Did you know that according to a survey, Australians over 15 years old are missing an average 5.7 teeth? For seniors, the situation is even more pressing, with an average of 13 teeth missing. That’s a lot!
It’s not just about gaps in a smile — losing one or more teeth can have a significant impact on your daily life, affecting your ability to speak, eat, and smile with confidence. The feeling of insecurity that accompanies missing teeth can be overwhelming.
But the good news is, there are several replacement options available to help restore your smile and improve your quality of life.
In this article, we will explore some great missing tooth replacement options like dental implants, dentures, bridges, and crowns. Let’s get into it!
1. Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution
Dental implants are a popular and highly effective tooth replacement option for patients who have lost their natural teeth due to injury, gum disease, or other causes.
These implants are titanium rods that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for the replacement teeth.
The Process of Getting Dental Implants
Getting dental implants involves multiple steps, beginning with a consultation to evaluate your medical history and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
The next step is the surgical placement of the implant into the jawbone, followed by the attachment of an abutment to connect it to the prosthetic crown or bridge.
After the implant has fused with the bone, which typically takes several months, the prosthetic teeth can be securely attached.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options. Unlike traditional bridgework, they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support.
Additionally, they are permanent fixtures in your mouth and do not require regular removal or cleaning like dentures.
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking smile. They also help preserve bone health by stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss.
2. Dentures: A Removable Solution
Dentures are removable dental appliances that consist of a plate holding the artificial teeth and a gum-coloured base that rests against your gums.
They are an excellent option for individuals missing one or more teeth.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures available, including full dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all the natural teeth in the lower or upper jaw are missing.
On the other hand, partial dentures replace only a few missing teeth and are held in place by metal clasps that attach to adjacent teeth.
The Denture Process
The denture process starts with impressions of your mouth and jaw shape to ensure a customised fit.
Once crafted, the false teeth are designed to look and feel natural. Dentures require a short adjustment period before they can be used comfortably.
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures provide several benefits for those missing their natural teeth. They can improve your appearance by restoring your smile and facial symmetry.
Dentures also help you speak clearly and chew food properly, promoting good nutrition and overall health.
Modern-day dentures can be worn 24 hours a day without discomfort, and they can last for several years with proper care and maintenance.
3. Bridges: Filling the Gap
A dental bridge is an appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth.
It consists of two or more crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap, with a false tooth in between. The crowns act as anchors for the bridge.
Types of Bridges
There are different types of bridges available, including traditional bridges, resin-bonded bridges, cantilever bridges, and implant-supported bridges.
Traditional bridges are made of porcelain fused with metal or ceramics, while resin-bonded bridges consist of plastic teeth supported by metal wings.
Cantilever bridges have one supporting crown instead of two, and implant-supported bridges use dental implants as anchors.
The Process of Getting a Bridge
Getting a dental bridge typically involves three visits over two to three weeks. During the initial visit, X-rays and impressions are taken to create a custom treatment plan.
The second appointment involves preparing the abutment teeth by removing some enamel and fitting them with temporary crowns.
In the final visit, the bridge is checked for the proper fit before it is permanently cemented into place.
The Benefits of Bridges
Bridges offer a less expensive and less time-consuming alternative to dental implants.
They provide better support than dentures and can last up to 15 years with proper care. Bridges can enhance your cosmetic appearance and maintain the alignment of adjacent teeth.
4. Crowns: Restoring Your Smile
Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are prosthetic restorations designed to cover or encase damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth.
They are an excellent option for replacing a missing tooth and restoring your smile.
The Process of Getting Crowns
Getting crowns involves a straightforward process. Your dentist will assess your eligibility for crowns and take impressions of your mouth to create a custom mould.
The mould is sent to a lab where technicians craft the crown from porcelain or metal. Once the crown is ready, it is checked for a proper fit and permanently affixed to your tooth with dental cement.
The Benefits of Crowns
Crowns improve overall oral health by preventing damage to surrounding teeth caused by missing tooth gaps.
They look and feel like natural teeth, seamlessly blending in with your existing smile.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is crucial for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Aesthetically, replacing missing teeth restores your smile and facial symmetry.
Functionally, having all your teeth intact ensures proper chewing, speaking, and overall oral health.
St Lucia Dental: Your Partner in Restoring Smiles
No matter which option you choose for replacing missing teeth, it is important to consult with a dental professional to determine the best course of action for your specific needs.
At St Lucia Dental, we specialise in all types of tooth replacement options. Our experienced dentists can help you determine the best solution for your budget and lifestyle.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and restore your smile!
Did you know that according to a survey, Australians over 15 years old are missing an average 5.7 teeth? For seniors, the situation is even more pressing, with an average of 13 teeth missing. That’s a lot!
It’s not just about gaps in a smile — losing one or more teeth can have a significant impact on your daily life, affecting your ability to speak, eat, and smile with confidence. The feeling of insecurity that accompanies missing teeth can be overwhelming.
But the good news is, there are several replacement options available to help restore your smile and improve your quality of life.
In this article, we will explore some great missing tooth replacement options like dental implants, dentures, bridges, and crowns. Let’s get into it!
