If you’re missing one or more teeth, it can affect your confidence and self-esteem. You may feel self-conscious when speaking or eating in public or simply be worried about appearing older than you are. Luckily, there are several great options to replace your missing teeth. Depending on your individual circumstances and needs as a patient, one will probably work better for you than the others.
Missing teeth is an unfortunate side effect of dental trauma, periodontal disease, or other oral health issues. While dentures are a standard solution, not everyone feels comfortable with them. Here are the four best solutions for missing teeth — and which one works best for you.
Fixed Dentures
Fixed dentures are designed to be a permanent solution for teeth loss since they are implanted into the gums and connected to the jawbone. They are usually used to replace all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw or a combination of the two. This type of denture is made from acrylic resin — a thermoplastic material. Its putty-like consistency makes it easy to shape and mold, which is why it’s so popular for denture-making.
This dental fixture is known for being very comfortable, easy to keep clean, and relatively affordable. They’re also very easy to replace. You’re probably wondering about aesthetics, though. Don’t worry fixed dentures come in a variety of colors and designs to match your unique needs and personality.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a bridge solution that is usually used as an interim step before getting fixed dentures. They’re used to replace just the teeth that are causing gum issues or impacting your chewing capacity. Partial dentures are often used when there are healthy teeth remaining nearby. They are also easier to remove than fixed dentures and can be cleaned similarly to a normal set of teeth.
These types of dentures are made from acrylic, too, that are held in place by the gums and natural teeth, along with either metal clasps or clear synthetic adhesives. Partial dentures are typically smaller, more natural-looking, less noticeable, and easy to clean. All that being said, partial dentures have downsides like any other dental solution. They can be a bit uncomfortable at first, and you may have to get used to them before feeling confident wearing them in public.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a way to cover up existing teeth and make them appear larger and healthier. They can be used to cover one tooth, several teeth, or an entire mouth full of teeth. Crowns are often used in combination with fillings, root canals, or dental implants. Most people are familiar with crowns but may not know that they can also be used to replace missing teeth. In this case, a crown is placed on a tooth that is still in the mouth.
Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, or metal. They’re usually attached to the natural tooth with a dental adhesive. Crowns are a popular solution for missing teeth because they’re strong, durable, and long-lasting. They can also be matched to the color of your natural teeth so that they’re practically indistinguishable.
This solution is much less invasive, and it’s also more budget-friendly. Make sure to take good care of your crown to ensure it stays in good condition. You can take care of your dental crown by brushing and flossing normally. You should also visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial teeth that are inserted into your gums and jawbone. They’re designed to last for the rest of your life and are incredibly durable and reliable. Dental implants are best used to replace just one tooth or a few teeth that are next to each other. They can also be used to hold partial or full dentures in place. This solution is considered the most natural-looking and -feeling option available. It’s also the most expensive option on this list.
If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to note that you must have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to support the implant because the implant is inserted directly into the jawbone. The good news is that dental implants can match the color of your natural teeth.
The surgery is invasive, so make sure this is the right procedure for you. The process is usually done in two steps. First, a metal post is placed into your jawbone, and then a temporary tooth is placed on top of that. In the second phase, a new permanent tooth is placed on top of the temporary tooth.
These implants are a great option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of regular dentures or want something more permanent. Same-day dental implant procedures are available for those who want a quicker solution or replacement for their missing teeth. They are also a good choice if you’re missing multiple teeth. The dentist will help you regain confidence by replacing your lost upper or lower teeth.
Which Option Is Right for You?
When you’re trying to decide which solution is right for you, you should consider several factors. First off, think about your oral health. Are your gums healthy, or do you have periodontal disease? Is your jawbone in good shape, or is it weak and fragile? Those are important factors to consider because each solution has different requirements. For example, if your gums aren’t healthy, you may want to avoid fixed dentures due to the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
If your jaw is fragile, you probably don’t want to get dental implants because they require invasive surgery. Once you’ve considered your oral health, think about your budget and lifestyle. How long do you plan to keep the solution? Will you be able to take care of it, or will it require daily maintenance? How will it impact your self-esteem and confidence? These questions are important because they’ll help you narrow down your options. With this information in mind, you should be able to pick the best solution for replacing missing teeth.
