Losing a tooth can be a daunting experience, impacting not only your smile but also your oral function and self-confidence. Fortunately, modern restorative dentistry offers a range of solutions to replace missing teeth, effectively restoring your smile’s functionality and appearance.
From cutting-edge dental implants that mimic natural teeth to traditional bridges and dentures, there are plenty of options to replace missing teeth. If you’d like to learn more about your options, contact Dr. Julie Glud at Dental Care of Lombard. You can request appointments with our dentist in Lombard, IL, by calling (630) 629-5700 now!
In today’s blog post, Dr. Glud discusses four ways to replace missing teeth effectively, hopefully guiding you toward an informed decision that addresses your unique needs and preferences. So, join us as we embark on a journey to explore the various pathways to a complete and confident smile!
Dental Implants
Let’s start with the best way to permanently replace missing teeth – dental implants.
Composed of titanium posts surgically lodged into the jawbone, dental implants mimic the natural tooth root and serve as a solid foundation for artificial teeth.
One of the best advantages of teeth implants is their ability to maintain bone health and deter bone loss, a common consequence of tooth loss. By stimulating the surrounding jawbone, implants help maintain its structure and density, promoting oral health and overall facial aesthetics.
Furthermore, dental implants offer exceptional versatility, catering to various tooth replacement needs, from single-tooth restorations to full-arch reconstructions.
Perhaps the best thing about dental implants is their success and permanence. The procedure touts a nearly 100% success rate and can last for decades, even a lifetime!
While the process of receiving dental implants typically involves multiple stages and requires careful evaluation by a skilled dental professional, the results are well worth the investment.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer a traditional yet effective solution for replacing missing teeth. These appliances provide patients with a fixed prosthetic that seamlessly fills the gap left by one or more lost teeth.
Dentists anchor these appliances in place with the aid of neighboring natural teeth or dental implants, creating a sturdy and functional restoration for years to come.
One of the primary advantages of dental bridges is their ability to restore both the looks and function of a patient’s smile. By bridging the space created by missing teeth, these appliances not only improve aesthetics but also prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment, which can lead to bite problems and further tooth loss.
Dental bridges come in several types, including traditional bridges and cantilever bridges. Each type of appliance offers unique advantages depending on the patient’s specific needs and circumstances.
Traditional bridges are the most common type, usually consisting of false teeth held in place by dental crowns placed over adjacent teeth. Cantilever bridges are less common, as they are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the gap.
While dental bridges provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for missing teeth, they require proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to maintain their longevity and effectiveness.
Dentures
Conventional dentures and implant-supported dentures are both effective solutions for replacing missing teeth. While both are popular options, they each offer distinct advantages depending on the patient’s needs and preferences.
Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures, also known as removable dentures, are prosthetic devices that sit on the gums and are supported by the underlying jawbone. Typically, they consist of acrylic or porcelain replacement teeth set into a pink or gum-colored acrylic base, which is custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth perfectly.
Conventional dentures rely on natural suction or dental adhesives to stay in place and restore oral function and aesthetics.
While they are a cost-effective option for tooth replacement, conventional dentures may require periodic adjustments to maintain a comfortable fit as the jawbone and gum tissue change over time.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, offer enhanced stability and functionality by anchoring the denture to dental implants that have been surgically placed into the jawbone.
As mentioned earlier, implants are a nearly perfect substitute for missing tooth roots, providing an immovable foundation for the denture to lock onto.
Implant-supported dentures can be either removable or fixed. Removable options allow for easier cleaning and maintenance, while fixed options provide a more permanent solution.
By integrating with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, implant-supported dentures offer improved chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and comfort compared to conventional dentures.
While they may involve a higher initial investment and require oral surgery, implant-supported dentures provide long-lasting results and greater confidence for individuals with missing teeth.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are trade-designed dental prosthetics. Dentists specially create them to replace one or more missing teeth when some natural teeth still remain in the mouth.
These appliances consist of replacement teeth connected to a gum-colored plastic base, which is supported by a metal framework that clasps onto adjacent natural teeth.
One of the primary advantages of RPDs is their ability to restore oral function and aesthetics without the need for invasive procedures or extensive dental work. They provide a cost-effective solution for individuals with missing teeth, allowing them to chew food more effectively, speak clearly, and smile confidently.
RPDs also help prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of alignment, maintaining the integrity of the dental arch and preventing further tooth loss.
Many patients report that RPDs are more comfortable and stable than traditional full dentures, as they rely on the support of remaining natural teeth for retention and stability. They can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance, allowing for proper oral hygiene and preventing oral health issues such as gum disease and decay.
Overall, removable partial dentures offer a convenient and practical solution for individuals with missing teeth, providing restored function and aesthetics while preserving oral health and quality of life. Regular dental check-ups and proper care can ensure the longevity and effectiveness of RPDs for years to come.
Replace Missing Teeth at Dental Care of Lombard
Living with missing teeth can be a daily challenge. Addressing tooth loss with Dr. Julie Glud at Dental Care of Lombard is an ideal way to restore both your smile and quality of life. So, don’t wait a moment longer – schedule your consultation at Dental Care of Lombard today. Request appointments and information here, or call our Lombard, IL, dental office at (630) 629-5700.
