Dental Implant Vs Braces

Question

Hi Doctors,  I am 28 years old. I have one missing molar on my lower jaw for 8 years. The teeth have shifted and I appear as angle. One dentist told me I still can get a mini implant, but one of teeth maybe cut off in order to make the space bigger. I would like to know what is better option for me. Implant or braces? Thank you for your time.

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

The best solution would be to have orthodontics (braces) done to upright the molar back into an ideal position.  This will help with your bite and make room for you to have a dental implant.  The implant can then be placed and allowed to heal for 3-5 months.  Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone a crown can be placed over the implant.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Mini implants for crowns is "in beta phase", meaning they aren't designed for crowns, so invest in them at your own risk.  If space is an issue, create space via braces and finish with a normal implant.

Herbert Veisman, DDS · Answer

NEVER EVER put a mini-implant in a missing molar site. Molars are the widest teeth in the mouth for a reason: molars are in the back because that is where the largest forces of the bite are. Putting a thin and fragile mini-implant would carry disastrous consequences. First, see another dentist or preferably a specialist such a periodontist, oral surgeon or prosthodontist. Second, see an orthodontist to have an intelligent discussion as to wheat you should have braces. Under no circumstances should you consider a mini-implant in the molar area or you could have severe complications, fractured implants or worse.

Reginald O'Neill, BDS, MSc · Answer

Tilted teeth are ideal for orthodontics and with teeth biting correctly and space established for a standard implant the case will have a great prognosis.  Cutting teeth and making do with inadequate space and mechanically inferior implant design is not a good plan.

Ronald Konig DDS · Answer

I totally agree the with responses below.  Uprighting the tipped molar is usually an excellent option that will help the longevity of the molar and dental implant that can be placed for the missing tooth. In fact, many orthodontist can probably upright the molar in minimal time without full braces.  Sometimes only brackets are needed on 4-6 teeth.

Dental Implant Vs Braces

Answers (10)

Answer: Dental Implant or braces? Braces First - without doubt

Answer: Dental Implant or braces? Braces First - without doubt

Answer: Dental implants, braces, bite problems

Answer: Dental implants, braces, bite problems

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Dental Implant Vs Braces

Answers (10)

Answer: Dental Implant or braces? Braces First - without doubt

Answer: Dental Implant or braces? Braces First - without doubt

Answer: Dental implants, braces, bite problems

Answer: Dental implants, braces, bite problems

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.