If you're missing one or more teeth, you might be self-conscious about your smile. However, did you know that tooth loss can lead to other oral health problems? Luckily you have multiple options for replacing those missing teeth.
Three Ways to Replace Missing Teeth
To make tooth restorations, your dentist first takes impressions of your mouth. These molds are used as a blueprint for the new teeth, and in the case of dentures, to make the base that fits over the gums.
Bridges
If you have a gap of one to three missing teeth and would prefer a non-surgical solution, a bridge is a great option. This dental device consists of a row of tooth restorations fused to a ceramic or metal base. There are crowns on either end of the restoration, made to fit over naturally healthy teeth. The bridge is fixed in place with dental cement to ensure it fits well and doesn’t slip.
Dentures
Dentures are a removable dental device that can replace one tooth, several teeth, or a whole mouthful. They are a good economical option for tooth replacement. Dentures are made from durable acrylic over an acrylic-covered metal base and fit over the upper or lower jaw. Because dentures are removable, they must be cared for separately from brushing remaining natural teeth.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a comprehensive surgical option that permanently replaces teeth. The implant is a metal post that is placed in the bone underlying the tooth gap. Once the post is placed and the jaw is healed, it’s completed with a restoration. Dental implants can replace as many teeth as are missing, from one tooth to a whole mouthful. Because they closely mimic the function of natural teeth, implants can prevent the long-term problems associated with tooth loss, in a way that no other replacement option can.
The Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth
Missing teeth are more than just a cosmetic problem. One common functional issue that many people face is that tooth loss can lead to difficulty in biting or chewing certain foods, sometimes to the point where the diet becomes limited. Another functional problem is that because the teeth help us shape certain sounds—such as F, S, and TH—speech can be impaired as a result of tooth loss.
Tooth loss can lead to additional problems over time. One issue is that tooth loss destabilizes adjacent teeth, causing them to shift into the gap, potentially leading to bite problems and a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Another long-term issue is that tooth loss results in loss of bone density and strength in the underlying jaw bone.
For Best Results, Don't Delay
If you're missing one or more teeth, your risk of further oral health problems increases with time. This means it's important to fix the problem as soon as possible—so don't delay in talking to your dentist about your tooth replacement options.