Anyone who has lost teeth or is missing one or several teeth knows that this not only adversely affects their appearance but in many ways defines their quality of life. Fortunately, contemporary dentistry allows treating this problem using various methodologies and returns the patient’s ability to chew properly while keeping aesthetics in mind simultaneously.
Whether it is through an accident, disease, or any other factor that leads to tooth loss, it is important to fill those gaps as they affect overall health. It is crucial to know the basic methods of addressing the problem of missing teeth highlighted in this article.
1. Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the scientifically proven and effective methods for tooth replacement or prosthesis. An implant is a tool of cosmetic dentistry that is composed of an implant post made of titanium that is positioned on the jawbone through surgery to hold a missing tooth. These become integrated into the bones over time and give a solid support of a crown, bridge, or denture.
It might be because dental implants are significantly more durable than natural teeth, provide the ability to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the teeth, and maintain the density and strength of the jawbone, as opposed to the atrophy of a gap of missing teeth.
2. Dental Bridges
Another similar and also quite popular procedure is dental bridges which may be more suitable for patients who may not qualify for an implant. A bridge is made up of one or more replacement teeth which are supported by crowns on either side placed on natural teeth.
Dental bridges are particularly useful in replacing missing teeth as they act as adequate fillers that allow the mouth to chew and speak efficiently. They also assist in keeping the face in proper shape and stop other teeth in the mouth in case there are some from shifting in their places. Less permanent than implants but effective and not as invasive as implants bridges are a viable solution.
3. Dentures
Dentures are a classic remedy for missing teeth. There are two main types of dentures: Complete dentures replacing the entire upper or lower arch of teeth and Partial dentures closing the gaps where some natural teeth are remaining.
Dentures are removable dental prosthetics that replace several or all the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaws, and they are manufactured from acrylic resin but can be blended with metal for increased strength. It helps them to regain better and easier ways of eating and speaking and reconstructs the look of a smile.
4. Removable Partial Dentures
RPDs are ideal for most patients who have few missing teeth since their cost is reasonable and they are easily removable. RPDs are more conventional, where the missing teeth are fixed onto a pink acrylic resin, gum-colored base with a metal framework, or clasps that support the replacement teeth.
In some cases, they assist in achieving the activation of function and beauty without the need to perform surgery. Moreover, flexible partial dentures have a detachable plate that covers the patients’ palate and they are made specifically for the patient’s mouth size. Hence they are comfortable and can be removed easily for cleaning which makes them favorable for most patients.
