Is It Possible to Close the Gaps Where I Lost Two Teeth?
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Is It Possible to Close the Gaps Where I Lost Two Teeth?
Perhaps you’re missing teeth for one reason or another. It may have even come from a root canal. You might be asking yourself, “How can I close the gaps if I have two missing teeth?” You actually have a few possibilities available to you, but you should understand the risks and the benefits before you take on any of them. This will help you to decide which one is the right choice for you.
Method #1: Do Nothing
Probably one of the least ideal options, over time, having a missing tooth could cause you some trouble. That’s a true statement because teeth act as placeholders. If you were to ask, “Will teeth move on their own when there are gaps from missing teeth?” The truth is that they will, but they also do this when you have your teeth. It’s one of the reasons that people have to wear a retainer after braces so that their teeth don’t shift back into their old position. They will, however, move a lot more with a gap, which can cause more serious problems later on. The lack of a tooth could cause a shift or change in how the person bites. Depending on where the tooth is missing in the mouth, this can hurt your ability to use that part of the mouth.
Method #2: Braces
You might find yourself asking, “Can brace bring closer the gaps made by my two lost teeth?” The answer is yes, braces can close this gap if a person is missing one of their teeth. If you’re missing two teeth, it might not necessarily close the gap, however. Braces are capable of many things, but it won’t be able to close a gap this large. It can bring them closer together, however, so that it is less noticeable. In truth, asking yourself, “Can braces bring closer the gaps made by my two lost teeth?” is a good question, and they can do this, but you have other options that will probably be more effective at doing this.
Method #3: Implants
The implant option can be a good choice. The orthodontist will place a post that goes into the jawbone where the missing tooth used to be. Most commonly, this will be made from titanium. After the post has been accepted by the body, a crown will be added on the post. You have several concerns to be aware of with implants. First, you have trouble any time you put metal into the mouth because it interacts with the microbes of the mouth. This may compel the bad bugs to adapt to it, and they will produce what’s known as an atypical toxin. That can spell huge trouble because the body will have no choice but to try to combat these toxins, and it can stress the body’s immune system. Titanium does oxidize less slowly than some of the other dental metal, which is why it is used, and if you want to eliminate a gap, you have to accept the disadvantages somewhere down the line. Next, you have the cost of $4,000 to $6,000 per tooth.
Now you might be wondering, “Will teeth move on their own when there are gaps from missing teeth?” The truth is teeth are always shifting around and moving somewhat. However, this shifting will especially be more dramatic when you’re missing teeth. This can cause a loss of some of your teeth. When the jawbone doesn’t have teeth tissue, it can lead to atrophy. This will cause major problems later down the road.
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Method #4: Traditional Bridgework
Orthodontists have used this form of treatment for years to help close the gaps in missing teeth. You do, however, have a couple of problems with it. First, the teeth on sides of the gap get ground to posts to attach this fixed bridge. Another issue is how if either of the sides gets compromised, you will lose the entire bridge. Not to mention, you have to strip away a great portion of the outer teeth because you want to prep it for a bridge. When one of these two anchor teeth has been compromised, you face the chance of losing three teeth, which is a lot of chewing capabilities.
Another issue with traditional bridgework is how you can’t clean under the bridge. This can lead to excess bacteria buildup, which will be harmful to your mouth. The advantage is how you will have full chewing capabilities. While it might not be perfect, you still have a lot of reason for celebrating.
Method #5: Composite Bridgework
You might be asking yourself, “How can I close the gaps if I have two missing teeth?” This excellent alternative to traditional bridgework has put a unique spin on it. Orthodontists now have the ability to build bridges from a composite resin material. The biggest advantage here is how you don’t have to grind the teeth down to posts. Instead, the orthodontist will build from the adjacent teeth, and he will use composite materials as a way of filling in the gap.
Like with the other methods, you shouldn’t see this as the perfect solution, however. For example, as with traditional bridgework, you will still have a hard time with the cleaning around and under the bridge, for example. In addition, you still have made a demand that two teeth will have to work like three teeth. This can be harmful. Over time, these composite bridges might also lack in strength because they don’t hold up as well as some of the other options. Finally, you won’t be able to exercise the bone underneath the bridge, and this can lead to atrophy. Composite bridgework especially makes sense when you’re missing your two front teeth.
As you can see, you have many different options for eliminating the gaps with your teeth. Each of these options comes with their own advantages and disadvantages. We don’t talk about the disadvantages to discourage people but so that they can make an informed decision about the type of tooth work that would work best for them. If you’d like to learn more, please call our orthodontal practice today. We have many options available for patients, and we can help you to fix the gap that comes as a consequence of missing teeth.
Is It Possible to Close the Gaps Where I Lost Two Teeth?
McDermott Orthodontist
708 Elm Ave. E.
Delano, MN
55328
TEL: 763-972-4444

Dr. Michael McDermott earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Chemistry and Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He followed his undergraduate degrees with a doctorate in dental surgery at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with highest distinction.
Dr. Mike then furthered his dental education by earning a masters and certificate in Orthodontics at the University of St. Louis in Missouri.