Dental Implant or Braces to Replace a Missing Molar?

Question

I was giving 2 options by the dentist to replace an upper missing molar. One choice was an implant and the other choice was braces to close the space from the missing molar and will help an overbite I have. I don't know which way to go.

Bruce Vafa, DDS · Answer

If the space between the tooth is too small and not enough for a tooth, it is better to get the braces. But if the space is enough for a tooth and is wide, it is better to get an implant .

Peter Mann, DDS · Answer

I would suggest replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant. It’s more predictable than trying to shift molars into the empty space. It's very difficult to move molar teeth, especially to close a large gap, which is what typically remains after you lose a molar. You can still have braces if you wish to correct the overbite. However, it wouldn’t hurt to correct your overbite, while simultaneously attempting to close the space for the missing molar. Just be prepared to have the implant placed if orthodontics is not successful in closing the space. Good Luck!

Bernard Ian Krupp, DDS · Answer

In a case like yours where the space has decreased because of tooth drift, the best answer is to upright the angled tooth first which will create the proper amount of spacing to replace the missing tooth. You won’t need full arch orthodontics, which will be fairly quick to fix the problem. Then a correctly placed dental implant- not a mini that would be a compromise is the answer. The crown made on the implant should be anatomic to the tooth that was there previously

Tom Hedge, DDS · Answer

Mother Nature created our arch forms to be a certain size to accommodate the tongue. If you modify this with orthodontics, you may be setting yourself up for TMJ problems. I treat a lot of TMJ patients and 80% have previously had ortho and most had four bicuspids removed. Keep your space and go with the implant.

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD · Answer

Orthodontic movement of molars to close space of the missing tooth is extremely difficult if not impossible. Molars are multi-rooted and translatory movements (the type of orthodontic movement that will completely shift its position) is extremely unpredictable. The best approach is maintaining their position and replace the missing tooth with a single implant. Even if orthodontic treatment is needed for correction of the bite, it's best to preserve the space and replace it with an implant.

Michael J. Thomas, DDS · Answer

If your dentist gave you an option of moving a molar to close that large of space, then I would question his knowledge, period. I would never give an option like that for such a large space. Moving a tooth or teeth that far will shorten the roots and could cause real problems in the future.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

Without seeing photos it is hard to guess, but generally speaking molars are hard to move orthodontically (wires and brackets or Invisalign). While braces may help with the overbite, I would normally lean towards the implant.

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