Did you know that missing teeth don’t disqualify you from getting straight teeth? Missing teeth and straight teeth aren’t mutually exclusive.
Losing teeth isn’t uncommon, can be an easy aesthetic fix, and using Invisalign can help in the replacement tooth process. Invisalign is a powerful straightening tool that’s effective for many kinds of teeth.
In this blog, we’ll be answering some of the questions regarding Invisalign with a fake tooth, like:
- Can you get Invisalign with partial dentures?
- Can you get Invisalign with missing molars?
- Will Invisalign work with missing teeth?
- Can you get Invisalign with missing teeth?
Join us as we provide expert insight into the Invisalign process with missing teeth and help in your search for “Where can I get Invisalign?”
Can I Use Invisalign with Missing Teeth?
Right off the bat, we want you to know that it’s possible to use Invisalign with a fake tooth or missing teeth. Having artificial or missing teeth won’t immediately hinder your ability to get an Invisalign treatment. However, there’s one significant factor that can affect the Invisalign process: tooth and gum health.
Tooth and Gum Health
There are two main reasons (among others) people lose teeth:
- Trauma from a sport, car accident, fall, etc
- Poor oral health and gum disease leading to periodontitis
The second reason may limit you from receiving an Invisalign treatment. Good gum and bone health are essential for successful orthodontic procedures, like Invisalign.
Poor oral health can lead to gum disease (also called gingivitis). If gum disease goes untreated for too long, it can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
The good news is that gingivitis is treatable. Here are some signs of gingivitis to help you recognize it, treat it, and keep you on track to get straight teeth:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Tender gums
- Dusky red or dark red gums
Anytime you think you may be developing gum disease, talk to your dentist and orthodontist. They can help you get it under control. You’ll also want to consult with your dentist and orthodontist before jumping into an Invisalign treatment plan.
Advantages of Invisalign with Missing Teeth
Invisalign can be a handy straightening tool for people who are missing teeth.
Here are two of the most significant advantages of using Invisalign with missing teeth.
1. Invisalign With a Fake Tooth
Many people ask, “Can you wear aligners with missing teeth?”
Yes, Invisalign is an effective straightening method if you’re missing teeth and can act as a temporary medium for fake teeth.
Invisalign works by slowly moving your teeth into correct alignment. Alignment happens over months or years (depending on your situation and regularity of wearing your trays) as you place specially designed aligners, or “trays,” over your teeth. Every few weeks, you’ll visit your orthodontist to receive new trays. Trays are removable when eating, drinking, and brushing but need to be worn for 20-22 hours per day for the most effective results.
During an Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist can place fake teeth directly into your aligners. Direct placement of teeth in the tray improves your smile by filling in gaps and is a major advantage of an Invisalign treatment with missing teeth.
2. Invisalign Can Help Prepare the Mouth for Tooth Replacement
Are you wondering, “Can Invisalign fix a missing tooth?”
Invisalign itself isn’t a long-term fix for a missing tooth, but it is a good preparation tool before getting a replacement tooth.
When you lose a tooth, surrounding teeth can shift into the gap that the missing tooth once occupied. Losing this space can make it difficult for a dentist to insert a replacement tooth. (Shifting is more likely if the tooth has been missing for an extended period.)
To create the right amount of space in your mouth for a replacement tooth, your dentist may recommend you see an orthodontist to begin an Invisalign treatment. Invisalign will move your teeth back to their original position. Once teeth have shifted back, your dentist can more precisely put a replacement tooth in your mouth.
Where Can I Get Invisalign in Richmond, VA?
Apart from having severe gum disease, getting Invisalign with a fake tooth or missing teeth is possible.
Invisalign can be used as a temporary holder for fake teeth, immediately filing out your smile as your natural teeth become more straight.
An Invisalign treatment is also an effective way to create space in your mouth for replacement teeth. Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, your dentist can more easily place new teeth in your mouth.
Want a free consultation with a professional orthodontist to get a firsthand answer to “Can you get Invisalign with missing teeth?”
Bates Orthodontics offers expert advice and orthodontic services in and around the Richmond area. We exist to provide professional orthodontic treatment to people of all ages, and our in-house orthodontist has years of experience with straightening teeth. At Bates, we’ll take the time to sit and talk with you about your orthodontic needs and desires—no pressure or strings attached.
Book your free consultation to start a conversation with us today. Your journey toward a new smile is only a few clicks away!
