Few people make it through life with all their teeth. Many will lose at least ten permanent teeth before the age of 50. It affects your smile and alters your bite, making it harder and harder to enjoy your meals. With time, the loss of teeth also leads to a weak jaw. That is why you must be careful even as you replace your teeth.
Advances in dentistry make it possible to fill gaps in your teeth with more functional replacements. They may also be more attractive than the teeth you are replacing. However, aesthetic value is not the intention of these replacements. It is to ensure that you are in overall good health. So, what are some of these replacements for missing teeth?
Types of Replacements
There are different options for replacing your teeth, each with its own set of pros and cons. These options include dental implants, fixed dental bridges, and removable partial dentures. Of the three, which is the best replacement for a missing tooth?
Dental Implants
These are the best option for replacing a single tooth. You can also use dental implants when you are missing several teeth in different areas of your mouth. The process surgically mounts a titanium post into your jaw. The dentist then mounts the replacement tooth on the titanium implant. The implant stabilizes the tooth so that it remains in place.
Their essential advantage is their resemblance to natural teeth. The titanium implant also fuses with the jawbone due to the properties of titanium. It causes it to anchor the tooth firmly. It also does not involve neighboring teeth. The firm anchoring also helps restore your bite force. You can chew and bite with the same vigor as your natural teeth.
Fixed Dental Bridge
These are best if one or more teeth are missing in the same area. They use dental prosthetics or artificial teeth. The dentist bonds these in place using dental cement. They cost less than dental implants. They also feel and look like natural teeth.
But when a bridge is loose, it affects adjoining teeth. They are also hard to clean around and result in tooth decay and infection.
Removable Partial Dentures
If you want to replace some teeth, think of getting removable partial dentures. But if you want to replace all your teeth, complete dentures are the way to go. Dentures consist of a plastic base that anchors the replacement teeth. Your natural teeth will anchor the dentures. For good measure, some dentists add a clasp that goes around the actual teeth.
They look and feel like natural teeth. However, some people are uncomfortable wearing them. You must remove and clean them daily. You should also not sleep in them as they can harm your gum and jaw. The constant removal and fixing make these prone to damage.
Which Is the Best?
Based on the information and comparisons above, dental implants are the best. They do not need constant removal and fixing, a feature that would clinch it for many. They also support the replacement tooth, allowing you to bite and chew like normal. The characteristic of titanium fusing with bone prevents changes in the shape of your face.
They also enable you to speak naturally, without the fear that they may slip out of your mouth. Dental implants are easy to care for and do not need special products. You just brush your teeth and floss normally.
For more information on replacing missing teeth, visit Weston Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at our office in Weston, Florida. You can call (954) 507-6441 today to schedule an appointment.
