Many of the people who come to see us have missing teeth, and one of the first questions they ask is, “Is it still possible to straighten them?” Fortunately, the answer is almost always yes! A person canundergo orthodontic treatment if they have a few absent teeth, and it can still provide the same array of benefits as someone with a complete smile. In some cases, braces may be recommended because someone has missing teeth. How does this work? Your orthodontist in Powell explains in today’s blog.
Braces for Children with Missing Teeth
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child should undergo an orthodontic evaluation around age 7, a time when most children have already started to lose their baby teeth. Braces at this stage of development can be used to create more space between the remaining teeth so the adult ones can come in as straight as possible. This can correct current alignment issues in the bite and prevent future orthodontic problems to make a child’s overall treatment time much shorter compared to waiting until more of the baby teeth have fallen out.
Braces for Adults with Missing Teeth
When an adult tooth goes missing, it’s common for the teeth on either side of the gap to shift, which can end up throwing off the alignment of the bite as well as affecting the appearance of the smile. Orthodontics can be used to correct both of these problems despite spaces still being present. Braces can also create enough room for a patient to get their teeth replaced, whether it’s with a bridge, denture, or dental implant. Even if someone ultimately chooses not to replace their teeth, orthodontics can save the remaining teeth from excessive wear and tear by making sure they come together properly.
Can You Get Invisalign with Missing Teeth?
For adults and older teens, the short answer is yes. Everything we just talked about applies to both Invisalign as well as traditional braces. However, because children’s mouths change so rapidly, metal braces are almost always used for younger patients, whether they are missing teeth or not.
At Shirck Orthodontics, we’re able to help absolutely anyone achieve a straight, beautiful, and healthy smile regardless of their current situation. So, whether you or your child are missing a few teeth, don’t worry—we can still provide the personalized and high-quality treatment you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck graduated from The Ohio State University and has gone on to become an award-winning orthodontist based in Powell. He’s happy to serve patients of all ages and completes advanced training every year so he can help even more people using the latest techniques and technology. If you or your child is ready to start orthodontic treatment, you can contact Shirck Orthodontics today to schedule a FREE in-person consultation.