Missing Teeth

Often gaps are seen in either the upper or lower teeth, where the adult tooth/teeth are missing and would never form.

There are 2 situations where this may occur:

1. You are interested in having straight teeth and your dentist has mentioned that you are missing an adult tooth OR
2. You have gaps in the upper and/or lower front teeth, where the adult tooth/teeth are missing and would never form.

These features often become obvious from mid to late teens and adults where an adult tooth/teeth is naturally missing.

Why do missing teeth need to be treated?

• Often without orthodontics, it is almost impossible to create a nice smile though dental veneers or bridges alone. This is because some spaces are too much or too little for an acceptable outcome.
• Orthodontics is often needed to move the front teeth, and to distribute the right amount of space, for short term and long term teeth replacement solutions.
• Interim solutions can be discussed with your orthodontist during the orthodontic treatment to mask the size of the spaces.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment options are generally either:

1. Closing all spaces orthodontically OR
2. Opening space to an ideal amount for a future prosthetic tooth replacement.
3. OR a combination of 1 & 2
   • If a decision is made to open the front tooth space, we would often place some tooth coloured material across the gap, as it gradually increases in size.
   • Closing spaces orthodontically is preferable where you have crowding present and would like to avoid any prosthetic teeth replacement and/or if you are missing a side adult tooth.
   • Appliance options can be braces or Invisalign. Which is more effective and efficient for you would be discussed at the time of your orthodontic consultation.