If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be wondering if you can still get braces. In short, yes! In fact, many people who are missing teeth choose to get braces with power chain braces. Here’s why it’s such a popular option: no wires, no bulky headgear and the ability to eat whatever you want! If this sounds like something you would be interested in learning more about, please continue reading. Below you will find the answers to all of your questions about getting braces with missing teeth.
We need to find your dentist
The first step is finding a dentist who will write you a prescription for braces. If you need special dental appliances, you’ll likely want to ask around among friends and family. A dentist with a good reputation within your community is usually a good place to start. Once you find a dentist, be sure to visit them in person so they can get acquainted with your case, answer any questions and write out your prescription. If it turns out they aren’t comfortable fitting power chain braces on patients with missing teeth or other gaps, they should know someone who is (likely another trusted local practitioner). There are also specialist clinics that cater just to orthodontic patients with missing teeth—if you do have access to such an option, I’d recommend giving it some serious consideration.
Power Chain Braces
It may seem strange, but you can get braces if you have missing teeth. Power chain braces are a type of removable dental device that helps position your teeth for a better smile. By temporarily inserting them over your teeth and holding them in place with elastic bands, power chain braces keep your mouth from shifting around too much while work is being done on one or two of your teeth. Although it’s important to be cautious when doing so, eating with power chain braces is possible, as long as you choose soft foods that aren’t likely to get caught between your bracketed teeth. Power chains come in different colors and styles; once you find one that works for you, ask Dr. Eickholt about getting fitted for them!
Your dentist will examine your x-rays and photos
A dentist will need to get a good look at your mouth, jaw and bite before he or she can recommend a treatment plan. If you have several missing teeth or if there is decay in some of your remaining teeth, a clear plastic model known as an orthodontic power chain can be used to show what changes will be made during treatment. The dentist may also request x-rays of your mouth and/or photos taken in different positions. With these tools at hand, he or she will determine whether braces are right for you.
Your Invisalign Treatment Plan
To get braces when you have missing teeth, it’s important to visit a dentist who specializes in orthodontics. A power chain brace is one option you may be offered, which uses metal hooks attached to a spring-like coil that wind around each other and can exert up to 15 pounds of pressure per tooth—which is more than enough for most people with missing teeth. To use a power chain, most patients need at least 10 or so teeth on either side of their gap. If you’re missing too many teeth, or there aren’t enough on either side of your gap, ask about other options. Many orthodontists also offer removable appliances for those who are missing several teeth and want immediate results—even if they have all their teeth!
Talk Through Treatment Options
The first step in getting can you get braces with missing teeth is usually scheduling an appointment with a dentist, orthodontist or orthodontic assistant. It’s important to find someone who has experience dealing with cases like yours. This is when you want a professional opinion about whether your teeth can be straightened and how long it will take. If you don’t have access to dental insurance, shop around for a price that fits within your budget. Most dentists offer payment plans so you can handle it all at once without breaking your monthly budget; just be sure that your payments won’t make you late on other bills.
