Many patients already have various concerns when considering getting braces; adding some missing teeth to the mix only makes them doubt their eligibility for the treatment. If you are wondering whether you or your child can wear braces with missing teeth, continue reading to get a more interesting answer than you may expect.
Can Children Wear Braces With Missing Teeth?
Yes, children can wear braces with missing teeth. Most teens and children get braces at a point in their life where they have a mix of permanent and baby teeth. Inevitably, all nonpermanent teeth will fall off and leave a gap behind. Orthodontists are not only aware of this, but they count on it as a part of the braces orthodontic treatment. Sometimes orthodontists will use braces to create a gap for other teeth that are yet to erupt. Additionally, sometimes orthodontists use spacers to maintain a gap for the same reason as before.
Having your teeth aligned and spaced correctly is incredibly important for oral hygiene. If your teeth overlap or are too close to each other, it can make brushing and flossing properly much more difficult, which in turn could lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and much more.
Can Adults Wear Braces With Missing Teeth?
Yes, they can. If you were looking to get adult braces treatment in Richmond but weren’t sure if you could start the process because of a few missing teeth, there is nothing to worry about. Adults can wear braces with missing teeth. Not only do missing teeth don’t interfere with your braces treatment, but sometimes they are also the main reason your orthodontist recommends them.
If you lose a tooth, whether it is because of an accident or because of extreme tooth decay to the point of complete tooth loss, the surrounding teeth will move along toward the gap and give you a crooked smile in the process. Additionally, given that you are no longer stimulating the bone under the gap when you chew food, your bone density in that area diminishes. The lack of density leads to both health issues and facial structure alterations.
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, tooth decay, gum infections, and accidents are common causes of missing teeth. Thus, the best thing you can do to avoid missing teeth and the tied health complications is to maintain a proper cleaning routine as well as to have regular checkups with your dentist.
What About Dental Implants?
Dental implants and dental bridges are a few of the most common methods to replace a lost tooth. Dental implants are the more permanent option, but they require a more invasive procedure at a high cost. Tooth-supported dental bridges, on the other hand, aren’t nearly as invasive and are much cheaper than dental implants. However, they aren’t permanent and are prone to infection if you don’t take care of them properly.
While many of us may think that a dental implant should come before getting braces, most of the time is the other way around. Orthodontists recommend braces first to either close a gap as much as possible to reduce the implants needed or to make space for the implants if the surrounding teeth have already shifted towards the gap.
Alternatives to Braces for Adults
Invisalign clear aligners are the best alternative option for those adults who want to have a healthy bite and smile but don’t want the strict diet and metallic look that comes with braces.
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners, also called trays, to apply constant pressure on your teeth to move them to the desired location. These trays fit snuggly over your teeth for a few weeks before your dentist gives you a new pair to continue moving the teeth even further.
As mentioned, the main advantages of Invisalign over braces are that they are pretty much invisible during your daily activities and that they don’t require any type of diet. The two main things you need to worry about with braces are wearing them the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day and removing them before every meal.
Invisalign does tend to be more expensive than traditional braces, but for many, their low profile and ease of use are worth the extra cost.
Start Your Treatment With Us
If you have any questions regarding orthodontic treatment, like the braces price in Richmond or which appliance is best for you, or just wish to make an appointment with us to start your orthodontic treatment, contact us here.
