When a tooth is missing, the other teeth will shift to compensate for the loss. This means your entire smile is subject to change as the result of one missing tooth. Replacing any missing back teeth you may have is essential to retaining the structure and function of your smile.

What are your treatment options for replacing missing back teeth?

Dental Implants

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, it’s hard to top dental implants. Dental implants are secure, functional, and are the most natural replacements to your missing teeth available today.

Dental implants consist of a titanium post that’s allowed to fuse naturally with your jawbone. Once this process is complete, a dental crown is placed on the end. Although your dental crown will eventually need to be replaced, your dental implant should last for life.

For missing back teeth, dental implants make an excellent choice because of their durability. The back molars are an integral part of chewing food. Dental implants are up to the challenge and make healthy lifetime replacements for your missing back teeth that require minimal additional maintenance.

Dental Bridge

You also have the option of having a fixed dental bridge in place for your back teeth. A dental bridge will rely on two adjacent teeth in order to support the bridge, so these teeth will need to have a tiny amount of tooth enamel removed in order to place the bridge and provide the proper support.

A dental bridge enables you to replace any teeth that are missing in a row in order to effectively support your smile and experience better function. You can talk with your dentist about whether or not a fixed dental bridge is the right treatment option for your missing back teeth.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture is designed to only replace one or a few teeth. It can affix to the neighboring teeth in order to provide you with an either removable or non-removable option for your missing back teeth.

For missing back teeth, partial dentures offer you the option of restoring your ability to chew and speak without investing in a more permanent placement option. Partial dentures will need to be adjusted over time and will also require daily cleaning and maintenance in order to remain effective and healthy teeth replacements!

Replacing your missing back teeth is essential to having a healthy smile. Schedule a consultation with your dentist today to discuss your options for replacing any missing back teeth you may be missing. Your professional dentist can review the options with you so that you can make your best choice!

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Dental Implants

Dental implants top the list when it comes to the best cosmetic dentistry options for your tooth loss. This is because they’re extremely sturdy, match your natural teeth perfectly, and they never need to be replaced. They’re firmly anchored into your jaw with a crown fixed onto the end. Dental implants fully restore the functionality of your smile and give you the confidence to smile brightly again. You care for dental implants just like your natural teeth, so there’s no extra maintenance required other than a crown replacement every few years.

Full or Partial Dentures

You may also explore the option of full or partial dentures for your missing teeth. If you’re missing a full set of teeth, full dentures can help restore your look in an instant! They’re able to be removed and cleaned and your dentist will ensure the best fit so that they don’t feel as if they’re moving about in your mouth. Partial dentures are also a great option for fewer missing teeth, and can be anchored securely by your surrounding teeth. Ask your dentist about implant-supported dentures as well—they tend to be stronger and can make for a beautiful smile!

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are expertly placed over your natural teeth to fill the gaps that missing teeth can create. Veneers are typically made of porcelain and are very strong and strain-resistant. If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental veneers could be an excellent option for you. Patients also get veneers when they’re looking for a more attractive smile—since veneers are easily placed over your teeth, they seamlessly hide gaps and match your natural teeth for a flawless smile. Care for your veneers by brushing and flossing as normal, and ask your dentist about a non-abrasive toothpaste to protect your veneers.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is typically composed of two crowns that are affixed to either side of your missing tooth or teeth, if you have several missing teeth in a row. These crowns support an artificial tooth (or teeth) that will be anchored in the middle of the crowns, therefore effectively closing the gap. Dental bridges also come in a removable option, but typically your veneers will be permanently attached to your natural teeth to replace the missing tooth or teeth in between. Dental bridges can prevent shifting teeth and restore your ability to chew and speak well.

You don’t have to live with missing teeth! The longer you go with missing teeth, the more time your mouth has to shift teeth, lose jawbone, and be permanently affected by the loss. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to talk about your options for replacing missing teeth—these are the best ones for your tooth loss!

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