Yes, it is possible to use braces with missing teeth. Furthermore, braces can be useful in positioning teeth to close gaps between teeth or to maintain spacing, and are often used in combination with other devices like dental implants and bridges to replace missing teeth.
In this post, we discuss the effects missing teeth can have on your child’s dental health, and how braces work as part of an overall orthodontic treatment plan when your child has missing teeth. To learn more, call Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry at (480) 422-4544 to speak with one of our pediatric dentists or orthodontists.
How Missing Teeth Affect Orthodontic Treatment
When your child has missing teeth, the remaining teeth generally, and the surrounding teeth in particular, do not simply stay still. They will gradually shift into the gaps and can cause misalignment problems that can affect your child’s bite and smile.
Left untreated, a case of missing teeth can sometimes result in significant oral health issues in addition to misalignment, including:
- Trouble chewing food efficiently or completely.
- Mouth discomfort and jaw pain.
- Uneven enamel wear on some teeth.
- Bone loss and possible loss of additional teeth.
In some situations, untreated missing teeth can contribute to a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which can be painful and contribute to even more dental problems.
How Braces Work With Missing Teeth
Braces work to correct missing teeth issues by closing the gaps. They do this by gradually moving the teeth surrounding the gaps into the empty space.
Your child’s orthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan, based on the number and location of the missing teeth, the size of the gaps between existing teeth, and your child’s overall oral health.
Traditional Braces for Missing Teeth
Braces are a good choice for fixing missing teeth problems. While your child is wearing them, braces will close the gaps while maintaining or promoting proper alignment of the adjacent teeth.
If a tooth is impacted or has not fully erupted, braces can help that tooth to erupt and move into proper position while closing the gap.
How long your child will need to wear braces with missing teeth depends on his or her unique situation. Ordinarily, a braces treatment plan takes 18 to 24 months to complete, but it is common for missing teeth to lengthen this timeline.
Invisalign Treatment for Missing Teeth
Invisalign clear aligners are an alternative to braces that use clear plastic trays to realign and reposition teeth instead of brackets, metal wires, and elastic bands.
Orthodontists usually use Invisalign for treatment of mild to moderate cases. They may still be used in some treatments for missing teeth, and can work with appliances like spacers and temporary bridges. At Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry, we are certified Invisalign doctors who can advise you on whether clear aligners are a practical option for your child’s treatment needs.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for Missing Teeth
The benefits of correcting oral health problems caused by lost teeth are practical and cosmetic.
Practically speaking, when teeth are properly aligned and gaps between teeth are fixed by moving them or by the use of implants or permanent bridges, this not only prevents the onset of more oral health problems later in life but provides immediate benefits like a better bite alignment and better ability to chew food properly.
Cosmetically speaking, correcting gaps and alignment problems caused by a missing tooth or teeth means that your child can have the self-confidence that comes with having a bright, healthy smile. This can pay important dividends in childhood self-esteem that make childhood easier and more enjoyable than it would otherwise be with missing and crooked teeth.
Causes of Missing Teeth
Your child can lose adult teeth in any of several ways. Some of the more common reasons include:
- Advanced tooth decay
- Severe gum disease
- Facial or mouth trauma
- Genetic causes, like crowded teeth
- The failure of a permanent tooth to erupt
- Poor oral health habits, such as eating ice or chewing on objects
Does Your Child Have Missing Teeth?
Our pediatric dentists and orthodontists at Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry treat all kinds of childhood oral health issues, including orthodontic treatment for missing teeth and to straighten teeth.
We provide the full range of orthodontic treatment options and customized treatment plans, including traditional braces and Invisalign treatment.
There is no reason why your child should suffer the short and long-term negative effects of missing teeth. Call us at (480) 422-4544 to speak with an experienced child dentist or orthodontist about how we can help. You can also reach out to us using our online contact form.