Missing a tooth is no laughing matter. Not only can it be aesthetically unpleasant, but there are genuine health issues involved when you have missing teeth.
A missing tooth can affect you in many different ways, from your speech to an increased risk of gum disease.
Your remaining teeth work harder to compensate for the loss of that tooth, putting them under more stress and pressure, and of course, missing a front tooth can be embarrassing. Many people find they don’t smile as often as they want to keep their mouth shut to risk the embarrassment of being seen with a missing tooth.
Fortunately, there are several options if you find yourself missing a tooth. Which path you take depends on how many teeth are missing, and where they are missing from.
Dental bridges
As the name would suggest, a dental bridge “bridges” the gap between two healthy teeth.
The two natural teeth support the false tooth in between them like the two ends of a bridge.
These natural teeth are called the abutment teeth and need to be shaved or contoured, so that a crown (cap) can be placed over top.
This has its advantages and disadvantages. A bridge is a great solution if the adjacent teeth already require crowns, but if the teeth are perfectly healthy, then shaving them down is more of a necessary evil.
Dentures
Better known simply as ‘false teeth’, dentures are a way to replace missing teeth using a prosthetic piece, which can be removed at any time.
Made of acrylic plastic, dentures are usually held in place with dental adhesive to prevent slippage and movement.
More of a temporary solution, dentures tend to loosen over time and need to be replaced or refitted.
Dental Implants that last a lifetime
Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth we have. They look just like real teeth, and are also made to feel like real teeth, so they will function naturally. If properly looked after, dental implants should last a lifetime.
To replace the root of a missing tooth, a small fixture is screwed into the jaw bone, with the abutment going on top. Traditionally, these two parts were made from titanium, but with recent developments in modern technology, both parts of a dental implant can be fashioned from high-strength ceramic zirconia.
Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. They not only allow you to eat what you want, but they look just like normal teeth and last a lifetime.
Come and see us if you are missing a tooth
If you’re missing a tooth, then don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. There are options available to you, nearly all of which will help you get back to a full and normal life.
Here at SDAI, we recommend dental implants for replacing any missing teeth.
We are the foremost leader in implant and Advanced Dental Surgery.
In fact, Sydney Dental Aesthetics and Implants is one of only a handful of practices in all of Australia to be named a Leading Implant Centre of the World.
We don’t believe in temporary measures here, everything we do is permanent, especially our dental implants. We use the very best dental implants on the market, and all our implants are guaranteed for life.
So if you have a gap in your teeth you feel embarrassed about, or you have a problem chewing, then contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about replacing missing teeth, or guide you in the right direction for your own unique individual needs.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to help in any way they can.