Is It Possible to Get Braces with Missing Teeth?

Missing tooth or teeth can be a dental concern for many teens and adults due to a variety of reasons. Potential causes are jaw or tooth trauma, serious dental decay, severe gum disease, prolonged chewing/smoking tobacco, congenital dental conditions, and oral cancer. Sadly, nothing can be done to grow back missing, natural adult teeth. But if missing teeth are left unattended, that can cause other teeth to misalign and bite problems, which can further cause wear and tear and other serious dental concerns. Braces treatment in Delhi can help correct teeth or jaw misalignments.

So now the question arises: Is it possible to get braces with missing teeth? Read on to know the answer to this and also learn more about braces and missing teeth.

Can One Receive Effective Orthodontic Treatment with Braces If Having Missing Teeth?

If one needs bite adjustment, missing teeth should not be considered as an obstacle to prevent one from getting braces. Braces can be the right choice for those having missing and crowded teeth.

In case there are multiple missing teeth, an orthodontist may recommend getting a suitable dental appliance, like a bridge or an implant, installed in the space created by missing teeth. But, if nearby teeth have shifted to fill in gaps created by missing teeth, braces are required to align teeth and create space for replacement teeth. Braces can even work to prepare the nearby teeth for the support of a dental bridge.

Generally, children or teens who are still in the process of losing their milk/baby teeth, but misaligned teeth and jaw are preventing them from having proper eruption of adult teeth, are good candidates for braces with missing teeth. An orthodontist takes care of this and removes the brackets or bands from that tooth that is going to fall out and replaces the bracket once the permanent tooth erupts.

How Braces Address Alignment Issues Associated with Missing Teeth?

Braces gently shift the teeth that are out of normal alignment to straighten the smile. A constant gentle pressure is placed by the braces system on the teeth to cause the teeth to move. This happens over months and even takes a year.

The collagen filaments called periodontal ligaments secure the teeth in position and help move the teeth as required with the help of braces. As the whole tooth structure shifts, new jawbone and periodontal ligament are formed. Finally, the teeth position gets stabilised in the desired position inside the patient’s mouth.

Which Type of Braces to Consider?

One can choose from a variety of options, including:

• Traditional metal braces- They are durable. The brackets and wires are adjustable to work around missing teeth.

• Ceramic braces- These are tooth-colored braces having clear brackets, allowing one to have teeth straightening treatment without getting noticed.

• Lingual braces- These are just like metal braces, with only the difference that the brackets are placed on the back side of the teeth.

• Clear aligners (Invisalign)- These are nearly invisible, removable trays that have to be worn 22 hours daily. They are preferred for small gaps in between teeth, better comfort, and easy maintenance of oral hygiene.

The exact treatment plan or the type of braces that will work, will depend on the specific case- the number and location of missing teeth and the extent of misalignment/malocclusion. A thorough dental evaluation by a professional is necessary to get a definitive answer to whether braces will work and which brace system should be considered. During consultation and after examination the dental professional can tell about the exact Braces treatment cost in Delhi.

Why Getting Braces Is Important?

Dental braces are required to:

• To preserve the natural bite

• To avoid serious dental problems

• To close small gaps between teeth.

The Takeaway

Dental braces can be considered for missing teeth at any location and in any number. But some additional dental work will be required. Still worried whether braces will work? Schedule a consultation at Smiles By Dr. Ravneet Kaur and with our orthodontist and Best Dentist for Children in Delhi to get your or your child's smile thoroughly examined and determine the best treatment plan. Our orthodontist holds the experience and expertise necessary to achieve the desired goals.