Most of us lose a tooth or two over the years. The average New Zealander aged 40 has two missing teeth; by age 60, that figure increases to 5.5.
There can be all sorts of reasons for missing teeth. Tooth decay might necessitate extraction, gum disease could cause them to fall out, or they can be lost due to a sporting injury or a car accident. Sometimes, teeth are even lost due to genetic conditions.
Whatever the reason, having gaps can affect your self-confidence and make you think twice about smiling. Gaps can also cause other teeth to shift, affecting your ability to chew food properly. But you don’t have to just put up with gaps in your mouth. At Glow Dental, we can offer several solutions to fill the gaps so you can smile with confidence.
Treatment Options for Missing Teeth
If you have one or more teeth missing, there are three main options to consider. These are implants, fixed dental bridges, or partial dentures, which ultimately create replacement teeth for your appearance. We will look at each of the options available for replacing teeth in turn.
Dental Implants
Whether you have lost a single tooth or need to replace several missing teeth, implants are the ideal solution. The treatment involves inserting a titanium post into your jaw to act as a root and then mounting a replacement artificial tooth called a crown onto it.
Implants are very strong and reliable. They are as good as natural teeth; you can eat what you like without a second thought. They do not involve the neighbouring teeth in any way.
The downside is that getting implants fitted takes some time and multiple visits. Installing the implants themselves is a surgical procedure, and waiting for the bone to fuse with the titanium to really bed them in is necessary. This process, known as osseointegration, can take three to six months. It is best to discuss the most suitable procedure with your dentist and the options that are available.
Fixed Dental Bridge
As the name suggests, this treatment bridges the gap that has formed due to one or more missing teeth. The artificial tooth is attached to the neighbouring teeth and bonded with dental cement. A dental bridge is often suitable for patients missing one or more teeth adjacent to one another.
Bridges look natural and can be fitted more quickly than implants, as well as maintaining the look and feel of natural teeth. You will generally need two visits, each of which will take between an hour and an hour and a half.
As for the cons, some people find the bridge makes it harder to clean the neighbouring teeth. Obviously, bonding them to other teeth in this way is not ideal, and while bridges are strong, they are less robust than implants.
Removable Partial Dentures
Traditional dentures are used to replace all your teeth. But you can also get a partial denture that replaces one or two missing teeth. Dentures are a relatively quick and easy option but are less robust than the other choices.
Today’s denture technology has moved on from the false teeth you might remember your grandparents having that were constantly falling out. They are a viable option, and they are easy to repair or replace in case of any problems.
Just be aware that it can take time and practice to get used to using them, and you will have to go through an initial period of discomfort. They also need daily cleaning to keep them effective and hygienic.
