Missing teeth can be a pain. Not only are they not aesthetically pleasing, but they also come with several complications that impede your oral health. Thankfully, there are many viable options for you to choose from when you are ready to replace your missing teeth.
Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth
Want to be able to enjoy your favorite foods again, feel more confident in social situations, and maintain the structure of your mouth? On top of these, there are several other reasons why it’s important to replace missing teeth:
- Improved oral function: Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew and speak properly. By replacing your missing teeth, you can improve your oral function and enjoy your favorite foods again.
- Maintaining good oral health: When you have missing teeth, the surrounding teeth can shift out of place, which can lead to problems such as bite misalignment and tooth decay. By replacing your missing teeth, you can help to maintain good oral health and prevent these problems from occurring.
- Improved appearance: Missing teeth can affect your appearance, making you self-conscious about your smile. By replacing your missing teeth, you can improve your appearance and feel more confident in social situations.
- Preventing bone loss: When you have missing teeth, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate, leading to bone loss. By replacing your missing teeth, you can help to prevent bone loss and maintain the integrity of your jawbone.
- Maintaining the structure of your mouth: Missing teeth can affect the structure of your mouth, leading to problems such as an uneven bite and difficulty speaking. By replacing your missing teeth, you can maintain the structure of your mouth and avoid these problems.
Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you have several options for replacing them. The best option for you will depend on your specific needs and goals, as well as your budget. Here are some common options for replacing missing teeth:
- Dental implants: Dental implants are a permanent option for replacing missing teeth. They are made of titanium, a strong and biocompatible material that fuses with the jawbone. Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone and then topped with a crown, which is a custom-made replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth.
- Fixed dental bridges: A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) option for replacing missing teeth. It consists of a false tooth or teeth that are supported by crowns on either side. The crowns are placed on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth, and the false tooth or teeth are then fused to the crowns. A dental bridge can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth.
- Removable partial dentures: A partial denture is a removable option for replacing missing teeth. It consists of a plastic base that fits over the gums and a series of false teeth that are attached to the base. The denture is held in place by clasps that attach to the natural teeth. A partial denture can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth.
- Full dentures: A full denture is a removable option for replacing all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. It consists of a plastic base that fits over the gums and a series of false teeth that are attached to the base. Full dentures are held in place by suction and can be removed for cleaning.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, it’s important to consider replacing them as soon as possible. Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew and speak properly, and they can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of place. By replacing your missing teeth, you can improve your oral function and appearance, and maintain good oral health.
At Dr. Winsome Henry-Ward, we offer a wide range of options for replacing missing teeth, including dental implants, fixed dental bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures. Our team of experienced dentists will work with you to determine the best option for your needs and goals. Contact us today to learn more about your options for replacing missing teeth.