3 Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Losing a permanent tooth can make you self-conscious about your smile, and having a gap in your gums could possibly cause your remaining teeth to move out of alignment. Luckily, if you are missing one or more teeth, you have several options. Continue reading to learn more about how a dentist can assist you in restoring your mouth if you are missing a tooth.

Removable Partial Denture

As its name suggests, a removable partial denture can be taken out of the mouth to be cleaned. Dentists typically recommend that partial dentures be removed at night. A partial denture has one or more false teeth that are designed to look like natural teeth connected to rigid plastic that is the same color as the gums. Most partial dentures have some sort of clasp that helps connect them to the surrounding teeth.

When it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth, removable partial dentures are usually the most affordable option, and if there are any problems with the partial dentures, they are easy to have fixed. However, some people feel that partial dentures are uncomfortable to wear, and it may take you some time to get used to eating and speaking with partial dentures in your mouth.

Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge involves bonding or cementing a false tooth into the area where you are missing a tooth. In order for a fixed bridge to be secure, the teeth on either side will need to be reshaped and have crowns attached so the false tooth can be attached securely. Fixed bridges tend to last for quite a while, and once they are in place only a dentist can remove them.

Many people like fixed bridges because they function a lot like normal teeth, and the area where the bridge is attached does not need any more maintenance than the rest of the natural teeth. However, some do not like the fact that the teeth adjacent to the false tooth need to be completely reshaped. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are quickly becoming a very popular option for replacing one or more missing teeth. When you have dental implants placed, a metal rod is actually inserted into the jaw bone; this action can actually help promote bone growth. After your dentist has determined that the rod is firmly in place and the bone has grown around it properly, a natural-looking false tooth is attached to the top of the rod.

One of the reasons that dental implants are so popular is that they are very long lasting and strong. The fact that they prevent the jaw bone from deteriorating is an added bonus. One downside of dental implants is the fact that they can be more expensive than removable partial dentures and fixed bridges. 

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