Have you ever wanted to know your options for replacing missing teeth? Less than 50% of adults in the United States have all their adult teeth. The likelihood of missing at least one tooth increases as you age. Two-thirds of adults ranging in age from 40 to 64 are missing at least one tooth. Nearly 20% of people over the age of 65 are missing all of their natural teeth. One of the most common reasons for adult tooth loss is untreated cavities and tooth decay.
Losing teeth can make you feel self-conscious and negatively impact your ability to chew or speak. However, there are several options for replacing missing teeth. Read on to learn more about them and consult with your dentist to determine which solution(s) are best for you.
A dental implant is one of the most natural options for replacing a missing tooth. Implants integrate with your natural jawbone and are shaped like your natural teeth. You can also brush and floss implants normally. Your dentist will place an implant anchor screw directly into your jawbone during the procedure, which replaces the natural tooth root. Then, a dental bridge, crown, or denture is added to the surface of the implant, replacing your missing tooth.
As the names imply, both implant crowns and implant bridges are supported by dental implants. An implant crown is the best option to replace a missing tooth in the front or the back of your mouth, while an implant-supported bridge is intended to replace 3 to 12 consecutive teeth.
Implant-supported dentures are overdentures that are attached to and supported by implants. While regular dentures rest on your gums, implant dentures attach to implants and offer better support. Implant-supported dentures are known by many names, including implant dentures, implant-supported dentures, denture implants, full denture implants, and snap-in dentures.
If you get a removable partial denture, you can quickly replace your missing teeth and keep your remaining natural teeth. Your dentist will use a mold of your mouth to create a custom-fit denture made of pink acrylic or nylon, which mimics the appearance of your gums and supports and stabilizes the denture. The teeth then attach to the base and fit into the space where your missing teeth used to be. Your dentist may need to insert clasps to keep the denture in place and, depending on the denture type or position, the clasps may be visible when you smile or speak.
Complete dentures, also known as full upper or full lower dentures, replace an entire arch of teeth.
There are several benefits to getting full dentures. They replace damaged teeth and significantly improve the appearance of your smile, which boosts confidence. They provide lip and cheek muscle support, which restores facial dimensions and creates a younger appearance. Like partial dentures, full dentures may improve your speaking ability and make eating more comfortable. Your dentist can also adjust them easily to fit your changing jawbone. They are also a relatively fast and affordable option for replacing missing teeth. Ask your general dentist for options for replacing missing teeth at your next visit.
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