Thelma-Louise

How fast teeth shift may depend on your current bite (malocculsion when teeth don't meet together correctly can exert enough force to shift teeth quickly), if another tooth needs the space, bone density, etc. So it could take several months, a year or even longer for you to see a change or shift. What you may notice is the tooth above the missing tooth "grow" down or sprout what looks like a stalagmite or icecicle on the edge of a tooth b/c nothing is preventing it from doing so and it is trying to find something to rest on - but again this may take many months, a year or longer to occur.

A bridge to replace a missing tooth requires that the 2 adjacent teeth on either side of the missing tooth be filed down and crowned with a dummy tooth or pontic attached inbetween them. So basically the structure of 2 healthy teeth need to be destroyed to be used as anchors. While this is often the most feasible and economical solution that many opt for it brings with it the risk that the 2 teeth may also need root canals should the nerves or root become damaged or traumatized by the prepping and filing necessary to fit the crowns. Also crowns and bridges in general have a tendency to promote gum recession and can make cleaning around the teeth tricky.

Orthodontia brings with it its own concerns - such as changing the bite, facial appearance and orthopedic and neuromusuclar alignment you are genetically predisposed to. Although it does serve a purpose when teeth are crowded, speech or enunciation is impaired or tmj issues need to be addressed, it can also create problems in the distant future if not done correctly - so this is just my opinion, but it seems drastic in terms of moving and disturbing other teeth to just close a gap from one missing tooth - also, it may require that a other teeth be removed so that all sides have the same number of teeth so they can properly be re-aligned.

So I would think, if you can afford it, an implant may be the best long term solution, although it does come with some risks as well, such as surgery complications (nerve damage), infection or implant failure ,however having the right dr can minimize such occurrences greatly. It may also require a long investment in terms of time - once placed the implant may need several months to heal and intergrate with the bone before a post and crown can be attached.

So, no, I do not think there is any urgency here - take your time and go see an orthodontist(s) and then see an OS or implantologist(s) - find out as much as you can from both in terms of what would be required for each - if you have questions regarding what you are told either go back to the dr and ask him to further clarify the info or come here and ask others about it.

Good luck.