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

Question

My upper molar start to drift and my periodontist recommend me to have braces to push back the upper molar so the implant would fit. And she said she could put the implant but she will grind a little bit of the upper molar to fit for implant. Which should i do? Please i need advise i couldn’t sleep thinking about it. I don’t have the money and saving up to replace it

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

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.

Raj Kumar, BDS, LDSRCS · Answer

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.

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

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

Answers (2)

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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.