Filling The Gap: Choosing The Best Dental Prosthetic
Missing teeth are more than unsightly, they can also affect the health of nearby teeth and much more. Now, dental patients have plenty of choices when it comes to filling in that gap left by a missing tooth. To find out more about the many ways to deal with this issue, read below.
Dentures: Full Arch and Partials
This may be the dental solution for missing teeth that has been around for the longest period. That means it's been perfected and tweaked to be the best choice for many people. Full arch dentures require the removal of the complete arch of teeth — top, bottom, or both. Partials can be a good choice if you have just one or two teeth to replace. In most cases, both full arch dentures and partial are removable and should be removed for cleaning. One benefit of this choice is the price. Dentures are sometimes the most affordable option.
Bridges: Holding Things Together
A bridge is known as such because of the way a crown is suspended between two other teeth. Wires form the structure along with two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The crown, which is another name for a false tooth, is made to blend in with your other teeth. The wiring is all in the back of the tooth. However, bridges located near the front of the mouth have the potential to provide glimpses of the wiring in the back.
Dental patients with bridgework must take more care when cleaning around the wires. The healthy teeth on each side are used to anchor the crown with the wires. In some cases, crowns (or caps) are placed over the teeth on either side to provide more stability. Bridges may cost less than dentures depending on the extent of the procedure.
Implants: The Permanent Solution
Those wishing to recreate their natural tooth in the closest manner might want to consider a dental implant. Implants are, as the name suggests, implanted into your gums. On top of the titanium implant post rests the crown which is made of high-quality porcelain or other materials to closely match your other teeth. Implants are mostly forever if they are taken care of properly. They are probably the costliest solution, but they are also the most long-lasting and worry-free choice.
Speak to your dentist and let them help you make the best choice when a missing tooth disrupts your appearance and dental health. For more information, contact a general dentist near you.