Missing teeth are often associated with aging. However, gaps in your smile can develop at any point in your life, whether it’s due to an unexpected dental emergency or worsening oral health problems. In the past, the best way to replace these missing teeth was with traditional restorations that were either anchored to your existing, healthy teeth or held in place with natural suction within the mouth. Today, many people who relied on dentures and bridges are now turning to a less invasive, modern treatment that offers them more benefits, called dental implants. Fortunately, whether you’re 20 or 80 years old, this versatile procedure can benefit people across every generation.

Braces have been the tried-and-true treatment to address orthodontic problems like bite misalignment, crowding, and gaps between teeth for decades. Although in most cases, dentists will recommend straightening both of your rows of teeth at the same time to avoid complications down the road, some cases may warrant single arch treatment. Read on to learn more about when braces on only your bottom or top teeth are recommended and the problems that could arise if you opt for single arch orthodontics.   

Unlike your natural teeth, restorations like your full or partial dentures aren’t able to last forever. This is mainly due to the fact that they can’t change as your facial structure does, meaning you’ll likely notice that they don’t fit like they used to down the road. This can make it difficult to eat and speak and even result in oral sores or irritation along the gumline. If you notice these signs, you’ll need to visit your dentist to speak about having them relined. Read on to learn more about what you can expect during this process.