advice on my options

[mzh]

Hi,
I lost a tooth long time ago, and the one behind it now almost moved in the place of the missing one. I was given 3 choices:
1. Move the teeth back, then do an implant for the missing one.
2. Keep the teeth at its current place, do an implant at the current empty position (after some adjustments).
3. Keep the teeth at its current place, move the ones after the empty position up.
What are the pros and cons of them? Which one is better in terms of long term effects?

Thanks in advance for any suggestion.

[Sunny]

mzh which tooth are you referring to?

I had an impacted canine and after attempting to have it exposed, my OS made the decision that due to it's position it was to be left alone, as there were too many risks to the nerves and other teeth in that area.

I was told that the usual best option is to replace the canine with an implant, but since this couldn't be done, my second option was to have the teeth behind it moved forward to close the gap. After that it was a bridge or plate with a 'fake' tooth. My ortho explained the advantages of moving the teeth forward, but did say this would also be the longest process. I went with his recommendation.

Have you asked your orthodontist, if s/he was given these three options, which would they choose for themselves? This is a question that may help you decide.

Good luck with finding the best option for you!

[Zoso]

It does depend in part upon what tooth it is. But I'd say even more important is to visit a prosthodontist to evaluate whether or not you are a good candidate for an implant, and if so whether there would be any difference in the likelihood of a successful implant between plans 1 and 2 that you oulined above. It would be a shame to move everything around and then find that the gums would be unable to support an implant in the planned position.