Impacted teeth are permanent teeth that fail to erupt properly into the mouth. Wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth, but canines and premolars are also commonly impacted. Impactions can be caused by improper positioning of the developing tooth. Impactions can also be caused by early loss of primary teeth or crowding of teeth.

This problem should be corrected because it can:

• cause damage to the root structure of adjacent teeth
• interfere with the sinus cavity
• leave unwanted spaces
• lead to improper functioning of the teeth
• cause premature wear of the teeth
• cause asymmetric alignment of the teeth
• impacted teeth can develop cysts and tumors
  

Impacted Tooth How can impacted teeth be orthodontically corrected?

Usually the impacted tooth is surgically exposed and over the course of a few months and brought into the correct position of the mouth by using braces. The surgery associated with impacted teeth is a minor surgical procedure performed by an oral surgeon working closely with our practice.

Missing teeth is the absence of a tooth or teeth that should normally be present. This can be caused by trauma or lack of development.

This problem should be corrected because it can:

• cause improper functioning of teeth
• cause premature wear of teeth
• cause asymmetric alignment of the teeth

How can missing teeth be orthodontically corrected?

Depending upon the situation, the space can be closed with braces or opened for tooth replacement. A bridge or dental implant are prosthetic tooth replacement options if a space is created.