused by or lead to other oral health issues like tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Below a missing tooth, the bone starts to atrophy, similar to muscles when you don’t use them frequently.
Before beginning orthodontic treatment, Dr. Kesselman will verify that your teeth and gums are healthy. In cases where tooth decay is present, addressing this first will be necessary. By doing so, your treatment will be more efficient, comfortable, and effective. While wearing braces, maintaining oral hygiene is one way to reach your goal of a beautiful, healthy smile faster.
Get Started with a FREE Consultation
If you are wondering, “Can you get braces with missing teeth?” the best thing to do is contact an orthodontist. Riverside Orthodontics makes it easy to find out more from home with a free virtual consultation. On the home page, click “Start Your Virtual Consultation.” Then, follow the easy steps to get a free professional smile assessment.
Or, schedule a free consultation, meet the team, and learn about the best treatment options for your smile.
If you have questions, please get in touch with us. As always, we’re here at (203) 450-4969.
We proudly provide braces and Invisalign to the residents of Riverside, Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, and the surrounding areas of Fairfield County, CT.
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