Do you have one or more missing teeth, and wondering whether you can still get braces with missing teeth? Do you have a tooth that has not been able to erupt properly due to crowding, and you do not know how to go about it? An overwhelming majority think that they are not the right candidates for braces with missing teeth. Fortunately, you will be surprised to know that people with missing teeth are actually the best candidates for getting braces.
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When Braces are Mostly Recpommended
- Teeth are conspicuously misaligned.
- Challenges flossing between and cleaning the area surrounding the crooked teeth.
- Experiencing problems while pronouncing certain sounds due to the position of your tongue under your teeth.
- Teeth that fail to stay in line when your mouth is at rest.
- Biting your teeth most of the time.
Can you Get Braces with Missing Teeth
Can I get braces with missing teeth? Can I get braces with missing front tooth? Can you get braces with missing back teeth? These are common questions among people, especially adults. The good news is that yes, can you still get braces with missing teeth. You can still get invisalign even with missing back teeth.
As you age, you realize that you have higher chances of experiencing tooth decay, leading to tooth extraction. Unfortunately, there are problems associated with missing teeth. A gap left after a tooth is lost makes the adjacent teeth move into space, thus causing more problems.
Braces With Missing Teeth, Molar
When you have no molar teeth, jaw bone atrophy can be experienced around this gap, thus reducing the stimulation required to maintain bone density. This may trigger expansion of the sinus cavity, which can eventually lead to erosion of the jaw bone. Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate orthodontic treatment for your problem to prevent the reoccurrence of such challenges.
When Bracers is Recommended
In some cases, your doctor will recommend braces with missing teeth as the best approach to treating the problem. In most cases, your doctor might recommend tooth replacement to be done. However, there are cases where the missing tooth does not require a replacement. In such a case, braces with missing teeth can be the best choice for you since they will not interfere with the available space that can be used for teeth replacement in the future.
If you have a missing tooth that needs to be replaced, but the available space is inadequate, braces with missing teeth can be applied to widen the space to create more space for an implant. If the available space is wide enough for an implant, braces with missing teeth will be used to maintain the space and prevent other teeth from shifting on the open space.
Also, braces with missing teeth help to improve the health of the teeth and gums. In most cases, alignment problems occur due to experiencing tooth loss as some teeth may start moving. Therefore, your doctor may recommend the use of braces to correct overcrowding and crooked teeth.
Cost of Dental Braces
There is no fixed price for braces since prices depend on the region, time spent on the procedure, and the type of treatment needed. However, the average cost of dental braces is between $ 3000 and $ 6000. Patients with insurance covers pay less amount.
Treatment Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
A missing tooth can be caused by gum disease, injury, severe tooth decay or a genetic condition. However, regardless of the cause, it can interfere with your teeth alignment and even cause future teeth problems. Therefore, it is imperative to look for solutions before the problem escalates. Fortunately, there are several remedies available to restore your missing tooth, which include:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most popular ways of replacing a lost tooth. It is a long-lasting solution and can restore one tooth or even more than two teeth irrespective of the area. With implants, your teeth appear more natural and healthier. However, the entire process of dental implant is quite complex compared to other options of teeth replacement.
Pros of Dental Implants
- One of the most reliable options for teeth replacement.
- They give you a more natural appearance.
- There is no interference of the adjacent teeth.
- They offer a long-lasting solution and require minimal check-ups.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
- They are not cost-effective. Prices range between $ 3000 to $6000.
- Since it involves a surgical procedure, it may take a longer time to recover, leading to the occurrence of infections.
Implant -supported Bridge
If you have multiple missing teeth in a row, the best option to replace them is through an implant-supported bridge. Instead of replacing each tooth with a single dental implant which can take much of your time, this process will restore several missing teeth.
Advantages of Implant-Supported Bridge
- It reduces the cost that could have been spent on a single implant.
- It yields successful results.
- It gives a more natural look.
Disadvantages of Implant-Supported Bridges
- It can only be applied when the patient has several missing teeth in a row.
- It doesn’t provide a long-lasting solution since the bridges require regular replacement.
- Time-consuming since the patient is expected to make regular visits to the dentist.
Tooth- Supported Bridge
To avoid applying two implants into your teeth, a tooth-supported bridge is applied into that space. It is the most popular option of having implant-supported restorations, especially if you want to replace a single tooth. It makes use of the already present teeth to support the placement of a bridge. A tooth-supported bridge comprises two crowns fixed on the teeth adjacent to the missing ones and cemented into place.
Benefits of Tooth-Supported Bridges
- The provides a natural look and feel synonymous with that of a dental implant.
- The process is not invasive.
- Unlike dental implants, this process is cost-effective.
Cons of Tooth-Supported Bridges
- Causes interference to the adjacent teeth since they must be filed to be compatible with the crown’s size.
- The probability of getting an infection is high.
- If the bridge was not fixed appropriately, it could cause damage to the adjoining teeth.
- May cause cleaning challenges if food particles find their way into the bridge.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are almost similar to dental implants, but they are less complicated than replacing missing teeth. They are recommended to people with a few missing teeth in the same arch and are not close to each other. Removable partial dentures are grasped into their right place to ensure that the artificial teeth are clasped in the correct spots.
Advantages of Removable Partial Dentures
- In case of a future implant, the procedure will not be repeated since additional teeth can be added directly to the partial denture.
- It’s an affordable option for tooth replacement.
- The process is less complex since it only requires the addition of metal clasps.
Limitations of Removable Partial Denture
- They can be uncomfortable
- Too much work as they have to be removed every day for cleaning
- The metal clasps are not invisible, thus denying the removable partial denture that natural look
Flipper
A flipper tooth is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is a non-permanent partial denture with a capacity to flip in and out of its position. A flipper does not rely on any surrounding teeth and does not consist of any metal clasps.
Pros of a Flipper
- It is affordable with zero pain.
- Unlike a partial denture, a flipper is much lighter.
Disadvantages of a Flipper
- Flipper does not offer comfort.
- It has high chances of breaking due to its bulky design.
Facts About Dental Braces
Losing a tooth can be a horrible experience since it can interfere with your facial appearance. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot restore your beautiful smile. Braces with missing teeth work exemplary well for your dental formula. Braces can be used by both children and adults and take less than two years to straighten your teeth.
If you want to have braces fitted or want any other kind of orthodontic treatment, contact Voss Dental for consultation, as we will also guide you on how to get braces.