Missing Teeth
In some circumstances, gaps are seen in either the upper or lower teeth, where an adult tooth is missing and has never formed. These features are evident mainly in mid to late teenagers and adults, where an adult tooth is naturally missing.
Why do missing teeth need to be treated?
- 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:
- Closing all spaces orthodontically OR
- Opening space to an ideal amount for a future prosthetic tooth replacement 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 may vary from braces to Invisalign.