Best Ways to Replace Missing Teeth
Fill Missing Teeth with Dental Bridges in Tempe
Missing teeth require replacement to prevent future problems with your oral health, such as a misaligned bite and an increased risk for decay.
After losing a tooth, one of your biggest questions is to find out what can a dentist do for missing teeth.
Whether you have one gap to fill or require a full mouth restoration, we can help you replace your teeth with one of these options.
Fill In Missing Teeth With a Bridge
A bridge is used to fill in a gap that is created by one or two missing teeth. There are several different types of bridges that we may use to replace a tooth.
- A traditional bridge is the most common type we use, and this involves putting crowns on the teeth closest to the gap that hold the false tooth in place. Although it is more invasive than other types of bridges, it tends to last the longest.
- If your missing tooth is on the end of an arch, then we can also use a cantilever bridge that anchors to only a single natural tooth. These bridges can last a long time with proper care, but you may need to be careful with what you eat since they can sometimes act as a lever and pull upwards.
- When your natural teeth are in good condition, we can also use a Maryland bridge as a more conservative option.
This replacement involves using metal or porcelain framing around the false tooth that is bonded to the adjacent natural teeth. While this is not as strong as the other bridges, it is preferable if you want to preserve the natural structure of your remaining teeth.
Create a Smile With Dentures
Dentures are another option that offers benefits for your smile. Unlike bridges, dentures do not typically require anything to be done to your natural teeth, and many people prefer them as a tooth-saving method.
Dentures come in two main styles.
Complete dentures are used when you are missing an entire row of teeth on the top or bottom of your mouth.
Partial dentures are used to fill in gaps that are created when you are missing several teeth but not an entire arch.
With dentures, you also have the option of having conventional or immediate types.
Conventional dentures require you to wait several weeks after an extraction to heal before they are placed.
Immediate dentures can be put in your mouth immediately so that you are not without teeth for any length of time, but they do require more adjustments as your jaw bone and gums change during the healing process.
Mimic Natural Teeth With Implants
Asking what can a dentist do for missing teeth always leads to a discussion about implants, and we are excited to offer one of the biggest advancements in dentistry to our patients.
Dental implants are perfect for replacing a single missing tooth, or they can be used to serve as an anchor for dentures and bridges.
The implant placement procedure requires several visits to our office, and the cost does tend to run higher than other tooth replacement options.
However, this option also comes with benefits such as being better for preserving your jaw bone structure and being easier to maintain that makes the extra time involved with the placement worth it.
Even a single missing tooth affects your confidence and comfort.
Make sure to mention any concerns you have about teeth that you have already lost, and always include tooth replacement in your treatment plan for any extractions.
With so many options for tooth replacement today there is no need to wait to fill in those awkward gaps, that make it hard to eat and smile comfortably, when you can correct the problem right away.
Noble Dental Care is accepting new patients and would love to be your Tempe dentist. Call our office today for an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
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