Trade-off Between Dental Implant and Braces for Extracted Tooth?

asked 2 years ago by patient38522 in Los Angeles, CA
Latest answer by Scott Frey, DDS
Question viewed 1,992 times
Tags: teeth, comparison, gap

I recently consulted an orthondist who advised me that instead of a dental implant, she can actually use braces to pull my two back teeth forward, thus eliminating the gap where the extraction was. She works with Damon braces and seems to think those would help the case. Is it common to do this? What are the trade-offs betwen braces vs. an implant? I am guessing that my periodontist would vote for implant, but is that just because he makes more money that way?

8 answers to Trade-off Between Dental Implant and Braces for Extracted Tooth?

Implant vs. Braces to Replace Missing Tooth

The decision whether to replace a tooth with an implant or close the space with orthodontics is different for every patient. There is no "right" or "wrong." There are several factors that affect which option is best for you. Is there crowding near the tooth that was removed? Are there other reasons to have braces (like an overbite)? These are questions that an orthodontist can help answer for you when you go in for a consultation. If there are no other reasons for braces,... more

Greg Jorgensen, DMD, MS
Albuquerque Orthodontist

Closing the Space with Braces is a More Permanent Solution

Dental Implants are a great way to replace a missing tooth, but may need to have the crown attached to the top of them replaced after being in for a long time since the implants are anchored in place and don't drift with the rest of teeth. Even in our adult years we continue to grow a little and the implant tooth can appear submerged relative to adjacent teeth. However, the older you are the less you have to worry about this happening. If you close the space using braces, you... more

Scott Frey, DDS
Allentown Orthodontist

Trade-off Between Dental Implant and Braces for Extracted Tooth

When one is congenitally missing a posterior tooth or has had the tooth extracted due to decay, there are new options now to be able to close the space (TADS) which stands for Temporary Anchorage device. This new technology, along with the Damon braces system, is something that we are utilizing in our office today as another option for patients who are missing teeth. Traditionally, we have set the space up to have an implant placed in the missing tooth area which is still a... more

Ron D. Wilson, DMD
Gainesville Orthodontist

Close Space or Place Implant?

My first thought was if the orthodontist can close up the space using braces, can't she also open up (idealize) the space with braces? With very few exceptions (e.g. wisdom teeth), it is better to replace missing teeth. I commonly use orthodontics to open up and idealize the space for the implant to replace the missing tooth.

Susan Goode Estep, DMD
Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist

Implant tooth replacement vs orthodontics

Replacement of missing teeth is important for various reasons including prevention of other teeth movements and protection of the bite long term. The teeth work together to protect each other. The back teeth help to support the front teeth and the front teeth protect the back teeth by providing a mechanism where by when we chew or grind our food our cusp are not broken. That being said missing teeth should be replaced in order to maintain harmony in the mouth for longevity. There is always... more

Ryan Sellinger, DMD
Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist

Replace with a new dental implant if possible

The only reason I would recommend closing the space with braces is if it were a second molar that was lost and you are able to bring the wisdom tooth down into its place. I doubt this is the situation, and since I don't have all the information I would recommend the implant option. It is a large investment now, but in the long run, you will guarantee more normality with balance, function, airway, broadness and aesthetics of the arch, etc. The Damon system is a great system, but it is not... more

M. Andrew Atwood, DDS
Bellevue Cosmetic Dentist

Trade off between implant and braces for sure!

Well, the space certainly needs to be filled and the two best ways would be with an implant/crown or with orthodontia. Implants usually take about 6 months from start to finish. A three tooth bridge will take two weeks. Braces will take way over a year. So it's all about you the patient and how much time you want to invest in this space problem. Usually, a two week bridge is the wise choice. Usually, not always! Depends on the consults that you receive.

Michael J. Thomas, DDS
Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist

Missing teeth should be replaced, not shifted

When teeth are missing, replacing with implants or bridges is best. Shifting or moving teeth to fill spaces creates an imbalance to the bite and can contribute to airway issues. If the space is too small now for an implant, long term you are better off to orthodontically create space and place the...

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

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