Having a missing tooth can be a cause of embarrassment and discomfort, especially when it affects your smile. It can also lead to further oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even bone loss. Invisalign, a popular clear aligner treatment, offers a solution for individuals with missing teeth.
In this article, we will explore the use of Invisalign with missing tooth, including the benefits, limitations, and considerations to keep in mind. If you are considering Invisalign to address your orthodontic needs but have a missing tooth, read on to find out more about this treatment option.
Can I Get Invisalign or Clear Aligners if I Have a Missing Tooth?
Invisalign and clear aligners are revolutionary treatment options for those looking to straighten their teeth without the need for traditional braces. The aligners are completely customized and made from clear plastic, which is designed to gently push your teeth into the correct position.
Aligners are virtually invisible, barely detectable by others. Hence, they offer an excellent alternative for people conscious about their physical appearance but who still want to achieve straighter teeth over time.
It is possible to have clear aligner treatment whilst having a missing tooth and determining the best plan for treating this in conjunction with starting aligner treatment is something that should be discussed thoroughly between orthodontists and their patients.
An article from Healthline states that braces and clear aligners work by using tension to gradually pull teeth together and this constant pressure moves teeth into the correct position closing any gaps. These treatments are successful in dealing with both small and large gaps and as such can sometimes fix gaps caused by missing teeth.
Orthodontists often recommend starting with aligner treatment and straightening when there is a gap from a missing tooth. This is because the gap may be made smaller, or even closed up entirely after teeth have been shifted into their proper positions.
Additionally, it’s important to note that implants cannot be moved once they are fixed to the bone; therefore, it’s best to achieve as much dental equilibrium as possible before having an implant placed in your mouth. Aligners can move teeth into their optimal placement so all other dental work following, such as implant installation, goes more smoothly.
However, if any complications or difficulty arise in addressing the particular case, it may be better to treat the problematic tooth before beginning other treatments. It’s important to look at factors such as the age and health of the patient to make sure that they understand the risks associated with delays before making a final decision on when to begin aligner therapy.
See our review of the best clear aligners.
Complications of Having Invisalign or Aligners With Missing Teeth
Without all of your natural teeth in place, it might be difficult to ensure proper uniform movement of your remaining teeth because there won’t be enough room to accommodate the changes. Additionally, factors like gum disease and tooth decay, if present, may affect the outcome of the entire process.
When teeth are extracted, they should ideally be replaced as soon as possible to prevent misalignment, overcrowding, and other issues in the mouth. Without a tooth in place, there is no guide for how the surrounding teeth should move, in some circumstances. This means that even if an orthodontist maps out the plan of action for where each aligner should move tooth by tooth, one may not be able to adhere to it since there was no natural guide as to where each tooth needed to move.
Additionally, missing molars reduce the surface area available for pressure from aligners which means less force and less chance of the movement of surrounding healthy teeth, in some cases. If a person opts to begin treatment without replacing the lost tooth then they could face future complications if they decide later on that they want their broken smile restored with implants or bridges after completing straightening treatments.
Furthermore, certain medical conditions like diastema may require additional visits with dental professionals throughout the treatment plan. As a result, those who are missing a few or even several teeth should speak with an experienced Invisalign or Aligners provider first before starting their journey towards straighter teeth.
See our article: What Should I Do if I Don’t Like My Teeth.
Can Aligners Help with Filling in Missing Teeth?
Aligners, such as those offered by Invisalign, can be a great help when it comes to missing teeth. By shifting teeth in areas where teeth are absent, they can make room for a tooth replacement, such as bridges or dentures.
Not only that, but aligners can also benefit people who have crooked or misaligned teeth. As the aligners gradually shift the teeth back into their original placement, spaces created by missing teeth become closed and it allows for other preventive dental treatments to be applied.
The process of using aligners is pain-free and far less intrusive than other treatment methods or surgery would be, ideal for those who may feel uncomfortable undergoing more invasive procedures. Furthermore, they look much more natural than metal braces since they are difficult to spot when worn on the teeth.
Besides closing up a gap where the missing tooth used to be, gaps noticeably closed with aligners result in greater bite stability, improved facial features, and even expanded facial functions that may have been hampered before due to the absence of teeth.
In conclusion, using aligners to make room for missing tooth replacements is an excellent way to maintain a healthy mouth and achieve a perfect smile.
See our article: How to Treat Diastema? Causes, treatment, and FAQ.
Can I Fill in the Missing Teeth After the Treatment?
If you have missing teeth, you can certainly fill them in after having a clear aligner treatment.
Generally, you will want to consult with a professional dental specialist before starting treatment with clear aligners and after your finish so that they can ensure that the replacement fits in nicely and looks natural.
The clear aligner treatment should have moved your teeth into their final optimum position and any remaining gaps where teeth are missing can then be filled as required, knowing that the rest of the teeth are straight and aligned.
With modern technology, there are many options available depending on your budget and preferences such as crowns, bridges, implants, or even dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Aligner Option for a Missing Tooth?
Several aligner brands are not only effective in aligning teeth in preparation for tooth replacement but are also a cheaper option than Invisalign whilst providing the same results. Byte, NewSmile, SmileDirectClub, Candid, and Alignergo are some of these.
What is the Cheapest Way to Fix a Missing Tooth?
The most affordable option for tooth replacement is dentures. This type of dental product takes the least amount of time to create, which saves on overall costs, and also involves no surgery or dental crowns to place.
