Tooth loss is much more common than you may think. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, it is estimated that 178 million people are missing at least one tooth. However, even if you don’t have all of your teeth, this doesn’t mean that you have to shy away from orthodontic treatment. We can create a custom treatment plan to address your misalignment issues despite having lost your teeth. Give us a call to schedule a consultation with us.
Even if you have gaps in your smile from where your teeth once were, this doesn’t disqualify you from getting braces. It is an ideal solution for patients who have overcrowded teeth, bite issues, and gaps between their teeth. By addressing these issues with orthodontic treatment, you can prevent them from getting worse. There are some situations where replacing the missing tooth first is ideal, but we formulate every treatment plan on a case-by-case basis. During your consultation with us, we can discuss what will work best for you.
Clear aligners are also great for patients who are missing teeth! Sometimes, a temporary tooth can be built into the trays. This way, as your teeth adjust to their new locations, a “fill-in” tooth allows you to address orthodontic issues before you replace your missing tooth later on. Clear aligners are also much less noticeable than traditional braces, giving many teens and adults additional confidence to show off their smiles during orthodontic treatment.
Depending on the goals you have for your smile and the current state of your teeth, it may be completely possible to have a successful orthodontic treatment without replacing your missing teeth ahead of time. However, some people may need to have dental implants placed before orthodontic treatment begins. This is especially the case if the missing teeth aren’t near the teeth that are misaligned. We will discuss what’s best for you when you see us for a consultation.