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Braces Closing a Molar Gap
asked 2 years ago by Phrosty26 in Miami, fl
Latest answer by Clark L. Jones, DDS, MSD
Question viewed 896 times
Tags: teeth, gap, molars, straighten
Hello, I have braces on to straighten my teeth and only have 6 months to go. I also have a missing molar. I spoke to my dentist about closing the space and he said that it will not be able to close the space entirely. Within six months, can my braces close the space? And, how much of it will it close? Thank you.
2 answers to Braces Closing a Molar Gap
+2
Closing molar spaces is very tough
Closing spaces from missing molars is very difficult to do. Molars are typically quite large and attempting to move other teeth into that space potentially introduces all kinds of problems such as:
increased treatment time
assymetries (teeth going off center)
tipping of adjacent teeth - which leads to an unhealthy periodontal situation
bite disturbances
I am not necessarily saying it can't be done, because it can in the right situations and with the right techniques. Your doctor who sees...
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+1
Closing molar space
Closing molar space is almost always difficult and sometimes impractical due to time and expense and well as potential adverse side effects. For the first 30 + years of my practice most of these space closures were just not possible. More recently I HAVE been able to close some rather large molar spaces using T.A.D.s (temporary anchorage devices) also called mini implants. They are a small titanium screw that goes directly into the bone to use as an anchor when...
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Clark L. Jones, DDS, MSD
Phoenix Orthodontist
Phoenix Orthodontist