I Want Braces but My Dentist Says I Have Missing Teeth

 What if I get braces and have missing teeth? It’s an important question to ask if you’re thinking about straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment, which involves brackets, wires, and posts (called abutments) that connect the two. If you don’t have enough teeth to connect the brackets, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon, who can attach posts that allow the brackets to be connected from above.

Understand your options

If you’re missing teeth, you have a few different options for fixing your smile. Your dentist can help you choose from these options based on several factors, including how much of your teeth are missing and if there are other teeth that need dental work. The options include

The importance of missing teeth

If you’re trying to choose between braces implants, your dentist will probably tell you that getting dental implants can be less expensive in the long run. That’s because missing teeth can cause gingivitis (gum disease) and other oral health problems which can lead to costly surgery. The easiest way to avoid these issues is by taking care of your mouth now and brushing twice a day along with flossing regularly. If you have any questions or concerns about missing teeth, contact us today at our office: [phone number]. We’ll help you develop a plan that will result in healthier teeth while also preventing costly damage down the road.

Orthodontic treatment can happen at any age

While braces are typically thought of as a solution for teens, adult orthodontic treatment is becoming more and more common in dental offices. It’s important to know that because of your age, there might be some additional considerations during your treatment. If you do decide to go forward with braces, your dentist can work with you to create a solution that fits your specific needs. If you don’t have enough teeth or bone structure for traditional metal braces, it may be time to look into Invisalign® or other clear aligners—and they can even be used on adults!

Dental implants are an option

Rather than get your missing teeth replaced with removable dentures, your dentist may recommend dental implants. Unlike dentures, which are held in place by your gums and can lead to jawbone deterioration over time, dental implants anchor directly into your jawbone. Implants require a two-stage process. During stage one you’ll have oral surgery to remove your tooth or teeth, and then during stage two (6–12 months later) you’ll get an implant that serves as a tooth root replacement for those missing teeth. Dental implants aren’t cheap (they can cost up to $10,000) and not everyone is a candidate for them, but if you need new teeth they are worth considering.

Talk to your orthodontist about removable dentures before you get braces

When you get braces, it can throw off your bite and result in what is called an overbite. And some of your teeth could fall out if you continue to lose weight while wearing braces because they are unsupported by your gums. So if you decide to go ahead with orthodontic treatment and would prefer removable dentures instead of tooth extractions, talk to your orthodontist about having them fitted before you start getting brace work done. A professional fitting will give both you and your dentist a sense of how much space for removable dentures will be available after treatment is complete.

How long do braces take?

Anywhere from two to three years! Orthodontics is a long-term process, and it takes time for teeth to move. It's best not to get your hopes up about how soon you'll be done with braces; just make sure you know what it will take and that you'll be patient through all of it. It can be hard at first, especially if other kids in your class have had their braces off for months while yours aren't budging—but remember that time flies when you're having fun! And getting nice teeth will be worth it in the end. Plus, if you have any concerns or questions along the way, feel free to ask your orthodontist—she's there to help make sure your experience is as smooth as possible.

Keep your mouth healthy while you wait for treatment

It’s important to keep your mouth healthy during your orthodontic treatment. Even if you have space maintainers in, you should brush twice a day and floss once a day. This will reduce plaque that causes gum disease and tooth decay. It’s also important to make sure you visit your dentist for regular checkups, so any problems can be identified before they turn into bigger problems that may require more extensive treatment. During those visits, take pictures or bring along a mirror so your dentist can help identify areas of concern, such as loose brackets or wires in need of tightening.

Can I go swimming with braces on?

You bet! If you’re someone who needs braces and enjoys swimming, you may be wondering if swimming is safe. Although swimming can actually put some pressure on your teeth, it is generally considered to be an activity that’s perfectly safe with braces on. Just make sure that you brush your teeth before going into a pool or lake to rinse off any excess food particles so they don’t go down and cause damage or pain when in contact with your braces. For example, you should definitely avoid diving because of how deeply immersed it puts your mouth in water. And if you have veneers or another type of dental work, those are also susceptible to water damage so try not to submerge them too much as well.

Invest in quality products that fit your smile

If you have missing teeth, don’t give up on your dream of getting braces. You can actually invest in dental products like Implants and Dental Bridges that help to make your smile look more complete. Your dentist will be able to help you decide which dental products are right for you and can even refer you to an oral surgeon in case surgery is needed. Your dentist may be able to create a number of different treatment plans for you depending on your particular situation. The professional team at your local practice is ready to help!

Smile more!

If you’re missing a tooth, then your dentist may suggest getting a dental implant or taking out another one of your teeth in order to make room for an implant. There are several other methods which can be used to replace missing teeth including bridges and dentures. Regardless of which option you choose, we have othodontic offices that can help you through every step.