You may have delayed replacing a lost tooth for a long time due to certain reasons. However, the orthodontic work of getting a dental implant to fill the gap in your dentition may be easier than you think.
If the tooth has been missing for a while, there could be issues with the gap. Usually, the space left by the tooth causes the teeth on both sides to shift slowly into the gap, making it difficult to place an implant. Orthodontic work is needed to shift these teeth to their normal place.
In some cases, patients who have a lost tooth and want to correct the alignment of their dentition may opt for both braces and dental implants as part of the corrective procedure. When this happens, the order of treatment will depend on the particular needs of the patient.
Usually, the orthodontist will complete the treatment first because it is impossible for implants to be repositioned after the oral surgeon positions them in the jaw and osseointegration commences. It is therefore vital to reposition the teeth first to make room for the implant.
It is possible to use traditional metal braces to correct orthodontic issues in the teeth. Braces create tension or pressure on the teeth directed toward the desired movement. The teeth have a natural mechanism that moves the teeth automatically.
Despite their effectiveness, braces are usually conspicuous and can be awkward for most adults who have to use them for several months of treatment. However, there is a suitable alternative: clear aligners, or custom-made transparent plastic trays worn over the teeth in a two-week interval. The patient will return periodically to the dentist’s office to get a new set of trays that shifts the teeth further and gradually to their proper position.
Although they are not effective for every orthodontic issue, clear aligners offer significant benefits when they are applicable. They are less noticeable to others and can be detached for cleaning, eating or brushing. Interestingly, the orthodontist may even add a temporary prosthetic tooth to the tray to mask the gap while treatment lasts.
Another glitch you may encounter: If the tooth loss was caused by gum disease, the gum and underlying jawbone may not be in a good state. The truth is that significant bone loss could disqualify you from receiving an implant altogether. The dental expert may be able to correct the gum and bone defects using bone grafts or plastic surgery.
There is a chance to regenerate enough bone mass to hold the implant, and through surgical correction, the implants will appear more natural.
If you have issues related to this, you may still be able to accomplish your restoration goals. By undergoing orthodontic work ahead of time, it may be possible to get dental implants. If you want to know more about restoring your smile after tooth loss, feel free to contact the dental office for an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.orangecoastortho.com or call Orange Coast Orthodontics at (949) 860-1231 for an appointment in our Laguna Hills office.
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After orthodontic treatment, retainers keep teeth from drifting back toward their original positions. A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, usually canine to canine. Because it stays in place, it provides continuous support for alignment, especially in areas that have crowding or spacing. Patients brush carefully around the wire and…
Adult orthodontics offers practical and streamlined solutions to address alignment concerns while working with busy schedules. Whether the goal is correcting crowding, spacing, or bite imbalances, modern techniques help transform complex plans into manageable phases. With streamlined and personalized approaches, most adults find that orthodontic treatment progresses with greater precision and predictability than expected.Each orthodontic…
Clear aligners are one of the most popular methods in orthodontics to address issues with alignment. Over the years, the technology behind aligners has improved greatly, thus allowing for more and more issues to be resolved. In addition to the versatility behind clear aligners, they offer an array of benefits that other approaches do not…
Dental braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments used to correct misaligned teeth. They improve both your oral function and appearance. With advancements in orthodontics, patients now have access to a range of options tailored to individual needs.Traditional metal braces are the most commonly used type of orthodontic treatment and have been the…
After orthodontic treatment, retainers keep teeth from drifting back toward their original positions. A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, usually canine to canine. Because it stays in place, it provides continuous support for alignment, especially in areas that have crowding or spacing. Patients brush carefully around the wire and…
Adult orthodontics offers practical and streamlined solutions to address alignment concerns while working with busy schedules. Whether the goal is correcting crowding, spacing, or bite imbalances, modern techniques help transform complex plans into manageable phases. With streamlined and personalized approaches, most adults find that orthodontic treatment progresses with greater precision and predictability than expected.Each orthodontic…