Bronx, NY – Invisalign treatment is growing in popularity. Patients of all ages love that it is a clear and removable way to get the smile you’ve always wanted. And as more adult patients are turning to orthodontics, Invisalign is a great option. But if you are one of many adults who may be missing a tooth or teeth, can Invisalign still work for you?
The Versatility of Invisalign: A Solution for Adults with Missing Teeth
“It is possible to use a treatment option like Invisalign to straighten your smile, even if you are missing a tooth or teeth,” says Dr. Catherine Woo. “In fact, if you are missing teeth, Invisalign might be the ideal option for correcting your smile before you have restoration work completed.”
Orthodontic Treatment First: Preparing for Restoration with Invisalign
If you are missing teeth and looking for both orthodontic work and to have your teeth restored, it is recommended that orthodontic treatment happen first. A treatment option such as Invisalign can help make the room needed for the restoration to be placed, while also straightening and aligning your smile.
Invisalign works through a series of aligner trays. Each set is calibrated to achieve a certain movement. Over the course of your treatment, you will wear each tray for 20-22 hours a day for approximately two weeks before moving to the next tray. While Invisalign can’t replace your missing tooth, it can prepare your mouth for a replacement tooth once treatment is finished.
Aligning for a Brighter Smile: How Invisalign Tackles Tooth Misalignment and Prepares for Implants
If you are missing a tooth, it is likely that the teeth surrounding it will start to drift into the open space. This can then alter the alignment of your teeth, and it can make it more difficult to replace the missing tooth with a restoration. Invisalign can ensure your smile is properly aligned, and provide the space needed to place a crown or implant.
“One of the reasons why we recommend orthodontic treatment prior to restorations is that many people opt for implants,” says Dr. Woo. “An implant works as a tooth root and is affixed directly into the jawbone. Once secured and healed, a crown can be placed over the top. Because it is affixed directly into the bone, it can’t move through the bone to a new location as your other teeth can. So, it is best to correct the alignment first, create the space needed for the implant, and then once orthodontic treatment is finished, have the implant placed.”
Dr. Woo’s Expertise in Invisalign: Crafting Perfect Smiles Despite Missing Teeth
Dr. Woo treats patients of all ages who have various orthodontic needs. She has the knowledge and skills to perfect smiles, even when patients are missing a tooth or teeth. After a consultation, Dr. Woo can determine which treatment will be best to meet your smile goals. But there are many benefits to choosing an option such as Invisalign:
- The aligners are clear, so they won’t make your treatment conspicuous.
- The aligners are removable so you can eat and drink what you like. Brushing and flossing is also a breeze.
- The aligners are comfortable. There are no brackets or wires to irritate the inside of your mouth because the aligners are made of smooth plastic.
- The aligners can boost your confidence. Having a properly aligned smile can improve your self-esteem and help you greet the world more confidently.
“It is important to note, however, that orthodontic treatment can only be effective in patients with healthy teeth and gums,” says Dr. Woo. “If you have lost teeth due to periodontal disease or decay, your mouth will need to be healthy prior to beginning any orthodontic treatment. This will ensure a stable result.”
If you would like to learn more about how Dr. Woo can perfect your smile, even if you are missing teeth, call Riverdale Family Orthodontics today at 718-884-7700.
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