I have a missing lower bicuspid and all my teeth are crooked because I didn’t have braces when I was younger. I feel I am too old for regular braces and would like to do Invisalign, but don’t know if they work when you have a missing tooth. I’d like a pretty smile and am hoping to have enough money left over when I’m done to get my teeth whitened as well.
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
Invisalign works fine with missing teeth. You will find that more dentists will be comfortable using them this way than an orthodontist. This is because orthodontists were trained to work with metal wires and brackets and Invisalign is much different.
As for the missing bicuspid, you may or may not need to replace it. That will depend on the rest of your bite. If you do, a dental implant will be the best replacement. What I’m going to recommend you do is see a few dentists who do Invisalign and then ask them what they’d recommend, giving you a few perspectives on the best course of action. Without seeing your x-rays I don’t want to give a recommendation on the missing tooth.
Invisalign and Teeth Whitening
As for getting that pretty smile you want, Invisalign has a wonderful side benefit. The aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. This will allow you to straighten and whiten your teeth simultaneously. This will save you a significant amount of money.
All you will need to whiten your teeth is for your dentist to provide you with the whitening gel, saving you money on needing to have custom trays made. By the time you are finished with your treatment, you will have both a straight and white smile.
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