Over the last few decades, Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. For many, the aligners offer a less noticeable, more attractive, and convenient option for correcting dental alignment concerns.
The benefits of Invisalign are numerous. Invisalign aligners are more discreet, practically disappearing over your teeth, and they’re more comfortable. You can take them out to eat, so you don’t have to forgo your favorite foods. Treatment typically takes less time than other corrective methods, too.
To fix orthodontic issues with Invisalign, you first need to be a candidate. That fact often has many patients with missing teeth wondering about their treatment options. If you have one or more missing teeth and are curious about Las Vegas Invisalign, read on to learn more.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
A great feature of Invisalign is its versatility. Many people mistakenly believe it only works in limited situations, but experienced orthodontists can customize treatments to a wide range of needs. Invisalign treatable cases include:
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Crowding
- Bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites
Treatment begins with digital impressions of your mouth. Your orthodontist uses those impressions to create a series of aligners that help gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. Following your treatment plan will ensure optimal results.
Can I Use Invisalign If I Have Missing Teeth?
We’ve got some good news for patients missing one or more teeth: Your tooth loss won’t automatically disqualify you from Invisalign treatment. The aligners will still shift your healthy teeth into their ideal positioning. Believe it or not, that can create the space needed to replace the missing tooth (or teeth) later.
In other words, Invisalign could make treating missing teeth easier!
What About Tooth Loss from Gum Disease?
Tooth loss from gum disease doesn’t automatically disqualify you from Invisalign treatment either. Correcting dental and bite issues can actually improve your overall oral health, reducing your risk of cavities and periodontal disease.
However, if you haven’t undergone treatment for gum disease yet, you may not be a candidate for Invisalign just yet — but you could be in the future. Wearing aligners with unhealthy gums could make periodontal issues worse. If this is the case, you may need to wait a bit before you can get started with Invisalign.
Treatment Options for Missing Teeth
After your Invisalign treatment, you can start exploring your tooth replacement options. Traditionally, that solution has been a bridge. A bridge is typically made of metal, porcelain, or ceramic and consists of a false tooth (or teeth) between two crowns. The crowns fit over the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
The other, more popular solution is a dental implant. The process is more involved and invasive — it requires the surgical implantation of a titanium “root” into your jawbone — but the long-term benefits are significant. It more closely imitates an actual tooth, keeping your smile beautiful and jawbone healthy.
Improve Your Smile with Las Vegas Invisalign, Even With a Missing Tooth!
Don’t let one or more missing teeth stand in the way of a healthier, more confident smile. In many cases, Invisalign is still a possibility. And, with your healthy teeth in their proper positions, your replacement teeth will look better, too. Are you missing teeth and interested in Las Vegas Invisalign? Contact Dr. Hansen of Hansen Orthodontics to schedule your consultation today!