You don't want to wait when it comes to replacing your teeth. Oral health is important. That means that having a full set of healthy teeth will serve you better and increase your overall health. While there are certainly cosmetic benefits that come with replacing your teeth, having a complete set of teeth will lead to a healthier you in the long run.
There are lots of reasons you might be considering options to replace your missing teeth. Some of these are untreated cavities, gum decay, various oral diseases, mouth injury, and more. Due to the nature of your tooth loss, finding solutions for your missing teeth may be a huge benefit to your health and well-being.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are an excellent option to replace missing teeth because they can act as a completely new tooth - as if you never had a missing tooth in the first place! The implant itself is attached to a titanium screw that will act as a new root once implanted into the jawbone. Dental implants have two different types and they depend on the current state of your oral health, particularly your jaw.
These are a popular option because of their durability, longevity, and their nearly identical appearance to a real tooth. However, dental implants may not be a good option for you if your jawbone isn't sturdy enough to handle the procedure.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges may be an option for you if you're missing a series of teeth. More than one missing tooth can make you a candidate. There are different options for dental bridges, such as:
Traditional Dental Bridges
This is the most common dental bridge. When installing a traditional dental bridge, your dentist will begin by creating an abutment. This is a connecting element implanted into your gums that will hold your bridge in place, similar to what dental crowns are secured to. Your dentist will typically put these on both sides of your gap. Then, your new bridge will be positioned securely on top.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
Cantilever dental bridges are a good option if your missing tooth has only one healthy tooth next to it. When you have a cantilever bridge installed, your dentist will anchor it to that single healthy tooth, similar to a traditional bridge.
This dental bridge procedure can be much simpler and less complex than others, which is an added benefit of the cantilever bridge. However, it may not be a solution when you're missing back teeth because of the amount of pressure it will have to withstand despite only being anchored to a single tooth.
Maryland Dental Bridge
The things that make the Maryland dental bridge unique are the materials it's made of and how it's bonded within your mouth. These dental bridges are made of plastic materials and they're supported by metal bonds that adhere to the back of your existing teeth.
Maryland bridges are a great option because they're minimally invasive and don't require any anesthesia. However, these bridges don't offer a lot of support for your teeth.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a great solution if you're missing back teeth. Similar to bridges, partial dentures can be an option if you're missing a series of teeth. In order to be a candidate for partial dentures, you need to be sure that you have a healthy set of teeth and gums.
These are also typically removable. It may take you a while to get used to having a removable object in your mouth, as well as keeping up with standard oral hygiene for your partial denture.
Complete Dentures
Whereas partial dentures only fill a gap from a series of missing teeth, complete dentures replace all of the teeth in your mouth. Complete dentures will come with sections for both the upper and lower portions of your mouth. Complete dentures are a great solution for missing teeth and can help with the alignment of your mouth.
Although these are a seamless replacement for your teeth, some people don't enjoy the adhesives you have to use to keep them in place.
Solutions for missing teeth at Kneib Dentistry
Kneib Dentistry offers affordable solutions for missing teeth. We're willing to work with you to find a solution that fits your needs, while also making sure that finances don't prevent you from taking advantage of all our dental services. Our staff would be happy to work with you to discuss insurance and financing options for affordable tooth replacement.
If you have missing teeth and want to restore your smile, come in for a consultation to talk about what options may be best for you.
