Balance is an important aspect of proper function. It is just as important to have balance in all four legs of a table as it is to have the wheels of a vehicle in proper alignment.
Your teeth need proper alignment as well. Each tooth is dependent on those on each side as well as the ones above (or below) in order to maintain proper position. In addition to restoring your smile’s appearance, this is why it is so important to replace a missing tooth.
Today’s dentistry offers excellent options when it comes to replacing a natural tooth or teeth. The option that is best for your individual situation will be explained so you can decide how you wish to proceed.
To help as you consider various aspects of tooth replacement options, we’ve listed below each to help you in your choice:
• Crown & Bridge: When one, two or several teeth are missing in one area, the crown & bridge combination is a fairly common solution. This option, however, works only when there are natural teeth on each side that can be crowned to serve as supports for the bridge. In our office, the crowns and the bridge are made of porcelain, which has the look and feel of natural teeth. Porcelain also resists staining better than any other material used in dentistry and provides exceptional durability.
• Dental Implants: This tooth replacement option works well for those who are missing teeth in any quantity or in any area. Dental implants can replace one, two, several or all missing natural teeth. The implanted portion is positioned in the jaw bone to serve as a replacement tooth root. The bone grows around the implant, which restores the sturdy, dependable foundation you enjoyed with natural teeth. A post is secured to the interior of the implant and replacement teeth are attached to this post. The teeth are made of porcelain and shaped and shaded to blend attractively with surrounding teeth. Many people prefer dental implants because (1). they do not require the crowning of otherwise healthy, natural teeth; (2). they are held by the jaw bone, which halts the process of bone loss (which occurs when tooth roots are absent from the jaw bone), and; (3). they are designed to last a lifetime, making them a wise investment.
• Partial Dentures: A ‘partial’ replaces several teeth, held by a gum-colored base. In most cases, the partial denture attaches to neighboring teeth with the help of metal framework that wraps existing natural teeth. We design partials so they are secure and create an attractive, natural-looking means of restoring a smile and the ability to bite, chew and speak.
• Full Dentures: When an individual is missing all upper or lower teeth, full dentures can be created to restore the presence of teeth. A full denture is a complete arch of upper or lower teeth, with the teeth attached to a gum-colored base. The denture is shaped so it sits on top of the upper or lower ‘ridge.’ The ridge is actually the raised ‘horseshoe’ in your mouth where natural tooth roots were once held, covered over with gum tissue. The gum-colored base of the denture is custom-made to conform to the unique contours of this ridge. While a full denture can provide a comfortable, attractive way to replace teeth, the problems can occur as the bone that creates the ridge begins to flatten. This is the result of bone resorption, which occurs when tooth roots are no longer present to provide stimulation to the bone.
The tooth replacement option that is best for you can be discussed during a no-cost, no obligation consultation appointment. During this time, I’ll explain how each of the tooth replacement choices will work for you so you can determine the way you want to proceed.
In our office, we are experienced in providing all stages of tooth replacement, including the placement and restoration of dental implants. And, as a specially-trained neuromuscular dentist, I bring a unique set of skills to providing a proper alignment. This helps you avoid associated problems that can occur with bite misalignment, including TMJ disorder. This disorder can lead to frequent headaches, migraines, sore jaw joints, night-time clenching and grinding, ear ringing and dizziness.
When it comes to your smile, having beautiful teeth is important. Having the ability to bite, chew, speak and laugh is also important. How you replace your teeth should only be done after careful, informed consideration. Call 586-739-2155 to schedule your free consultation.
I look forward to meeting you!
