Braces with Missing Teeth: What You Need to Know and What Happens If a Tooth Goes AWOL During Orthodontic Treatment

You can still get braces with missing teeth, just make sure you let your orthodontist know about your goals and past medical history.

Every patient has the opportunity to achieve a confident and healthy smile through orthodontic care. However, not everyone experiences the same process; some patients may have a simple treatment, while others can face more complex challenges. For instance, missing a few teeth can make your orthodontic journey a little bit more complicated, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible.

Orthodontists will work tirelessly to help you address your dental issues, including missing teeth and orthodontic braces. We hope this article guides you to explore orthodontic treatment while missing teeth and ensures you have enough knowledge to make the best decision for your oral health.

Braces with Missing Teeth: The Basics

Well, let’s start by explaining that empty spaces between the teeth can negatively impact the alignment of your teeth and oral health. This happens because the neighboring teeth tend to move into those gaps. But don’t worry! Braces can help you address your spacing problems.

They will slowly move your teeth into their ideal positions. Whether they move your teeth together to close the gaps or prepare your mouth for potential dental implants, braces are a possible and beneficial option for people who are missing teeth!

Invisalign Braces with Missing Teeth

Invisalign is one of the orthodontic appliances that correct the alignment of your teeth and jaws. This treatment represents a great choice because it uses clear aligners that are discreet, comfortable, and removable.

Missing a few teeth is no problem for Invisalign Portland. Your orthodontist can design a treatment that considers the gaps while addressing the alignment of your remaining teeth. Clear aligners will work like any other braces, preventing your teeth from moving into the empty spaces and guiding them into their proper positions.

Braces with Missing Teeth: Before and After

Now that you know you have several options to address your dental problems, let’s discuss the orthodontic process.

The first step of your dental journey is having an initial consultation, where your orthodontist will thoroughly examine your jaws and teeth. This examination usually includes X-rays and dental impressions. When your orthodontist has all of the results, they will create a custom treatment plan that answers your dental issues, considering the missing teeth.

Once the planning stage is complete, your Portland orthodontist will install your appliances. During your treatment, you will regularly attend check-up appointments so they can make any necessary adjustments. The next phase of the process is the removal of your appliances. Finally, your Portlandorthodontist will give you a retainer, and you should wear it, considering their recommendations. This new appliance will help you keep your teeth in their new positions.

What Happens If a Tooth Goes AWOL During Orthodontic Treatment?

There may be exceptional cases where a tooth goes AWOL, which means absent without leave, during orthodontic treatment. This can happen for several reasons, like severe tooth decay or an injury. In either case, you need to reach out to your orthodontist as soon as possible.

Dental professionals will know what to do in these situations. They will make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, deciding if moving your existing teeth to close the space is the best option. If it’s not, they will use a dental implant or bridge to replace a tooth.

Can You Have Braces with Dental Crowns?

The answer is yes! It is possible to have braces with dental crowns. However, talking about your situation with your orthodontist is essential so they can consider them before installing your appliances.

Dental crowns are little caps that orthodontists place over a tooth to restore its size and shape, and they can be made from different materials, such as metal, porcelain, or resin. On the other hand, orthodontic braces refer to the devices that exert gentle pressure to move your teeth. Although these appliances can work on both natural teeth and teeth with crowns, there are a few considerations to remember.

For instance, you need to consider the material of your crown since braces can find it challenging to adhere to metal ones. Another factor you should keep in mind is the condition of your teeth under the crown. If your tooth has cavities, it might not handle the pressure from braces well.

Dental Crown Repair Glues:

If your dental crown is loose or comes off, you can use dental crown repair glues to fix the problem while you reach out to your dentist. Dental specialists create these repair glues to be both safe in the mouth and strong enough to hold your crown in place.

However, you must understand that these products are not permanent solutions. In these cases, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Are you missing Teeth or Dental Crowns? No problem. Transform Your Smile Today!

If you are still wondering what glue a dentist can use to fix a broken dental crown, we recommend reaching out to the experts at Hillsdale Orthodontics. We will answer all of your questions and help you address your dental issues, even if you are missing a few teeth.

Dr. Leeming and Dr. Handick are here to help you achieve the smile you always wanted. So, don’t wait any longer and schedule your orthodontic appointment today!

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Dr. Alix J. Leemin DMD, MS

Dr. Alix J. Leemin DMD, MS

As a nutty overachiever, Dr. Leemin never lost sight of her childhood dreams of becoming a smartypants orthodontist. After graduating from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors, she embarked on her career in dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated #1 in her class. Feeling just a little too ambitious, she then completed 2.5 years of additional training at OHSU to become an orthodontic specialist.

Stanford University – Bachelor of Arts with Honors
Univ. of Pennsylvania – Doctor of Dental Medicine
Oregon Health & Science Univ. – Master of Science
Oregon Health & Science Univ. – Certificate in Orthodontics

Dr. Alix J. Leemin DMD, MS

Dr. Alix J. Leemin DMD, MS

As a nutty overachiever, Dr. Leemin never lost sight of her childhood dreams of becoming a smartypants orthodontist. After graduating from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors, she embarked on her career in dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated #1 in her class. Feeling just a little too ambitious, she then completed 2.5 years of additional training at OHSU to become an orthodontic specialist.

Stanford University
Bachelor of Arts with Honors
Univ. of Pennsylvania
Doctor of Dental Medicine
Oregon Health & Science Univ.
Master of Science
Oregon Health & Science Univ.
Certificate in Orthodontics

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