5 Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
Are you among the 120 million people who are missing at least one tooth? Missing teeth is as uncomfortable as it is embarrassing, especially when you are still in an age group that people don’t associate with missing teeth.
You don’t have to suffer if you are missing a tooth or two. Different techniques can assist you to fill the gap. All you need to do is interrogate these options to find the best one for you.
Replacing the teeth will boost your confidence and give you the courage to smile once more in public. Below are the top five options for getting new teeth.
1. Dental Implants
You’ve probably heard of this technique because of its popularity. People love this tooth-replacement technique because of its reliability. The replacement feels and looks so natural that it can be hard for an untrained eye to distinguish them from the original.
Aside from the aesthetics, dental implants are long-lasting and great at replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth. The technique involves the placement of metal screws in the area of interest. These screws act as the root of the tooth you lost.
After the dentist places the screw, you’ll have to wait a few months. The implant heals in readiness for the next step during this period. Fusion of the implant to your jawbone occurs within the period of healing.
The dentist shall fix and secure a crown on top of the implant once it heals completely. Dental implants are the most effective tooth replacement method. Implants don’t interfere with the adjacent teeth and you won’t need to go for regular check-ups.
The downside of this method is it can be quite expensive. It also relies on invasive surgical procedures that not everyone will be comfortable with.
2. Removable Partial Dentures
There are two types of dentures available for people with tooth problems. The choice that’s suitable for you will depend on how many teeth you’re missing. Complete dentures are perfect for candidates who are missing all of their teeth.
It’s rare to come across someone who doesn’t have any teeth unless that person is very old. So most people opt for the second type of dentures – the removable partial dentures.
A removable partial denture is a dental appliance that comprises artificial teeth attached to a pink base. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth via a clasp. In some cases, removable partial dentures rely on the stabilization of your natural teeth to stay in position.
Partial dentures are a worthy consideration for people looking to replace multiple teeth on one side of the mouth. Dentists will give you a partial denture whose base matches the color of your gum after an assessment. The artificial teeth on the dentures will also match the color of your natural teeth for uniformity.
This tooth replacement method is affordable and easy to repair in comparison to other options. Expect to be uneasy the first time you start using removable partial dentures until you get used to them. The tooth care routine for this method is demanding since you have to remove and clean the partial dentures every day.
3. Fixed Dental Bridge for Missing Teeth in One Area
This method has similarities with the dental implant procedure but it’s more affordable. It involves bridging gaps caused by missing teeth. Dentists use either an artificial tooth or a dental prosthetic to cover the gap.
This process interferes with other teeth since dentists must attach the prosthetic to adjacent teeth in the area of interest. An application of dental cement to the replacement ensures the replacement bonds are in place.
Your artificial teeth will have a natural look when you go for this tooth-replacement method. Additionally, artificial teeth will improve the appearance of the natural ones next to them.
Engage reputable specialists only when you opt for this process. You risk developing an infection or tooth decay as a result of a build-up of plaque and bacteria beneath the bridge. This tends to be the case when bridges are poorly fitted.
Another effect of a poor fit is the destruction of the erstwhile healthy natural teeth close to the bridge. Note that cleaning around and underneath the bridge isn’t easy. Consult your dentist for information on the best practices.
4. The Implant-Supported Bridge
Dental implants may be the most suitable option for replacing missing teeth. However, the process is lengthy and unfavorable for people looking for faster ways of replacing their teeth. An implant-supported bridge is a good alternative for replacing a set of missing teeth in a row fast.
The method involves securing teeth at the extreme ends of the affected area with implants. Then, dentists fill the gap in the middle with artificial teeth. There’s no need to hold these middle teeth with a screw since the implants support them.
The benefit of this method is that it is economical. It’s also as effective as going for a dental implant with the added advantage of being a quick tooth replacement choice. Further, artificial teeth have a natural appearance.
On the other hand, the method is only applicable for cases where there are many missing teeth in a row. You’ll also need to replace the bridges at some point since they are not permanent. Some people may also find the need to go for multiple dental visits a turn-off.
5. Flipper
This is a cheaper, temporary and painless form of tooth replacement method. It involves replacing the missing tooth with a flipper that can flip in and out of its position. Flippers are a form of temporary partial dentures.
The method doesn’t affect any surrounding teeth and it doesn’t require metal clasps for it to work out. However, a flipper can be uncomfortable in some cases.
Reclaim Your Teeth
Missing teeth can be uncomfortable, especially for people who are conscious of their looks. If you don’t do something about it, your confidence may take a severe hit.
Even if you are confident about yourself, replacing missing teeth adds to your beauty. Reclaim your teeth today using any of the above techniques.
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