If you’ve lost molars or other teeth over the years but want a straighter smile, you may be left wondering, “Can I get Invisalign if I have missing teeth?”
From front tooth gaps to missing molars, losing teeth can be a challenging experience. Not only can missing teeth affect your smile and ability to eat certain foods, but they can also impact your confidence and self-esteem.
Fortunately, there are options out there that can dramatically improve your smile (and happiness!), including Invisalign.
In this article, we’ll answer some of the most-asked questions about using Invisalign with missing teeth, like:
- Can I get Invisalign if I have missing teeth?
- Can you get Invisalign with missing molars?
- Can you use Invisalign with an implant?
- Can Invisalign fix a missing tooth?
- Can Invisalign close a missing tooth gap?
For those with missing teeth, finding a practical resolution can make a big difference both physically and emotionally. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your smile, an orthodontist can create a personalized treatment plan to change that.
So, will Invisalign work with missing teeth?
Let’s crack this topic wide open!
Why We Lose Teeth
Before we dive into the solution, let’s talk about the problem.
Throughout life, our teeth can take quite a beating and it’s not uncommon to lose teeth. In fact, researchers estimate that nearly 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth.
Some of the most common reasons patients lose teeth include:
- Traumatic damage from biting into hard foods
- An accident (e.g., vehicle collision, contact sport, etc.)
- Genetic predisposition
- Gum disease
- Poor dental hygiene
Whether it’s one tooth or a few missing teeth, having a gap in your mouth can hinder normal functions, like eating and talking. In addition, surrounding teeth can slide into the missing tooth gap and cause your teeth to become crooked.
So, once a tooth falls out, what happens next? Can Invisalign close a missing tooth gap?
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand of clear braces that uses a series of nearly undetectable aligners to straighten your teeth. Patients will wear each Invisalign tray for about two weeks before receiving a new set from their orthodontist. being replaced by the next in the set.
Invisalign fixes a variety of dental issues and offers many benefits compared with traditional metal braces. SHere are some of the main reasons patients love Invisalign over other options include that they’re:
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Nearly invisible during wear
- Durable, long-lasting results
- Comfortable to wear
- Removable if needed
- Minimal effects on speech
But, will Invisalign work with missing teeth?
The Top 5 Questions About Invisalign with Missing Teeth
So far, we’ve provided some general insight into missing teeth and Invisalign. Now, let’s look at five of the most asked questions regarding Invisalign with missing teeth.
1. Can I Get Invisalign if I Have Missing Teeth?
The short answer to this question is yes—you can absolutely use Invisalign with missing teeth.
There are many benefits to moving forward with an Invisalign treatment, especially for those needing to realign their jaw or close gaps in their teeth. Invisalign can slowly shift the remaining teeth and jawline into the desired place (as long as there is enough structure to support it).
Remember earlier when we mentioned that natural teeth near the missing tooth can shift into the gap and cause your teeth to become crooked? Well, Invisalign can help shift your natural teeth back into their normal position and provide space for a replacement tooth (if you decide to get the gap filled).
While orthodontists can offer Invisalign to patients with missing teeth, it’s not a full tooth replacement solution. It’s always important to have a professional consultation prior to making any major decisions regarding your treatment plan.
2. Can You Get Invisalign with Missing Molars?
Missing molars may not be noticeable, but eliminating these teeth leads to several issues for your mouth and jaw.
When molars are removed or lost, you may experience one or more of these challenges:
- Problems speaking clearly
- Difficulties chewing or biting
- Reduced bone volume (which may require more invasive procedures down the line to rebuild your jaw bone structure)
- Shifting teeth
- Challenges brushing and keeping the area clean
In most cases, Invisalign can be used if molars are missing. However, there may be some instances where additional treatment options are preferred, like if the remaining teeth are not healthy enough to be moved.
An orthodontist will work with you to ensure that any missing molars won’t negatively impact your Invisalign aligner’s ability to straighten your teeth.
3. Can You Use Invisalign with an Implant?
Another common question people with missing teeth often ask is, “Can you use Invisalign with fake tooth replacement, like implants?”
If you’re missing a tooth, you’ve likely explored the possibility of a dental implant or other replacement options.
An implant is a small post that a dentist drills into the jaw bone to support a false tooth. The implant only supports the replacement tooth or crown, which your dentist fabricates and affixes in a way that fills in the gap.
The one caveat with Invisalign and an implant is that an implant will not move with orthodontic forces (e.g., Invisalign or traditional braces). So, if you’re thinking about getting an implant to replace a missing tooth, it’s often best to complete orthodontic treatment before receiving implants.
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete and all your teeth are aligned, you can head to the dentist and receive your implants!
4. Can Invisalign Fix a Missing Tooth?
Sadly, Invisalign isn’t a replacement option for a missing tooth. However, by combining Invisalign with other orthodontic procedures, you can get the best smile possible.
When used with dental implants, Invisalign can provide you with the straight teeth and smile of your dreams. Even without implants, Invisalign can help restructure the spacing of your teeth to give you a better smile.
5. Can Invisalign Close a Missing Tooth Gap?
Invisalign works by slowly pulling your teeth into place to straighten them. It may not be effective in closing an intensive gap between missing teeth alone, but it will help with the process of minimizing or closing your jaw’s natural gap.
In addition, Invisalign can help open up the missing tooth gap. This creates the space a dentist needs to provide you with a fake tooth, implant, or dental bridge to replace your missing tooth.
When straightening teeth, Invisalign will methodically bring the teeth together to give you a more uniform smile. If you’re missing a tooth and decide to use Invisalign with a fake tooth, you can enjoy even better results!
Learn More About Invisalign Treatments From the Experts at Bates Orthodontics
Today, we reviewed key answers to these important questions:
- Can you get Invisalign with missing molars?
- Can you use Invisalign with an implant?
- Can Invisalign close a missing tooth gap?
So, will Invisalign work with missing teeth and molars?
In general, yes! You can get Invisalign with a missing tooth or molar. In some cases, Invisalign straightening is a good precursor treatment to prepare your missing tooth gap for a replacement.
But ultimately, whether you can get Invisalign with a missing tooth or not depends on the current state of affairs in your mouth. So, it’s always best to consult with an orthodontist before starting an Invisalign treatment.
Do you live in the Richmond, VA, area and are still wondering, “Can I get Invisalign if I have missing teeth?” If so, we highly suggest taking advantage of our free Invisalign consultations. Everyone deserves a smile that makes them proud, and we would love to help you get there.
At Bates Orthodontics, our team of experienced Richmond-based specialists is passionate about patients with Invisalign and all other forms of orthodontic work. Every patient is unique, and so is the treatment we provide to perfect their smile. We’re also Diamond Invisalign Providers, putting us in the top 1% of all providers in the nation!
If you’re ready to consider Invisalign or have any questions about orthodontic treatment options in general, contact Bates Orthodontics today!
