tracey a patient at durham implant solutions with a full arch of teeth after receiving dental implants

What are the Options for Restoring Congenitally Missing Teeth?

Many people are missing at least one tooth because of trauma or disease, but some have teeth that are congenitally missing. These are permanent adult teeth that have failed to develop. The most common congenitally missing teeth are the lateral incisors in the upper jaw and the second premolars in the upper and lower jaws. The lateral incisors are the two teeth located on either side of your front teeth, and just in front of the canines which are the larger and pointier teeth. The second premolars are the smaller chewing teeth located just in front of the first molars which are the large chewing teeth situated at the back of your mouth.

Solutions for Replacing Congenitally Missing Teeth
There are several solutions for replacing congenitally missing teeth, but ideally, it is better to choose the method that is the least invasive and which provides an optimal long-term solution. Potential choices include orthodontics, a tooth supported bridge, or dental implants in Whitby.

Orthodontic Treatment
With orthodontic treatment in Ajax, braces may be used to close the space, moving adjacent teeth to create a more natural appearance. Orthodontics could be suggested if the lateral incisors are missing, and sometimes the canine teeth are moved forwards to create a more natural appearance. However, with this solution, the canine teeth are larger than the lateral incisors and may need substantial reshaping, covering up the canine tooth with a crown, a veneer or using dental bonding to achieve the desired shape.

Alternatively, orthodontics can be used to create enough space for a replacement tooth, and this may be necessary if the adjacent teeth have begun drifting towards the empty gap. The replacement tooth may be part of a tooth-supported bridge or a dental implant in Oshawa.

Tooth-Supported Bridge
A tooth-supported bridge is permanently fitted over the adjacent teeth, supporting a replacement tooth that rests on the gums. The teeth adjacent to the gap act as abutments and usually need to be substantially reshaped so they can be crowned. Sometimes it’s possible for the bridge to be supported by just a single tooth, creating what’s called a cantilever bridge. A tooth-supported bridge is a very traditional treatment for a missing tooth in Pickering. Dental implants are a more modern option.

Dental Implants
Dental implants are self-supporting and don’t require any modifications to the adjacent teeth. A dental implant is an extremely popular way to replace a lateral incisor in the upper jaw. The implant acts as an artificial tooth root and is a small screw made from titanium or from a ceramic material called zirconia, and which is placed directly into the jawbone during minor oral surgery in Brooklin.

Why Choose Dental Implants?
A dental implant in Newcastle can provide a long-term solution, and with the proper care, it may even last for life. Dental implants have been extensively used for decades and offer a predictable treatment outcome. Here at Durham Implant Solutions, we use computer-guided implant surgery to plan and place dental implants, ensuring they are in the very best location for aesthetics and functionality.

Can a Child Have Dental Implants for Congenitally Missing Teeth?
Dental implants can only be placed once the teeth and jaws have finished growing and developing, so when a child has a congenitally missing tooth, they will need to wait until age 18 or later before having this surgery. A cone beam CT scan helps to determine when tooth and jaw growth is complete. In the meantime, a temporary solution can always be provided by your dentist in Clarington to help restore appearance and which will have reasonable functionality.

If your child does have congenitally missing teeth, it could be worth discussing the possibility of dental implants with your dentist. Although they might need to wait for treatment, it can provide a long-term and more conservative solution.

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