How to improve my smile if I have missing teeth and longstanding gaps?

Doctor's Answers 1

Thank you for the questionWearing a denture is definitely not an ideal long term solution because the longer the teeth are missing, the more your neighbouring teeth will drift and misalign. Bone density and quantity decreases as well.

The gold standard would be to first straighten out your teeth then replace the missing teeth.

Teeth can be straightened by:

1. Traditional braces or

2. Invisalign (clear aligners)

Who can straighten your teeth?

1. General dentists certified in Invisalign / braces

2. Orthodontist (specialists in teeth straightening)

Note that when teeth are straightened, there would be a gap created usually the size of the missing tooth in order for the missing teeth to be replaced.

Teeth can be replaced by:

1. Dental implants - A 2 part surgical procedure which involves a titanium screw and then placing a crown which is the tooth once everything has healed and integrated well. This is the best because it does not damage your neighbouring teeth.

This can be done by a General dentist/ periodontist / oral maxillofacial surgeon

2. Bridges - A few teeth fused together where the neighbouring teeth are shaved and trimmed in order for space to be created where there is a fake tooth supported by fused neighbouring teeth. Not so ideal because its hard to clean and maintain good hygiene.

This can be done be a General dentist / prosthodontist

bridge vs implant

Overall when doing a treatment plan for aligning and replacing teeth, we need to consider the following

1. Bone quality and quantity

2. Gum health

3. Any existing tooth decay

4. Any other underlying issues such as pathology seen in xrays

Hope this helps and all the best Jerick!

Warm regards,

Dr Beth Seow

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