You can smile through a lot of life’s circumstances. But tooth loss…well…that changes things.
If you have missing teeth you can begin to restore your smile (and your oral health) by understanding how tooth replacement works and the available options for replacing your missing teeth.
Aside from your appearance - why replace your missing teeth?
The causes of tooth loss can vary.
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Mouth or head trauma
- General health abnormalities
However you’ve experienced tooth loss the results can be traumatic to your lifestyle, health, and appearance. Those are motivation to replace your missing teeth.
Let’s explore the benefits of tooth replacement from a health and lifestyle perspective.
Tooth replacement restores your ability to chew and speak effectively
The loss of one or more teeth can have a significant impact on your chewing ability. You might also discover that you’re compensating for the missing tooth gap and thus placing more stress on your surrounding teeth.
Articulating your words can also be a noticeable effect of losing a tooth or teeth.
Missing teeth replacement will have a positive impact on your lifestyle.
- Enjoy your food
- Talk with confidence
Tooth replacement refines your facial structure
You might not consider your teeth (or lack of them) as having a direct impact on your external facial appearance. Yet the loss of one tooth can cause your adjoining teeth to shift over time.
When your teeth begin to move out of alignment potentially leading to bone loss, you could notice changes in your facial structure.
Tooth replacement assists with preserving and restoring your facial features. It also helps prevent the effects of premature aging associated with changes in your mouth and jawbone structure.
Tooth replacement helps prevent further oral health issues
Missing teeth gaps are a prime environment for food particles and oral bacteria to accumulate. Untreated tooth loss can increase your dental health risks.
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Oral infection
- Tooth misalignment
Each of these and more require additional (and often) ongoing dental treatment. Replacing your missing teeth supports preventive dental hygiene and helps reduce your potential for more costly dental care.
Now that you know a few of the primary benefits of tooth replacement why not explore your options for replacing your missing teeth.
Top tooth replacement solutions
Tooth replacement with dental implants
A dental implant provides a permanent and natural-looking solution for replacing a missing tooth or teeth.
Dental implant treatment utilizes oral surgery to place a new (titanium) post in your jawbone. The post forms the structure for creating a new tooth root (the dental implant) that secures a dental crown on the surface of your gums.
Your dental implant fills the missing tooth gap, restores your tooth function, and improves your appearance.
Tooth replacement with a dental bridge
A dental bridge can be fixed or removable. Your choice depends on the location and proximity of your missing tooth or teeth to your adjoining, healthy teeth.
Your bridge utilizes artificial teeth that are secured by dental crowns placed on adjacent teeth or next to adjacent healthy teeth.
A dental bridge restores your tooth function and appearance while helping maintain your oral health by filling a missing tooth gap.
Tooth replacement with dentures
Like a dental bridge, you have options when selecting dentures for tooth replacement. Your choice of dentures relies on the extent of your tooth loss and/or preference.
Partial dentures:
- Are removable.
- Are capable of replacing multiple missing teeth even when some of your natural teeth remain.
- Attach as artificial teeth and are custom-made for a comfortable fit in your mouth.
- Restore your tooth function and appearance.
Full dentures:
- Are an option if you’ve lost all of your natural teeth.
- Are removable and can replace a full arch of missing teeth.
- Are custom-designed to fit over your gums.
Keep in mind that dentures (partial or full) could require an adjustment period. Alongside other tooth replacement options, dentures restore your ability to chew and smile confidently.
The good news is that you have solutions when you experience tooth loss. Consult with your dentist to discuss your missing teeth condition and determine the best tooth replacement solution for your needs.
Take advantage of an easy and convenient solution for a dental consultation regarding your tooth loss.
- Free scans
- Convenient, time-saving access to low cost, virtual dental consultations with a licensed dentist
- Connection to in-person dental care with dentists in your zip code
Explore treatment solutions that restore your health, smile, and lifestyle
The Dental.com team of dental professionals are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat any dental condition. From toothaches to teeth alignment to second opinions…and tooth loss - you’re covered!
- Access a 24 hour dentist now from your personal, private, and secure account.
- Select a reason for your visit using a brief questionnaire.
- Receive virtual dental care from a licensed dentist when you provide your issue details, any photos, and/or dental/health records.
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