Are you one of the 178 million Americans who are missing at least one tooth? Worry not, there are now lots of options available to make your smile whole again.
Missing teeth can happen for any reason, such as tooth decay, cavities, or even accidents. But, with the evolution in the dental industry, it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Want to know the best options available for tooth replacement? Let’s find out.
Dental Bridge
One of the most common tooth replacement options is dental bridges. They work similarly to our natural teeth and look aesthetically pleasing as well. Most people prefer this option because the dentist doesn’t have to grind your teeth for it.
A dental bridge uses adjacent teeth (or implants) to hold a false tooth in place. It’s non-removable and fills the gaps nicely, especially when implants aren’t an option.
Partial or Complete Dentures
Partial dentures are the best way to replace a missing tooth. These might sound expensive, but in reality, they are even more inexpensive than dental bridges or crowns. If you’re struggling with teeth spacing, you can opt for this treatment.
On the other hand, if one set of your teeth is missing, you can choose complete dentures. They cover the entirety of your upper or lower jaw. This helps support the cheek muscles and restore your smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. Most dentists recommend this procedure because it is more stable, highly durable, and has a natural feel.
It is a small titanium post surgically placed inside your jawbone to act as a new tooth root. After that, a crown is added to make it look and function like a natural tooth. This tooth replacement option can last for over 20 years and, with proper care, helps prevent bone loss.
Temporary Tooth Replacements (Flippers)
Sometimes, the dentist might place a flipper in place of your tooth. This is a temporary fix that dentists use while you wait for your implants or dentures.
A flipper is a removable, inexpensive tooth made from acrylic. It can also be used if the dentist feels your gums or roots need to heal before any permanent solution is used. Just remember, flippers are just placeholders, not permanent solutions.
All-on-4 Implants
For patients with extreme tooth loss, dentists most often use an all-on-4 implant for the upper or lower teeth. This avoids bone grafting and significantly shortens the treatment time.
In this procedure, instead of replacing every missing tooth with a single implant, the dentist uses only four implants to support the entire arch. After that, a complete set of teeth (dental prosthesis) is attached to restore the natural function of the teeth.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it comes down to what suits your mouth best. If you’re struggling with tooth loss or something similar, visit a dentist and understand which options are viable. The dentist will provide you with the best treatment options based on your teeth’s structure and needs.
Replacing missing teeth is about restoring your ability to chew food, speak to your loved ones and live with confidence.