If you’ve ever looked into the mirror, flashed a smile, and found yourself wondering how to handle that pesky gap from a missing tooth while undergoing orthodontic treatment, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, it’s a question many people ponder over — “Can I get a retainer if I have missing teeth?” Well, both you and the 178 million Americans with one missing tooth can breathe a sigh of relief because the answer is an emphatic ‘Yes!’
Retainers with artificial teeth are not only commonplace but also a highly effective solution for those looking to keep their remaining teeth in line. So, if you’re considering orthodontic treatment but are concerned about that void in your smile, worry no more. Retainer can serve a dual purpose: maintaining the alignment of your teeth while temporarily filling in for the missing one!
Orthodontists are not only well-versed in working around this issue but also proficient in crafting solutions tailored to your unique needs. So, embrace the journey towards a more confident smile, missing teeth and all!
Can I Get a Retainer With Fake Teeth?
Absolutely, you sure can! If you’re missing a few teeth, a retainer with fake teeth, often referred to as a flipper tooth, can be a real game changer. This nifty little device fills in the gaps in your smile with some realistic-looking fake teeth!
A flipper tooth is a flexible and removable option — you can take it out whenever you need to, like when you’re brushing or sleeping. Plus, it’s usually less of a hit on the wallet than more permanent options, such as bridges or dental implants.
While a retainer with fake teeth can be a quick and relatively inexpensive fix, it’s not always the most durable or comfortable orthodontic approach. But, everyone is different, and it could be just the ticket 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
First off, on the pro side, a retainer with a fake tooth can be a real lifesaver when you’ve just lost a tooth and need a quick, affordable solution. After all, we all want to keep flashing those pearly whites without any gaps, right?
A retainer with a false tooth is also a good option if you’re waiting for a more permanent solution, like an implant. Plus, it’s a removable retainer! That means you can take it out whenever you want, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
Now, onto the cons. One of the downsides to a retainer with a fake tooth is that it might not be as comfortable as other options. Because it’s removable, it might not fit as snugly as a bridge or an implant.
You also need to be careful while eating because biting down on harder foods might cause the retainer to break or the false tooth to come loose.
Lastly, while it might be a more affordable option in the short run, you might end up spending more on frequent replacements in the long run.
Can I Wear an Essix Retainer With Fake Teeth?
You most certainly can wear an Essix retainer with fake teeth! Just so we’re on the same page, an Essix retainer is a clear, plastic retainer that fits over your pearly whites — think of it as an invisible coat of armor for your smile. If you’re missing a tooth or two, your orthodontist can actually incorporate a false tooth into your Essix retainer!
This setup can be a real win-win. You get the benefits of the Essix retainer, such as its nearly invisible appearance and its ability to keep your remaining teeth in their proper places, plus the added bonus of filling in any gaps with some faux pearly whites!
Can You Get a Hawley Retainer With Fake Teeth?
A Hawley retainer with a fake tooth isn’t just possible — it’s actually one of the most widely used types of retainers.
A Hawley retainer can be designed with a false tooth built right into it. It’s a neat solution that fills the gap in your smile while also helping maintain the alignment of your other teeth!
Your orthodontist will custom-make this retainer for you. The process involves taking an impression or a 3D scan of your mouth so that the retainer fits snugly and the fake tooth looks natural alongside your real ones.
A Hawley retainer with a fake tooth is considered only a temporary solution. While it’s great for short-term use, you’ll want to discuss a permanent tooth replacement option with your dental professional down the line. But in the meantime, it will work wonders and keep your smile looking great!
Can You Get Invisalign With a Fake Tooth?
Absolutely! The great thing about Invisalign is that it’s super flexible and can totally be used even if you’ve got a fake tooth!
The type of fake tooth you have can influence the cost and course of your Invisalign treatment. For example, if you have a dental implant (that is, a fake tooth attached directly to your jawbone, Invisalign retainers can’t move it. Implants are pretty steadfast and don’t budge like natural teeth can. However, your orthodontist will plan around it and make sure the rest of your teeth get aligned as they should!
On the other hand, if your fake tooth is on a removable device like a flipper or a partial denture, you might be able to take it out while wearing your Invisalign retainer!
Start Your Orthodontic Journey at Patuxent Orthodontics!
Contact Patuxent Orthodontics if orthodontic care is the way to achieve the perfect smile of your dreams! Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of our orthodontic services or simply have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (240) 802-7217 or send us a message through our contact us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a free consultation! Our office, located at 44220 Airport View Dr., Hollywood, MD 20636, proudly serves Maryland’s Patuxent area, as well as the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in California, Lexington Park, and Great Mills and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in MD, 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
- Lee, Dr. Richard. “5 Reasons for Choosing a Board-Certified Orthodontist!” Loudoun Orthodontics, Loudoun Orthodontics, loudounorthodontics.com/5-reasons-why-choosing-a-board-certified-orthodontist-is-the-superior-choice/. Accessed 24 May 2023.
- “Hawley Retainer to Maintain a Straight Smile: Colgate®.” Hawley Retainer to Maintain a Straight Smile | Colgate®, www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teen-oral-care/hawley-retainer-to-maintain-straight-smile. Accessed 24 May 2023.
- 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.
