Fortunately, there are variety of excellent options available for replacing missing teeth. But which is the right one for you? Let’s talk about the three most common options available and the benefits of each one. Instead of just going through your days living with the gaps, let’s talk about why you should replace your missing teeth.
WHY SHOULD YOU REPLACE MISSING TEETH?
It is very important to replace missing teeth. Not only replacing the missing tooth or teeth help you to speak and chew in a clear manner, teeth serve as placeholders. When one or more of those teeth are missing, the surrounding teeth start to shift. When that happens you wind up with bite problems because your teeth are no longer lining up correctly.
Another important factor is that the gum tissue and bone beneath the gaps left by missing teeth will start to deteriorate, making the surrounding teeth weaker. This weakening can eventually lead to further tooth loss. Every tooth is important!.
OPTIONS FOR ONE OR MORE MISSING TEETH
Which option you choose for replacing your missing teeth depends on your budget, oral health, and personal choice. Depending on your circumstances, your dentist will likely recommend one of these three primary options to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth:
- IMPLANTS: AN ARTIFICIAL REPLACEMENT ROOT IS PLACED IN THE JAW BONE AND CAPPED WITH A PORCELAIN CROWN.
- FIXED BRIDGES: A ROW OF ARTIFICIAL TEETH ARE HELD IN PLACE UTILIZING BONDING OR CEMENTING TO SURROUNDING TEETH.
- DENTURES: AN ENTIRE ARCH OF TEETH, UPPER OR LOWER, ARE REPLACED WITH A PROSTHETIC EMBEDDED WITH REPLACEMENT TEETH.
Each of these options involves a very different dental process, treatment time, and cost. They are all designed to provide lasting, natural-looking results.
IMPLANTS:
Advantages: Implants provide one of the best options for restoring functionality, esthetics and comfort. Surrounding teeth are not altered, so there is no need to damage any healthy teeth. Also, implants are known for outstanding durability.
One very important advantage is that they help to prevent bone loss because they use a root replacement.
FIXED BRIDGES:
Advantages: Dental implants require healthy and adequate bone tissue, and if that is something you are lacking, implants may not be your best option. A fixed bridge is another option, looking and functioning like natural teeth. Since the bridge is set permanently in place, it doesn’t need removing for cleaning, and you don’t need to worry about slippage. Also, fixed bridges costs less than dental implants.
DENTURES:
Advantages: Dentures are the least expensive option when all the upper or lower teeth need replacing. They are removable for brushing and cleaning, and for repairs. Dentures made with modern materials look very natural and function just like your own teeth.
