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What to Know About Braces and Missing Teeth

braces for missing teeth

La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – With so many adults turning to orthodontic treatment to get the smiles they’ve always wanted, there are certainly many questions that may need to be answered. One common question is if braces are possible if a patient is missing teeth. Can orthodontic treatment still be effective with missing teeth?

Can You Get Braces with Missing Teeth?

“The short answer is yes, you can still receive orthodontic treatment if you are missing a tooth or teeth,” says Dr. Robert Gire. “I regularly treat adult orthodontic patients who may be missing teeth or who are pending restorations to replace missing teeth. We will work to create a treatment plan that takes your unique issues into account.”

Importance of Correcting Missing Teeth for a Healthy Bite

Adults can be missing teeth for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is due to decay or gum disease, some may have never had a certain tooth form at all. But if you are missing a tooth or teeth, it is important to have it corrected to preserve your bite. If there is a space in your mouth, the other teeth will naturally want to drift there to fill that space. And that can lead to an unstable bite. 

How Braces Help Correct Your Bite and Preserve Teeth

Braces can be a great way to correct your bite and ensure the health of your remaining teeth. The approach your orthodontist takes will depend on your specific needs. In some cases, the bite will be aligned to remove the gap left by the missing tooth. In others, the smile will be corrected and teeth aligned to allow for a restoration to replace the missing tooth. 

Orthodontists will work in conjunction with your restorative dentist to ensure the ideal outcome for your smile. If you are considering restorations, it is important to discuss your smile goals with an orthodontist first, especially if you are considering implants. Implants are placed directly in the bone which means they cannot move in the same way your natural tooth would. For some patients, Dr. Gire may be able to work around the implant and still provide an ideal smile. But for others, orthodontic treatment may need to be completed prior to getting the implant. 

If you have a crown, your orthodontist can still use braces to guide your teeth. In most cases, patients who have a crown still have the natural tooth root in place. This can still be guided by braces. There are special ways to apply a brace to a crown but know that it can be done.

Common Questions About Orthodontic Treatment for Missing Teeth 

Here are a few common questions related to getting braces with missing teeth:

QuestionAnswer
Can you still get braces if you have three missing teeth?Yes, it is possible to get braces with missing teeth. The treatment plan will depend on the specific case.
Will braces fix the gap in my upper teeth, and do I need a root canal before getting braces?Braces can help fix gaps in the upper teeth, and the need for a root canal depends on the condition of the tooth. A professional evaluation is necessary for a definitive answer.
Can you get braces if you have one missing molar on the bottom teeth and another missing molar on the upper teeth?Yes, it is usually possible to get braces with missing molars. The treatment plan will be designed to accommodate the missing teeth.
Can you get braces if you have two missing front teeth?Yes, it is generally possible to get braces with missing front teeth. The orthodontist will develop a plan to address the missing teeth and align the remaining ones.
Can you get braces if you have two missing premolars in the upper teeth?Yes, you can typically get braces with missing premolars. The orthodontist will create a treatment plan that considers the missing teeth.
Can you get braces if you have four missing molars in the upper and two in the lower jaw?It is possible to get braces with missing molars. The orthodontist will examine your teeth, assess your case, and create a treatment plan considering the missing teeth.
Can you get braces with 6 missing teeth, and which treatment option is the most cost-effective for braces?The possibility of getting braces with missing six teeth depends on the individual case. Consult with an orthodontist and compare treatment options for the cost-effectiveness.
Are braces possible if you miss several upper and lower jaws molars?Yes, it is usually possible to get braces with missing molars. The orthodontist will assess your case and create a treatment plan considering the missing teeth.
Can braces effectively cover the missing spaces in the jaw if second molars have been extracted?Braces can help close gaps caused by missing second molars, but outcomes may vary. Consult with an orthodontist for personalized advice.
Can you get braces if you have missing second molars and your third molars have not grown yet?Yes, it is possible to get braces with missing second molars and third molars that has not been erupted yet. Consult with your orthodontist to find out the best treatment option for your individual case.

“My practice treats patients of all ages, with very unique needs,” says Dr. Gire. “We can find the right solution for you to help provide you with the smile you’ve always wanted.”

Dr. Gire and his team will work to create a treatment plan designed to meet your individual needs that will provide you with a more beautiful smile and a more stable bite. 

Schedule your complimentary consultation today by calling 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills) or 562-690-1199 (La Habra).

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