Orthodontic treatment for adults before tooth replacement
It is not too late to start an orthodontic treatment in adulthood. On the contrary, adult orthodontics has many benefits, which is why Montreal orthodontist Dr. Tram-Anh Nguyen offers a wide range of adult orthodontic treatments.
Prepare the ground before a dental replacement
When a permanent tooth is missing or needs to be extracted in adulthood, orthodontic treatment creates the appropriate space for its future replacement. This approach is not solely aimed at aesthetics: it primarily ensures optimal chewing function and long-term stability of the neighboring teeth. The upstream treatment allows the dentist or maxillofacial surgeon to place an implant, bridge, or prosthesis under favorable conditions, minimizing the risk of complications.
In some cases, the neighboring tooth has moved into the vacant space, making it difficult to integrate a replacement tooth. Orthodontics then allows for straightening the roots, correcting rotations or overlaps, and realigning the dental arch. The treatment is personalized: each plan is based on a precise diagnosis established from digital imaging, dental molds, and a detailed occlusal evaluation.
When to consider orthodontic treatment before an implant or bridge
The right time to start this type of treatment depends on the clinical situation. When a tooth has been missing for several years, the neighboring teeth have often migrated, creating constraints on the contact points and disrupting function. Before placing an implant, it is sometimes essential to widen or reposition the available space to respect the biological distances between the roots. Orthodontics then ensures alignment compatible with implant standards.
In other cases, it is a dental agenesis – the congenital absence of a tooth, often at the level of the lateral incisors or premolars. The orthodontist can then close or open the space according to the planned replacement strategy. A preparatory treatment also avoids resorting to invasive solutions or aesthetic compromises.
This type of intervention is not reserved for young patients. In adulthood, the dentition continues to evolve, particularly under the influence of occlusal pressures or periodontal diseases. It is entirely possible to wear discreet devices like clear aligners, particularly suited for professional or social life.
The concrete benefits of a preparatory treatment
Realigning the teeth before a replacement avoids costly or unstable prosthetic adjustments. This also helps preserve the alveolar bone by avoiding uneven forces on the remaining teeth. A balanced occlusion promotes the longevity of dental restorations, reduces tension on the temporomandibular joint, and facilitates daily oral hygiene.
The treatment is often short: a few months are enough to stabilize the space, correct a slight tilt, or reposition a root that is too close. It can be integrated into a sequence of coordinated care with the referring dentist, which avoids wasting time between the steps.
Give yourself the smile of your dreams
There are many methods available to help
you achieve the smile you have always wanted. Orthodontie Côte-des-Neiges is here to support you throughout your orthodontic treatment
Schedule an appointment with our clinic
Each treatment plan is custom designed after a thorough evaluation of the required dental movements and functional constraints. The modeling tools used allow for precise visualization of the expected result. The practice offers solutions tailored for adults, including discreet and effective options like clear aligners or ceramic brackets.
In Montreal, the Orthodontie CDN clinic supports many adult patients in this process, often in collaboration with their treating dentist. The follow-up is rigorous, the approach personalized, and the results aim for both stability and aesthetics. Before placing an implant or planning a bridge, orthodontic treatment can make all the difference.