If you are missing teeth, it is important to replace them as soon as possible with one of the many tooth replacement options that are available. The most common tooth replacements include dental implants, bridges, dentures. Let’s have a closer look at them…
Why You Need To Replace Missing Teeth
Most people think of the aesthetics first. It is true that a full set of teeth influences the way you smile, and how confident you feel when you do it. But there are functional reasons too. Missing teeth makes it more difficult to bite and chew your food.
Not only that but if there are spaces in your mouth because o f missing teeth your other teeth are likely to drift in your mouth, and try to fill the spaces more evenly.
Dental Implants
Considered to be the most permanent of all tooth replacement options, tooth implants are designed to look, feel and work like your natural teeth. they are generally longer lasting than dentures and bridges and because they replace your missing teeth at the roots, can prevent further bone loss.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are artificial roots or screws that are surgically embedded into your jaw bone. After a period of osseo-integration the dental implant fuses into your jaw and your dental practitioner can fit a crown on the top. These days crowns are designed to match your existing teeth so the final result is an artificial tooth that looks and performs just like the others in your mouth.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of tooth implants varies and is dependant on a number of factors. Because they are so long lasting, and a relatively complex set of procedures that take time to complete they are more expensive than bridges and dentures.
Dental Bridges
As tooth replacement options dental bridges close up the gap left behind by missing teeth above your gum line. Your dentist creates a bridge by placing a false tooth in between two crowns that anchor it in place.
The benefits of dental bridges are that they:
- Restore your ability to smile
- Restore facial harmony and the contours of your face
- Enable you to speak and pronounce words properly
- Enable you to bite and chew your food.
Before you can wear a dental bridge, the teeth next to the gap need to be prepared. This requires your dentist to remove some of the enamel from them, to make space to place the crown over the top.
How long do dental bridges last?
Bridges usually have a life span of between five and 15 years. solid dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist will ensure a bridge lasts for up t a decade.
How much do dental bridges cost?
The cost of your dental bridge is also dependant on a number of variables but dental insurance usually covers at least a portion, plan-dependant.
Dentures
Dentures are removable tooth replacement options that are available as partial or complete, depending on the number of teeth you need to replace. A denture is a plate that holds artificial teeth to replace those missing in your mouth. Complete dentures replace all your teeth while partial dentures are used when only a few are missing.
What does it feel like to wear dentures?
Patients who have dentures fitted say they take some getting used to. You may experience slight irritation in the first few days, and putting them in and removing them will take some practice to get right.
For most patients eating takes the most adjustment. Your dental practitioner will recommend that you start eating soft food that you cut into very small pieces first. As you get used to this you can start to introduce different types of food.
When do you wear dentures?
Your dental practitioner will advise you on how long and how often you should wear your dentures. In fact, in the first few weeks you may even wear them while you sleep. This will reveal where the dentures need to be adjusted. Once the adjustments have been made you will take them out before bed.
A conversation with your friendly dentist is the best way to address the most appropriate tooth replacement options for you. Contact us to speak to a professional: (02) 9158 6753.