Braces and Missing Teeth

Restorative Options

Working around the gaps left behind by missing teeth can be a bit of a puzzle. But it’s not impossible. By teaming up with a skilled orthodontic team and a great implant specialist, you can start building the smile of your dreams.

How Braces Can Help a Spaced-out Smile

You might wonder what the point of straightening out teeth that have a big gap between them is.
For one thing, tipped and twisted teeth tend to not stay clean as well as straight ones do. Crooked teeth collect plaque, which leads to problems like:

  • Cavities
  • Stain
  • Enamel
  • Gum disease

It’s clear to see that straightening out your teeth is a good idea, at any age!

Tooth Replacement Options

Once you get your teeth back into proper alignment, you have a few options for filling in the gaps. Common solutions include:

  • Dental bridges
  • Partial removable dentures
  • Permanent dental implants

Dentures and bridges must be fitted after your teeth are straightened and usually have a limited lifespan. What about the more permanent solution of an implant?

Which Comes First: Braces or Implants?

Generally, it’s best to have your natural teeth straightened and snugged into proper position before placing implants. Once the other teeth are tidily aligned, it becomes easier to plan exactly how many implants are needed and where to place them.

In some (not all!) cases, implants can help out with anchoring braces. But this is not standard procedure. Dental implants are attached directly to bone and should not be moved once they’re placed. Natural tooth roots are attached to special ligaments that allow them to be moved through bone tissue with braces.

Or if your implants and braces will be placed in totally separate areas of your mouth, it probably won’t matter which procedure you first choose.

The first step is to visit an experienced dentist like Dr. Farooq Ahmad here at Brackets Wires & Smiles in Vista. Get on the right track with a consultation!

Contact us here at Brackets Wires & Smiles for more information on how braces can help you complete your smile.