Various Options For Replacing Missing Teeth
People tend to take their teeth for granted until they lose a tooth or two or all of their teeth at which time they realize in horror how important their teeth were.
Not only do teeth allow you to chew and speak properly but they’re critical to your appearance. Losing teeth can cause a person to become self-conscious. Missing teeth can alter the way your face looks, aging you.
Don’t despair. Missing teeth can be replaced. All dentists know how important healthy, attractive teeth are to their patients. A cosmetic dentist has specific training in providing restoration and restorative care to missing or existing teeth.
When you get your missing teeth replaced this gives you a new lease on life and you feel like smiling confidently once again. Your self-assurance is restored!
People lose teeth for a variety of reasons including an injury that knocks the tooth out; cavities; gum disease and genetics. When a tooth or teeth is missing this can create problems with chewing as well as speech issues. It can also cause the existing teeth that are adjacent to the missing tooth to shift. When shifting occurs, this leads to more cosmetic problems as well as the likelihood of more cavities, gum disease and malocclusions.
Malocclusion means a bite problem. Types of malocclusion include an overbite, where the upper front teeth appreciably overlap the lower front teeth. There are also cross bites and under bites. Cross bites may be responsible for jaw pain (TMJ), shoulder and neck pain, headaches, lockjaw and can also cause such pressure on the jaw that the enamel on the teeth is worn off. Teeth can become loose and receding gums as a result of a malocclusion. This alters the symmetry of the face.
There are techniques to replace missing teeth including a dental bridge, a partial denture or dental implants. A bridge is a very common approach to replacing a missing tooth. The bridge is fitted over the surrounding teeth and cemented into place. The tooth or teeth look natural and are comfortable. However, it is a costly procedure and in the future the patient may require a root canal.
A bridge is not the solution if several teeth are missing in a row or the teeth that are adjacent to the missing tooth have lost significant bone due to gum disease. The gum has to be healthy and sturdy for this approach to work.
Another option for replacing missing teeth is a partial denture, which is a prosthesis or device that can be removed. A partial denture does not cost as much as some of the other alternatives. Some people have a hard time coping with dentures and find it hard to chew food while wearing a partial. The denture may also impact their speech. It takes a while to get used to a partial and some people never do and stop wearing them altogether.
Implants are available to replace missing teeth. This is an increasingly popular alternative. When undergoing an implant, a titanium rod is placed into the jawbone. This is the implant. It is comparable to a tooth root.
The implant must heal for several months after which time an artificial tooth is attached to the implant. Implants are the best option when a bridge is out of the question. Implants feel good and natural and serve to preserve the teeth that surround the missing tooth or teeth. However, this is an invasive procedure and time-consuming, taking six- to nine months before the proceeded is totally completed.
Talk to your dentist. Discuss all available options. Of course, price is a consideration. Whatever option you choose you will be extremely pleased with the outcome. Replacing those missing teeth is going to make you a much happier and confident person.
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