Missing Teeth and Braces: Exploring Solutions for Tooth Loss and Alignment

Many people suffer from poor oral health.

This is unfortunate as oral health affects us psychologically and physically and, to some extent, determines how we chew, talk, grow, enjoy life, and socialise.

Low levels of oral health can also contribute to a low quality of life.

Impact of Missing Teeth on Oral Health

Many people, adults and children, suffer from poor oral health due to crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, overcrowded teeth, and poorly spaced teeth.

Missing teeth can be an embarrassing and physically damaging problem for some patients. They create nooks and crannies for food, bacteria, and plaque, allowing nearby teeth to move.

Missing teeth also allow nearby teeth to shift, twist, or cave into the gap, causing severe orthodontic problems.

Can You Get Braces with Missing Teeth?

A common question is whether someone with missing teeth can still have braces. In most cases, the answer is “yes”. Missing teeth may make it more challenging to adjust braces, but it is still possible to have successful orthodontic treatment with missing teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment Options

One of the best methods for straightening misaligned teeth is still using braces. Braces can close the gap created by the missing tooth, shifting the adjacent teeth to align.

This is an excellent option for patients with jaws already overcrowded with teeth.

How missing teeth and braces interact

Missing teeth are an embarrassing problem for some patients. They make smiles unattractive, which lowers confidence and leads to poor reactions from others.

However, missing teeth can cause potential oral health issues as well. When a tooth is missing, the nearby teeth have the potential to shift, twist, or cave into the resulting space, which can lead to severe orthodontic and dental problems.

In such cases, braces can substantially prevent dangerous tooth shifting or correct tooth and gum problems that may have resulted from missing teeth.

We have a couple of options for patients with missing teeth. In some cases, braces are used to close the gap created by the missing tooth, particularly if a patient suffers from overcrowding.

If the missing tooth is going to be replaced, braces may be designed and installed to allow for a future restoration.

If there isn’t enough space for a replacement, braces can widen the existing space, making room for an implant. Finally, if there is enough space currently, braces can include a ‘spacer’ to maintain that space.

If you have missing teeth, their potential restorations will be considered when your braces are designed and installed. Captivate Dental has extensive experience in such cases.

We work with you to create an orthodontic plan considering your absent tooth, other dental issues, and future replacement plans. Typically, braces are used before tooth replacement.

Options After Braces

Here are four of the most popular options for tooth replacement after braces:

• Fixed bridges bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth. They require healthy, well-aligned teeth to attach to, and braces can help make this possible.
• Resin-retained bridges are similar to fixed bridges but cannot withstand as much pressure as fixed bridges.
• Removable partial dentures are replacement teeth for a small area of missing teeth. Like bridges, these restorations are best served by being surrounded by
• Dental implants are a permanent solution that gives you fully functional and attractive replacement teeth. Braces can help give them the proper amount of space needed for implantation.

Why Choose Captivate Dental?

Captivate Dental will work with you to determine the best option for your misaligned and missing teeth and how to combine those treatments to give you the best, most functional smile possible.

Braces in Cheltenham

Missing teeth and orthodontic issues can impact your confidence and oral health, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone.

We give our patients the highest-quality care possible and the information and explanation needed to help them make informed choices.

Our highly skilled and caring staff provides our patients with value through top-notch diagnostic skills and efficient use of the highest quality materials.

Captivate Dental offers various preventative and cosmetic dental treatments for children, seniors, and everyone!

Free Consultation for Orthodontics
Contact us at (03) 9553 1249 or visit us at 36 Chesterville Road in Cheltenham.