I have a dilemma of a missing molar lower tooth for almost 12 years. Dental implant or braces?

A missing lower molar leaves quite a wide and unaesthetic space. It can lead to upper teeth drift into the space and also some tilting of adjacent lower teeth.Some patients also tend to chew on the other side which can lead to tooth wear and also joint clicking.In my opinion I would recommend a dental implant crown. This replaces what is missing.An implant can be finished within 4 months and does not affect other teeth. Braces however would lead to having to wear fixed braces; unwanted movements of lower front teeth and also tipping of lower back teeth. Molar teeth tend not to move very easily in a horizontal fashion and you could have a food trap next to a tilted molar.Best advice would be to have a dental implant if you want the space closed.

When an upper tooth "super erupts" into a space in the lower arch, there are 2 choices: braces to intrude the tooth (may be a challenge with a molar), or root canal therapy on the upper tooth so you can put a crown on it (to create room for the lower restoration.  If you don't, the lower restoration (bridge or implant) with have a shape (like a "J" or a ski jump) that will cause problems with your bite.  While the investment may be high, it will last a very long time.