Nearly 10 percent of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 have no remaining teeth. Unfortunately, tooth loss can happen even if you take care of your teeth because of hormonal or other factors that influence bone density and tooth strength. If you’ve lost some or all of your teeth, however, you have three excellent solutions. Each offers not only the ability to chew food, but also to smile confidently.
Full Dentures
Image via Flickr by Kathy McGraw
A denture is a set of false teeth that replaces missing teeth. Full dentures consist of an entire upper or lower row of teeth, and they’re designed to mimic the appearance of real teeth. Modern technology allows denture makers to prepare dentures using a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, plastic, acrylic, and more.
You can remove dentures whenever you wish, which makes them a flexible solution. Some dentists recommend removing them at night, for instance, to give the gums a rest and to clean the dentures in a solution. Others suggest wearing the dentures full time, removing them only to clean behind and under the material.
There are some downsides, however. Dentures can move around in your mouth and cause sores on your gums. They’re not the ideal choice if you have a small mouth. Additionally, they can make it more difficult to detect heat in food and beverages, which could lead to scalded tissue.
Bridges
A bridge, also called a partial denture, is another option to replace lost teeth. It resembles a denture except that it has gaps for real teeth. If you haven’t lost all of your teeth, you might want a bridge to create the appearance of a full set. Bridges can also improve comfort while chewing and talking, especially if you’re missing highly visible teeth.
Bridges typically feature clips or wires that secure them to the existing teeth. These features make them more stable than full dentures because you don’t have to rely on adhesive alone to keep them in place. They still can slide around in the mouth, however, if they’re not fitted correctly, but they’re an inexpensive solution to missing teeth.
Implants
When you’re missing teeth, you might want a more permanent solution. Dental implants, when installed by a caring and high-quality provider like Chandler Implants and Periodontics, offer a long-term option that might make eating, smiling, and dental care more enjoyable. They resemble real teeth more closely than dentures or bridges, and they’re surgically implanted in your jaw bone for maximum support.
Essentially, a dental implant uses manmade materials to replace a missing tooth’s crown and root. Before you decide to get dental implants, make sure your provider offers courteous and professional services. The process should start with a consultation, during which you’ll discuss your particular needs. Your provider should take time to inform you of all your options.
If you’re missing teeth, you might feel self-conscious, and you might have had to adjust your diet to compensate for the lost teeth. Don’t continue to suffer in silence. Instead, consider the three above options in consultation with your dentist.