Missing teeth is an issue that many people have to deal with at some point in their lives. Whether you lose a tooth or teeth to disease, decay, injury, or age-related conditions, the loss can seriously impact that person’s quality of life.
When multiple teeth are missing, everyday activities like speaking, eating, and drinking become affected. The absence of those teeth also presents a higher risk of the remaining teeth shifting position, creating even more dental problems.
Most people will seek tooth replacement options, whether one or many teeth are missing. These can vary widely depending on the nature of the tooth loss, the number of teeth missing, and other unique factors. Different situations will call for different approaches to replacing teeth.
1. Dentures
Dentures are likely the first thing most people consider when replacing teeth. The removable full dentures that you’re thinking about can be a viable solution for some, but dentures also cover a broader range of applications as well.
Partial dentures can be an effective option for people who still have some natural teeth. They can provide a comfortable solution that restores speech and chewing capabilities while often costing less than permanent dental implants. They’re also suitable in many situations where dental implant surgery isn’t.
When you visit your dentist, they will go over a wide range of denture options. Dentures are custom-made for each patient, which provides the snug fit needed to prevent the dentures from shifting while eating or speaking.
Partial and full dentures are removed at the end of each day before you go to sleep. You must clean them to prevent bacteria from accumulating. Your dentist will provide you with all of the information you need to properly maintain your dentures and the oral care requirements that go with them.
2. Veneers
Veneers aren’t a method for completely replacing teeth, but rather a way that you can make damaged or discolored teeth look their best without removing them. Getting dental veneers is a simple and minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure that can give you a smile that is both natural-looking and stain-resistant.
The procedure for dental veneers involves first removing a thin layer of enamel from the front of the tooth so that the veneer will fit perfectly. Then, the dentist will apply the veneer to that area with special dental cement that bonds it permanently. The veneer is typically made of porcelain, although the dentist can use other materials.
Your veneers will be custom-made to match your teeth exactly in terms of shape and size. They can provide great results in a wide variety of different cases. If your teeth are worn, discolored, cracked, chipped, or otherwise not looking the way you want, you should consider asking about dental veneers next time you visit your dentist.
Veneers can generally last between seven and ten years before they wear down. At that point, they can replace the old with a new set of veneers without any issues.
3. Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a permanent solution for replacing teeth. They effectively address all of the missing teeth concerns regarding health and quality of life. They’re also very versatile, offering solutions for replacing single teeth, multiple teeth, or all teeth.
Getting dental implants involves a surgical procedure to provide a permanent foundation for the replacement tooth. A titanium rod will act as the sturdy and biocompatible post for the replacement crown, bridge, or dentures to sit on.
The dentist will place a post or posts into the jawbone, where the bone fuses and incorporates the post to provide a foundation as strong as natural roots. Because it takes time for the fusing process to occur, the time between the initial surgery and the crown attachment will be several months.
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Even if the crown or bridge wears down, the dentist can remove them easily. New ones can then be attached to the existing posts. Dental implants are often the best choice for strength, durability, and natural-looking replacement teeth.
Discover Your Options for Replacing Teeth
Every patient is unique, and many individual factors go into choosing the right replacement tooth solution. Reach out to Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists of Atlanta to find out what your options are today. Led by Dr. Brett Langston, our team can provide for any of your tooth replacement needs.