If you have ever looked into the mirror, smiled, and wondered how you could deal with the gap left by a missing tooth during orthodontic treatment, you are not the only one. In fact, “Can I get a retainer if I have missing teeth?” is a common question among our patients.
Luckily, both you and the 178 million Americans with one missing tooth can relax because the answer is a resounding “Yes!”
Those who wish to maintain the alignment of their remaining teeth can use retainers with artificial teeth, which are not only common but also highly effective. This means that if you’re considering orthodontic treatment but are concerned about that void in your smile, you don’t need to worry. Your retainer can help maintain your alignment while temporarily filling in for your missing tooth!
Orthodontists are more than capable of crafting solutions tailored to your individual needs. So, embrace the journey to a more confident smile, even if you have missing teeth.
Can I Get a Retainer With Fake Teeth?
There’s no doubt that you can! A retainer with fake teeth, also known as a flipper tooth, can be a huge asset if you’re missing a few of your pearly whites.
A flipper tooth is a flexible and removable option, so you can remove it when you need to, like when you brush or sleep. And it costs less than a bridge or dental implant!
Even though a retainer with fake teeth can be a quick and relatively inexpensive orthodontic solution, it may not be the most durable or comfortable option. However, everyone’s circumstances are different, so it may be the best choice for you.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Getting a Retainer With a Fake Tooth?
There are both ups and downs to getting a retainer with a fake tooth.
Pros
If you’ve just lost a tooth and need a fast, affordable solution, a retainer with a fake tooth can do the trick. After all, who doesn’t want to keep flashing their pearly whites without any gaps?
Opting for a retainer equipped with an artificial tooth serves as an ideal temporary measure while considering a more lasting resolution such as an implant. Being a removable device, it offers the convenience of being taken out at your discretion, simplifying the process of its upkeep and sanitation.
Cons
As for the cons, a removable retainer might not be as comfortable as other options. Since it’s removable, it may not fit as snugly as a bridge or implant.
Furthermore, you should be careful while eating because biting down on harder foods can cause the retainer to break or the false tooth to come loose.
Finally, while it might be a more affordable option in the short run, you might have to replace it more frequently over time.
Can I Wear an Essix Retainer With Fake Teeth?
Absolutely, it’s possible to sport an Essix retainer equipped with artificial teeth! For clarity, an Essix retainer is a transparent, plastic device designed to cover your teeth, much like an unseen shield safeguarding your grin. Should you have a missing tooth or a couple, your orthodontist possesses the ability to integrate an imitation tooth into your Essix retainer!
With this setup, you get to enjoy all the advantages of Essix retainers, such as their nearly invisible appearance and the ability to keep your remaining teeth in their proper places, plus the added benefit of filling in gaps with some faux pearly whites!
Can You Get a Hawley Retainer With Fake Teeth?
As one of the most widely used types of retainers, Hawley retainers can easily be used with fake teeth!
A Hawley retainer can be ingeniously crafted to include an artificial tooth within its structure. This innovative approach bridges the void in your smile while simultaneously ensuring the positioning of your other teeth remains intact!
A 3D scan or impression of your mouth will be taken by your orthodontist, so that the retainer fits snugly and the fake tooth looks natural next to your real teeth.
A Hawley retainer incorporating an artificial tooth is generally viewed as an interim solution. While it provides excellent results for temporary usage, considering a long-term tooth replacement strategy with your dental expert in the future is advisable. Yet, until then, it will serve impressively in maintaining the allure of your smile!
Can You Get Invisalign With a Fake Tooth?
With Invisalign, you can totally use a fake tooth! It’s flexible, and can be used even if you have braces!
The variety of artificial tooth you possess can potentially impact both the price and progression of your Invisalign therapy. Suppose you’re fitted with a dental implant — a faux tooth firmly affixed to your jawbone. In that case, it’s important to know that Invisalign retainers are incapable of shifting it. Implants are considerably resilient and lack the mobility of natural teeth. Nonetheless, your orthodontist will carefully design your treatment, ensuring the correct alignment of your remaining teeth is achieved despite this limitation!
You may be able to remove your fake tooth while wearing an Invisalign retainer if it’s on a removable device like a flipper or partial denture.
Start Your Orthodontic Journey at Loudoun Orthodontics!
Contact Loudoun Orthodontics if you think orthodontic treatment is the solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment or have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (703) 858-0303 or send us a message through our contact us page to connect with our friendly staff today to book a complimentary orthodontic consultation! Our office, located at 19465 Deerfield Ave, Suite 304, Leesburg, VA 20176, proudly serves not just Loudoun County but also the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in Ashburn, Lansdowne, or Sterling, and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Virginia, don’t hesitate to visit our office! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining sparkling oral health, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to become a part of our smiling community!
References
- Missing Teeth – Prosthodontics, www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/ACP_Talking_points_for_Missing_Teeth_1-12-15.pdf. Accessed 24 May 2023.
- Cirino, Erica. “Flipper Tooth (Partial Denture) Benefits, Drawbacks, Costs, and Care.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 29 Aug. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/what-you-need-to-know-about-maintaining-a-partial-denture-also-known-as-a-flipper-tooth. Accessed 24 May 2023.