Some Common Tooth Replacement Options

As life goes on, sometimes, we find ourselves in need of a tooth replacement, which can give us a negative self-image. Missing teeth allows our jawbone to deteriorate, and this could affect the overall appearance of our face. Another problem with missing teeth is that all teeth push against each other, keeping them aligned. When a tooth is missing, the tooth next to it might become crooked to cover the gap left by the missing tooth. This could lead to alignment problems, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Replacing missing teeth can lift your confidence and help you smile more often while also giving you the ability to eat the foods you like. Your speech is also likely to improve when you replace missing teeth. Much of this depends on the type of replacement you chose, and there are four standard tooth replacement options listed next.

Removable partial dentures

A partial denture is a removable tooth that looks natural in your mouth and helps restore your jaw's form and function. Partial dentures are usually made from a combination of metal and acrylic to look like they belong but are also strong enough for chewing and speaking. Some partial dentures have no metal and are often entirely acrylic. In choosing a partial denture, you would want to talk to your dentist about your personal needs before choosing the partial denture that is right for you.

A dental bridge

A dental bridge is a tooth or set of teeth made of a combination of metals and porcelain or ceramics that stay permanently in your mouth. The bridge attaches to nearby anchoring teeth that are given crowns, and it stays permanently in your mouth like one of your natural teeth and never moves or slides around when you eat or talk. You would brush and floss your bridged teeth just the same as your natural teeth. 

Implant-supported bridge

This option often works best if you are missing several teeth in a row. Instead of having the bridge attached to a crowned natural tooth on either side, you would have two artificial teeth implanted into your jaw and then have the bridge attached in the middle of those teeth. There is more on dental implants as a form of tooth replacement below.

Dental implants

Another replacement option you could choose is dental implants. When you have implants, they are permanently anchored into your jaw, and one of the benefits of this is your jawbone will form around that implanted tooth, which helps the appearance of your whole face. This is because dental implants stimulate the jawbone like natural tooth roots, which prevents the jaw from deteriorating. Because dental implants become part of your jaw, they look and feel like your own natural teeth. They are permanently fixed and even more so that they never move around when you eat or talk with a bridge. If you take care of your dental implants, they will probably last for the rest of your life.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carmelsmilesdentist.com or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at (317) 575-6101 for an appointment in our Carmel office.

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