Missing teeth can impact your life in many ways, making eating, speaking, and smiling more difficult. If you have missing teeth, it’s crucial to find a tooth replacement option that works for you. With a wide range of options for missing teeth, you might be wondering if it’s better to opt for dental crowns or something less permanent like a partial denture.
There are plenty of solutions available, so talk to your dentist about the right fit for your specific situation.
Dental Flipper
A dental flipper is a partial denture that is easy to remove. Made from acrylic, it rests along your jaw or mouth palate rather than being secured by metal clasps.
A benefit of this tooth replacement option is the low cost. Dental flippers are also lightweight when compared to other removable options for missing teeth.
Dental flipper teeth can feel uncomfortable in your mouth. They can be pretty bulky since they use gravity or suction to remain in place. The lightweight plastic design of a dental flipper tooth also means it’s prone to breaking.
Removable Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace your missing teeth with artificial teeth attached to a gum-coloured plastic base. The base uses metal clasps to secure the partial denture in place. Partial dentures are a cost-effective option for tooth replacement. Once you get used to the process, partial dentures are easy to apply and remove.
Removable partial dentures can be uncomfortable and lead to soreness. You may need multiple adjustments to achieve a comfortable fit. Removable partial dentures also require more care than other options for missing teeth. You must gently remove and clean them every night.
Tooth-supported Bridge
A dental crown supported by your existing teeth creates a tooth-supported bridge. This provides a permanent replacement for your missing tooth or teeth. Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including gold or porcelain.
Since a tooth-supported bridge uses your existing teeth, it is a minimally invasive procedure. Your dentist can design dental crowns to match the look and feel of your teeth. The bridge is cemented into place, offering you a long-lasting tooth replacement option. Some dentists can offer same-day dental crowns, making this a relatively quick solution.
Tooth-supported bridges do have some disadvantages. Not every missing tooth can be replaced by a tooth-supported dental bridge since the adjacent teeth need to be large enough to support the dental crown. A dental implant and a single dental crown would be an option for these patients.
Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a reliable solution to tooth replacement. Through a minor surgical procedure, your dentist will install a metal screw into your jaw to act as a replacement for your tooth’s root. Once the implant has healed and is secure in your jaw, dental crowns can be attached to the implant. This creates a replacement tooth that looks and feels like your natural teeth. Dental implants can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth.
One of the most popular options for missing teeth, dental implants typically do not require regular check-ups. You can treat them the way you would your natural teeth. Since each implant and a dental crown is independent of your other teeth, you don’t have to worry about adverse effects on your adjacent teeth.
There are some risks to replacing missing teeth with dental implants. A surgical procedure is required, which can increase your risk for infection. Waiting for the implant to heal takes time, usually around 3-6 months.
CEREC Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer a permanent solution to missing teeth, but not all dental crowns are created equal. Some dentists must wait two weeks or more for a dental crown to be made at the lab. CEREC dental crowns are a quicker solution that your dentist manufacturers on site.
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It’s a modern dental process that produces custom dental crowns faster than traditional methods. With a CEREC dental crown, you can restore your missing tooth permanently in just one day. At No Gaps Dental, we offer CEREC crowns for your convenience.
Why Tooth Replacement Options for Missing Teeth Are Important?
Missing teeth are putting your gum and jaw health at risk. When you have missing teeth, and the excess gum tissue is exposed, your gums are vulnerable to irritation or infection. The longer you wait to replace your missing teeth, the greater your risk of developing gum disease.
You may suffer from bone loss due to missing teeth. A small ridge of bone, called the alveolar bone, supports each of your teeth. Shortly after tooth loss, the body reabsorbs this bone.
Additional bone loss in the jaw occurs because of reduced chewing pressure. When you have all your teeth, each root exerts pressure on the jawbone as you chew. This pressure signals to the body to maintain the strength of your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, the signal disappears, and your body begins to reabsorb the bone in your jaw.
Tooth replacement is vital for more than just the appearance of your smile. Tooth replacement can improve the health of your gums, jaw, and body. However, not every tooth replacement option offers the same health benefits. Dental implants and dental crowns come very close to mimicking your natural teeth. By replacing your missing tooth with a dental crown, you may reduce your risk for bone loss compared to removable options. You should discuss with your dentists the risks and benefits of each of your treatment options.
Replace Your Missing Teeth With No Gaps Dental
You can restore your smile to its former beauty. Turn to your trusted dental professional at No Gaps Dental to receive personal care and a customised treatment plan. Offering same-day dental crowns, replacing your missing teeth takes less time than you think. Call us today at (02) 8806 0227 to get started.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.