Solutions for Missing Teeth
The first thing you notice is often a person's smile.
Unfortunately due to a number of factors you may have needed to have a tooth removed or lost it through trauma. This can leave people feeling conscious and unhappy with their smile.
Luckily there are a number of ways to fix this problem and restore your smile.
The main reason a person would replace a missing tooth/teeth are aesthetics and function.
4 Ways to Replace a Missing Tooth
1. Dental Implant
Dental implants are the most like-for-like way of replacing a missing tooth.
They look and feel the most natural while chewing, brushing, and aesthetically.
An implant actually replaces the root of the missing tooth and takes several months to heal in the bone.
Once that's healed, a crown is placed on top.
A major advantage of a dental implant is that you don't have to alter any of the surrounding teeth.
You can use implants to replace just one tooth, or they can replace multiple teeth.
When you have an implant, there's no way for anyone else to tell the difference between the implant and your actual teeth. They are also completely permanent.
2. Bridges
When it comes to replacing just one tooth, dental bridges are often considered the second best option right behind implants.
There a multiple types of bridges which could require alteration of the adjacent teeth for support. Your dentist will advise you on the best option for you if you decide a bridge is the option you'd like to take.
A bridge is fixed so you don't have to constantly remove it, which gives it better functionality compared to the removable options.
Bridges are also less expensive, and take much less time to complete than dental implants.
So if you're in a hurry and don't want to break the bank, an implant is a great option for you.
Keep in mind that bridges are a little harder to maintain, which could lead to recurrent tooth decay.
3. Implant Supported Denture
Implant supported dentures are also an option, these are attached to and supported by implants.
Regular dentures rest on your gums, while implant dentures snap onto implants using special attachments that provide better support than regular dentures.
Like the other types of implant-supported fixes, implant dentures are completed in two phases.
First, your dentist performs a surgical procedure that places at least two dental implants into your jaw.
When that is completed and healed, your dentist will complete the second phase by fitting your new custom prosthesis.
4. Removable Partial Denture
A removable partial denture, worn only during the day, can replace one or several missing teeth.
Occasionally a partial denture may need metal clasps to help it stay in the mouth.
You should take them out each night and soak them.
A partial denture is the most economical option, and it doesn't require filing down any teeth.
However, don't feel like you need to do anything at all! You also have the option to leave the gap as it is.
Some people don't do anything because the missing tooth isn't noticeable, or they choose to do nothing because of the costs associated with the missing tooth.
While you are free to do nothing, failing to replace a missing tooth can cause dental problems down the road.
The two main risks you're taking when you don't replace your missing tooth are tooth movement and bone loss.
If you're missing a tooth, the neighbouring teeth may start shifting into the empty space, creating gaps between teeth and affecting your bone health.
The density of your jawbone decreases after you lose a tooth because it loses the root stimulation.
Do you feel like you'd like to replace a missing tooth?
If you would like to discuss your options for replacing a missing tooth or teeth please call the practice on 01452 371481 and reception will get you booked in for a consultation with one of our experienced dentists.
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