Losing a tooth or several teeth due to an accident or decay can have a huge impact on your life. Not only is your self-confidence affected, but your body also responds to the missing tooth by shifting teeth, jawbone loss, and you may even have difficulty chewing or speaking. Getting a missing tooth replaced can restore the function of your mouth as well as your confidence. Don’t be afraid to smile anymore with the best cosmetic dentistry options for tooth loss!
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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