What is the Best Solution for Missing Teeth?
Have you experienced tooth loss? Whether it’s thanks to trauma, decay, disease, or an extraction, plenty of people with missing teeth need a tooth replacement solution. If your missing tooth is highly visible, you may be concerned about the aesthetic of your smile. Additionally, a missing tooth can put your oral health at risk, not to mention its possible impact on day-to-day activities like eating and speaking.
But even if you want to fill that gap, what’s the best way to do so? There are a few different face teeth options to choose from. Read on to find out which missing teeth solution makes the most sense for your needs.
Partial Dentures
You may think dentures are just for people who are all out of teeth, but they can replace anywhere from one to all of your teeth, depending on your needs. Speaking of denture-related misconceptions, you also shouldn’t worry too much about dentures being uncomfortable, unreliable, or unnatural-looking. Denture technology has come a long way, and today’s models are secure, attractive, and can even do the work of a facelift without the surgery.
Dentures are removable, of course, which could be good or bad depending on what you’re looking for. They’re one of the perfect missing back teeth solutions you will find. However, many people dislike partial dentures. For those patients who want a more secure solution for replacing their missing teeth, we offer several alternative treatments listed below.
Dental Bridge
If you’re only missing one tooth, a dental bridge may be a good option. This solution utilizes a fake tooth held in place by the neighboring teeth. Bridges look natural and aren’t removable, so they won’t slip out of place when you eat or talk. However, a bridge can be difficult to clean around, and it relies on the strength of the teeth on either side of the gap — so if your teeth aren’t strong enough, or can’t handle additional stress, a bridge may not be the best solution.
Additionally, since a dental bridge is a surface level solution, it doesn’t stimulate the jaw bone the way that your natural tooth’s root did, which can eventually lead to loss of bone density and weakening of nearby teeth. Talk with Dr. Hodges to find out of dental bridges are the best fake teeth solution for your smile.
Dental Implants
If you’re looking for a permanent solution that doesn’t come out like partial dentures, there’s no better option than dental implants. Implants sound scary, but the modern implant has been in use since the 1960s, making the titanium implant one of the most tried-and-true procedures in the dental world. And thanks to developments in implant placement, the healing process has become relatively easy.
Here’s how it works: A titanium screw acts as the “root” for your new tooth. It is implanted into your jaw bone, where it can osseointegrate with the bone material, giving your new implant all the strength and durability that a real tooth has. Then, a crown will be placed on top, custom made to match your natural teeth for the ultimate natural look.
Since dental implants behave just like your own teeth, you won’t have to change your diet, your oral hygiene routines, or any other habits. Plus, when well cared for, dental implants can last decades before needing to be replaced. Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Find out what could make or break your dental implant procedure here.
If you’re ready to replace a missing tooth, you have options. Call élan at (918) 528-3330 or contact us online to make an appointment and talk to an experienced dentist about the best solution for missing teeth for you.
élan Tulsa Cosmetic Dentistry
10031 S Yale Ave #104
Tulsa, OK 74137