How To Treat Your Missing Teeth
Losing teeth is not just something that happens when you reach old age, because it can be caused by anything from playing sports to developing tooth decay. If you find yourself in a situation where you have lost some of your teeth, you will have several options for getting them back.
Dentures
A common method for replacing missing teeth is dentures. While they are traditionally thought of as full sets, you can receive partial dentures that just fill in the teeth that you are missing. They are also a very affordable and temporary option, since there is no permanent alteration to your mouth to wear them.
Unfortunately, dentures can often feel like they are slipping or falling out at times, which makes them uncomfortable to wear. Denture adhesives are a solution to the problem, but are not ideal for everyday use because of how adhesives become loose when water touches them.
Bridges
When comfort is a top priority, bridges make for a great tooth replacement option. They are a solution that is more ideal for long-term replacement due to being attached to existing teeth in your mouth, and much more comfortable to use.
Bridges are not without their drawbacks though, since they are ideal for someone that is missing only a few teeth. That is because bridges require healthy teeth that surround the missing tooth, which makes them impractical for replacing many teeth that are missing in a row. Bridges also involve permanently altering the healthy teeth that surround the gap in order to install the crown.
Implants
An implant is the best way to permanently replace a tooth so that it looks and functions like a real tooth. It involves surgically installing a post into the jawbone that supports a false tooth. It is the most expensive of the three procedures, but provides the most realistic results.
Not everyone is eligible to get a dental implant though. The jawbone must be able to support the implant or else the implant will fail. Your dentist will evaluate your jaw and let you know if getting an implant is a possibility.
Final Verdict
If you have the money and a healthy jawbone, a dental implant will give you the best results possible. Bridges can produce a similar result, but depend on the structural stability of the bridge and the health of the surrounding teeth to avoid replacement down the road. Dentures will be cheap and easy to get, but lack the stability to give you the confidence you need. Still not sure about which one is best for you? Schedule a consultation with your dentist.
For more information, contact a dentist like Benjamin D Hull DDS.