Missing teeth doesn’t just change your smile. It alters your ability to enjoy your food, to speak naturally, and it can even lead you to awkward moments in social settings where people notice. Fortunately, tooth replacement technology has come a long way, and there are more options than ever for replacing the look and function of a natural tooth.
The problem is figuring out which one might be the best fit for you. Every mouth is different. Budgets vary. And what is perfect for one person may not be the best solution for someone else. But a basic understanding of what’s available makes it easier for you to talk to your dentist about options you feel comfortable choosing.
It’s More Than Just Cosmetic
Most people think of the cosmetic concerns of tooth replacement. That’s an understandable first thought. But what is far more pressing is what happens below the gum line. Problems have already begun developing the moment a tooth goes missing. The bone in the jaw begins degrading because it is no longer receiving “exercise” from chewing. This process leads to bone resorption, which changes the shape of your mouth, can change your facial features, and increases the likelihood of developing additional dental, jaw and bodily problems over time.
The teeth that are next to the space where the tooth used to live will begin drifting toward the space on a crooked path, and the contact between the upper and lower teeth next to the space will no longer “work.” What else may happen is that the tooth that is no longer being used and that needs to “work” will start becoming elongated. It will grow in an effort to receive that exercise it is missing – but on the opposite side, there won’t be anything to prevent it from growing. All of this is typically not noticed until years later by patients when the process of correcting what’s happened is even more complicated.
Three Main Type of Options For Tooth Replacement
There are three main types of options for tooth replacement: bridges, dentures, and implants. Each of these has its own benefits, and each is better suited for different needs.
A bridge is a fixed replacement for missing teeth that is anchored by the teeth on both sides of the space where the missing tooth used to be. It usually consists of acrylic teeth with a porcelain crown that can be made to match the appearance of existing teeth. One of the other benefits of bridges is that because they are permanent, they can be cleaned just like your other teeth and don’t have to be removed at any point during this process.
A bridge will usually need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. A dentist can replace a bridge after this by having to reshape (or prepare) the same teeth that support it.
Another popular option for replacing missing teeth are dentures. This can involve replacing just one tooth or an entire set. The technique involves attaching to the gums with clips, but there are also removable dentures that fit over the full gum area that needs to be replaced. These types of dentures look a lot better than they ever did in previous iterations of denture technology. They are also the least expensive option for tooth replacement, which makes them the best solution for people who are trying to save money. Upkeep is also relatively low for dentures. They may need to be replaced every few years as your mouth changes, but they won’t require any significant upkeep beyond that.
Implants are used to replace one or multiple missing teeth. The procedure involves inserting a titanium implant post into the jawbone which will become a new tooth root. Once this has healed, a crown or denture can attach to the upper structure. Because they replace one or more teeth permanently, implants are the most beneficial option for keeping the jawbone healthy because it is supporting teeth, so this is the most common procedure suggested to patients.
Getting dentures or dental implants in St. Louis is as simple as finding a qualified dentist you can trust to walk you through the process.
What Dentists Consider
There are many different factors that can help you determine which course of action will work best for you.
The first is how many teeth you have lost. Different solutions exist for those missing one or two teeth compared to someone who is missing an entire arch.
Second, consider your budget when replacing teeth. Replacing teeth with bridges and dentures is much less expensive than an implant. Dentists can offer patients payment plans to make saving up for implants easier, but they are still much more expensive than most other solutions.
Ask about what you expect from the solution, and how you’d like the solution to function afterward. Some people prefer that no tooth material is left after a replacement procedure, while others would like to save as much intact tooth as possible.
Are you fearful of surgical procedures? Some people look forward to the reduced upkeep that will be necessary after surgery procedures compared to others that are less invasive.
One factor that most patients do not consider is how personalized quality tooth replacements can be made. For instance, the size, shape, and color of your new tooth (or teeth) will be as close to resembling your other teeth as possible. Some places even use digital imaging technology to plan bridges and dentures that fit the arches of their mouths better than any other solutions available.
Consider All This When Making Your Choice About Treatment Solutions
Tooth replacement requires some consideration, but it is an investment into your happiness and well-being. The right solution allows you to reclaim your life: eating what you love, smiling freely, and speaking naturally without effort. Although it may sound daunting at first, reconstructing the quality of your smile can be broken down into simple steps and will be completed by a competent dental team with the experience necessary to give you what you need.
Don’t rush through the research of your possible options. Consider obtaining second opinions before you settle on an answer. Especially if surgery is a possibility, what matters most is that you leave with a plan in place you expect to meet your expectations, and leave you smiling with joy, not on a budget constraint.
