Gap between teeth

[fran9]

Hello, I have a question as what options I have. My orthodontist removed my 1st molar and 2nd premolar on my left upper side and now I have a huge gap (about 1cm) in there. My parents are really upset about the gap and my dentist told me that I need a bridge or an implant. I am not sure what to do now, as I have my braces off and wearing a retainer. My orthodontist told me that "I should get a rich wife who can help me to pay for a bridge or an implant..." after I told him that I can't really afford either. I guess that was a joke? Not sure, but the whole situation frustrates me, because when I smile, you can see a gap from the side. Can you tell me, please, whether my 2nd molar or 3rd molar are going to move in to close the gap or what should I do? I am only 21 and don't want to have a gap between my teeth. My retainer, by the way, does not have any space for molars and curves inside filling the gap. Thank you.

[Coffeeguy]

If the acrylic of the retainer is filling the gap, the orthodontist means for the gap to stay there? I've never heard of anything like this. A cheap fix is to get a pontic (fake tooth) placed on the retainer so at least when you have it in, there will not be a gap, but that negates any possibility of the gap closing. There are also springs that can be attached to the retainer to push everything forward (without seeing your case, I can only guess its possible). I'd get some non-joke straight answers from your orthodontist, or a get a second opinion from another one.