It’s not just how you look that matters when it comes to missing teeth. Even eating and talking may be challenging if you’re missing teeth. When teeth are lost, the jaws lose bone mass, adjacent teeth move, and the face can age quickly. To replace missing teeth and restore oral function when this is not possible, Maryville dentist use dental restorations or appliances.
Dental implants involve the surgical placement of metal or porcelain posts in the jawbone in the place of the tooth root. These pegs mimic the function of natural tooth roots, anchoring the replacement tooth firmly in place. The prosthetic tooth is made to look and feel like your real tooth, down to the shade. A dental implant looks, feels and acts much like a real tooth.
Implants in the mouth provide many advantages.
- Similar in form and function to a healthy tooth
- Implants can be placed without affecting any of the neighboring teeth.
- Prolongs its use by a considerable amount of time
- Keeps the jawbone from degrading any further
A bridge can replace one or more teeth and stay in place permanently. Typically, crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap, and the bridge is cemented or bonded to them. Crowns protect and strengthen the teeth that anchor a bridge, ensuring that it functions as intended. Bridges made of ceramic or porcelain can be colored to blend in with your teeth. Bridges can also be made from other materials, such as gold or alloys.
Advantages of Permanent Bridges
- Fits and feels just like a real tooth
- Can mimic the appearance of real teeth
- Dental implants might be expensive, but these are a cheaper alternative.
Partial dentures are removable dental prosthetics used to replace multiple lost teeth at once. Patients often choose detachable partial dentures because they may be taken in and out for maintenance and cleaning. Dentures that replace missing teeth often feature a metal framework covered by a gum-coloured plastic foundation. Teeth that are permanently affixed to this foundation will seem natural in your smile. Partially removable dentures typically feature a clasp that snaps onto your existing teeth.
The pluses of having partial teeth that can be removed
- They can save you money compared to alternatives like implants and bridges.
- Detachable for hassle-free maintenance
- Repairing these bridges is typically simpler than fixing traditional bridges.
- The success rate of a single tooth replacement option varies widely across patients. Budget, bone density, and the integrity of the adjacent teeth all play a role in deciding which tooth replacement option to go with.
