Unfortunately, we sometimes will lose our teeth. The loss of even a single tooth can affect our smile or ability to chew. The long term loss of teeth can cause other problems too.
A gap can also affect your “bite”, because the teeth next to the space can drift into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. Food also tends to get packed into the gaps causing discomfort during eating. If not removed this impacted food can lead to both decay and gum disease.
Normally, a missing tooth can be replaced in three ways:
- A fixed bridge
- A removable denture
- A dental implant
Bridge:
A dental bridge is basically a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is inserted between into the area left by a missing tooth and held in place by crowns on the adjacent teeth.
The crowns and bridge can be made of porcelain, gold or other precious metal alloys or a combination of these to provide a natural appearance and strength. For this, two teeth on each side of the missing tooth/teeth need to be prepared to accommodate the crowns. This is only possible if the adjacent teeth are suitable to support the bridge. A bridge is an ideal treatment for the patient who is missing one or two teeth
A removable denture:
Partial dentures are also used to replace missing teeth. A partial denture is basically a plate with a number of artificial teeth on it. The teeth are usually made of acrylic (a plastic) while the base plate itself could be made of metal or acrylic. The base plate acts as a connector between the teeth on either side and rests on top of the gum tissue which supports it.
Partial dentures are used for people who have longer span spaces on one or both sides or whose teeth are not strong enough to support a fixed bridge.
A partial denture usually has clasps or arms that ‘clip’ around the existing natural teeth for retention. Normally, the arms are hidden so that when you smile or talk, it does not look unpleasant. Well designed dentures in clean mouths are a good option for many people.
When all the teeth are missing, the replacement denture is commonly referred to as a full (or complete) denture. Full dentures can be for upper or lower jaw, or both. They obtain all their support from the gums on which they rest. They are usually made of an acrylic base with plastic or porcelain teeth. Occasionally a metal base too is used.
The retention of these dentures depends on the creation of a suction seal created by the good fit of the dentures. This is easier to achieve for an upper denture and if the supporting gums are well-formed and firm.
The retention of these dentures also depends on neuro-muscular control using the tongue and lips to keep them in, much like the skill needed to ride a bicycle. It sounds difficult but millions of people wear them successfully.
You may face some difficulties while adjusting to it initially. But, they are indeed a good option to make you smile, eat and present yourself confidently. In order to make it a smooth journey, it is advisable that in the initial stages, you chew slowly using both sides of the mouth and start with soft food. Dentures can be removed for cleaning and they are often taken out at night.
Implants:
The use of dental implants to help restore missing teeth is relatively new. They cost more but are the ideal solution, if suitable, for those who have difficulty in wearing dentures or for those who have lost a tooth but don’t want to cut the adjacent teeth down to make a bridge.
Implants are used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth on one side, or even used to support an entire fixed or removable bridge replacing all the upper or lower teeth.
However, it is not everyone’s cup of tea to undergo a surgery. A person is expected to be in good general as well as oral health, to have healthy gums and have sufficient bone to ensure success of the dental implants.
The implant is placed into a hole that has been drilled into the patient’s jawbone. Depending on the number of teeth being replaced, one or more implants are placed in the bone.
Generally, it takes three months for the bone to heal. After three months, if there is an appropriate healing, the dentist will uncover the implant and connect an abutment.
Following this, an impression of the mouth is taken and sent to the dental technician for construction of the crown or bridge. The dentist then will fit the crown or bridge to the abutment. Dental implants can replace your missing teeth giving both a natural look and good function. They look and feel like natural teeth.
Related Post
Tags: cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, dental care, dentist, dentistry, dentists, private dentist, private dentistry