Alignment After Tooth Loss
Many patients hope to achieve a picture-perfect smile. A beautiful smile can boost your confidence and be a sign of good oral health. Other patients are simply looking to keep their natural teeth for as long as possible. Invisalign will help in either case. When your teeth are straightened, the alignment supports healthy movement, like chewing and talking. Straightening your teeth can also help with tight spaces, making it easier to floss and brush away dental plaque.
Invisalign is a popular choice for straighter teeth, but is it an option if you have missing teeth?
What Is Invisalign?
Once upon a time, traditional metal braces were the only option for straighter teeth. Then, Invisalign, the original clear aligner, was introduced and quickly became one of the best-known braces alternatives. Additionally, Invisalign can work faster than braces, with many patients completing their treatment in less than 2 years.
Invisalign is often considered more comfortable than traditional orthodontic options. The clear aligners resemble a retainer or mouthguard and are similarly removable for eating or drinking. Many patients feel more confident during treatment because the aligners are nearly invisible. You can keep smiling uninterrupted by a flash of metal.
Invisalign aligners use pressure to shift teeth into a better position gradually. Each new aligner set adjusts how the teeth move or reinforce any previous corrections. Patients usually receive new aligners every 1–2 weeks, although the timeline can vary. Many patients see positive results within weeks.
Many patients with alignment issues can benefit from Invisalign, including patients with the following:
Scheduling a consultation with your dentist can help determine if Invisalign is right for you. While Invisalign can help improve a wide range of bite issues, those with severe malocclusion (misaligned teeth) may benefit more from traditional orthodontic treatments. Your dentist can also assess if oral health issues, like missing teeth, might prevent or impact your treatment.
Causes of Tooth Loss
Missing teeth or tooth loss can happen for many reasons. For example, losing a baby tooth or removing a wisdom tooth can benefit your dental health by making room for your permanent teeth. Unfortunately, it can complicate oral health when permanent or adult teeth are lost because of injury, infection, or tooth decay (including cavities).
You may struggle to chew, get food stuck in the gap, or avoid smiling in photographs. A missing tooth can also cause changes to your face and jaw muscles, including altering your face shape, as teeth shift to fill the gap.
Fortunately, restorative dentistry can help repair or replace damaged teeth. For example, dentists can replace missing teeth with the following:
- Dental implants: a titanium root is surgically inserted into the jawbone, and an artificial top (crown) is attached. The sturdy artificial replacement can blend in and feel as comfortable as a natural tooth.
- Dental bridges: an artificial tooth is supported by 2 attachment points (crowns) to fill a gap or missing tooth.
- Dentures: partial dentures replace a few missing teeth; complete dentures replace a full set of missing teeth. Removable dentures use suction and a custom fit to hold teeth in place. Overdentures or snap-in dentures use dental implants for a secure fit.
Depending on the method chosen, your replacement or artificial teeth can feel and look natural. But what if your remaining natural teeth need alignment correction? Should you consider Invisalign first?
Can You Get Invisalign with Missing Teeth?
Patients can get Invisalign when they have missing teeth. However, before starting the Invisalign process, your dentist will assess the cause of your tooth loss.
For example, gum disease can cause weakened or receding gums, tooth loss, and bone loss. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is treatable and reversible. However, advanced-stage gum disease (periodontitis) can cause severe symptoms, including irreversible damage. Therefore, treating gum disease is a top priority.
If a dental problem is detected, your dentist may recommend treatment before straightening your teeth.
Invisalign can work just as effectively with artificial or restored teeth. Before beginning the Invisalign process, your dentist will assess your oral health and the condition of previous dental works (such as fillings or crowns). Your dentist might recommend making repairs or replacing missing teeth first.
As the Invisalign aligners shift your teeth, the movement may shrink the empty spot. As a result, you may need more room for your replacement tooth. Therefore, you'd need additional treatment to create an appropriate space. Placing the artificial tooth before Invisalign can help ensure your new smile fits all your teeth.
Patients with overcrowded teeth may benefit from waiting to replace a missing tooth. Invisalign treatment may help open enough space to correctly place a dental implant.
Talk to your dentist about your options so they can present you with a thorough explanation and provide professional advice.
Contact Us for a Consultation
Choosing Invisalign is a big decision, so we want you to have all the facts. Our dental team at Green Grove Dental is dedicated to providing valued services, whether looking to enhance your smile or protect your oral health.
When you’re ready for Invisalign or looking for more information about your family’s dental care, contact us for a consultation.