
You have a lot of options for replacing missing teeth, from state-of-the-art dental implants to affordable, but effective partial dentures. But if the teeth in question have been missing for a while, you may first have to undergo orthodontic treatment. Here's why.
While they may feel rigid and firm in the jawbone, teeth are actually held in place by periodontal (gum) ligaments. These elastic tissues lie between the teeth and the bone and attach to both with tiny filaments. This mechanism allows the teeth to incrementally move over time in response to biting pressures or other environmental factors.
When a tooth goes missing the teeth on either side of the space naturally move or "drift" into it to help close the gap. This natural occurrence can reduce the space for a restoration if it has gone on for some time. To make room for a new prosthetic (false) tooth, we may have to move the drifted teeth back to where they belong.
If you're thinking metal braces, that is an option—but not the only one. Clear aligners are another way to move teeth if the bite problem (malocclusion) isn't too severe. Aligners are a series of custom-made, clear, plastic trays worn over the teeth. The patient wears each tray, slightly smaller than the previous one in the series, for about two weeks before changing to the next one. The reduction in size gradually moves teeth to their intended target position.
Many adults prefer clear aligners because they're nearly invisible and don't stand out like metal braces. They're removable, so you can take them out for cleaning or for special occasions. And, we can also attach a prosthetic tooth to the tray that temporarily covers the missing tooth space.
Whichever orthodontic treatment you choose, once completed we can then proceed with restoration to permanently replace your missing teeth. While it can be a long process, the end result is a beautiful smile that could last for years to come.
If you would like more information on your dental restoration options, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Straightening a Smile before Replacing Lost Teeth.”
Comments:
Our Office
Dentist - Bristol
21 Pleasant Street
Bristol, CT 06010
(860) 582-8095
Our Blog
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (73)
- mouthguards (6)
- oral health (27)
- x-rays (2)
- veneers (5)
- porcelain veneers (6)
- aging (1)
- dental implants (10)
- gum surgery (1)
- gap (1)
- orthodontics (8)
- crown (1)
- dentures (1)
- composite resins (1)
- root canal (3)
- tads (1)
- orthodontic treatment (13)
- pregnancy (1)
- dental hygiene (1)
- dental injury (7)
- oral hygiene (22)
- cosmetic dentistry (7)
- thumb sucking (3)
- pediatric dentistry (14)
- braces (7)
- crowns (4)
- retainers (2)
- teething (2)
- bridge (2)
- space maintainer (1)
- bad breath (1)
- nutrition (4)
- oral cancer (2)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- bonding (1)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- oral surgery (2)
- tmj disorders (4)
- tmd (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- age one dental visit (1)
- gum disease (8)
- dry mouth (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- oral sedation (1)
- root canal treatment (7)
- orthognathic surgery (1)
- jaw surgery (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- periodontal disease (3)
- tooth decay (5)
- partial dentures (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- blood pressure (1)
- partial denture (1)
- teeth whitening (3)
- extractions (1)
- shingles (1)
- impacted teeth (1)
- chipped tooth (3)
- gummy smile (1)
- gum recession (3)
- saliva (1)
- diabetes (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- smoking (1)
- baby teeth (2)
- snoring (2)
- sleep apnea (2)
- retainer (2)
- adult braces (1)
- dental treatment (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- toothache (2)
- chipped teeth (2)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- apicoectomy (1)
- root resorption (1)
- dental implant (4)
- loose tooth (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- facial pain (1)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- pain management (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- fluoride (2)
- clear aligners (1)
- dental cleaning (1)
- vaping (1)
- bridgework (1)