Cosmetic Dentistry Options to Replace Missing Teeth
Replace Missing Teeth
A healthy smile is important in more ways than one. A full set of teeth helps maintain dental function, supports the jawbone and surrounding tissue, and keeps us smiling confidently. When you have a missing tooth or teeth, you may experience difficulty with biting, chewing, speaking, or even your self-esteem.
However, there are several cosmetic dentistry treatments designed to replace missing teeth. Here are some popular dental solutions that can restore your smile and possibly improve your oral health.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent choice to replace missing teeth because they are durable, permanent, and offer all the benefits of natural teeth.
Dental implants are surgically implanted into the jaw with medical-grade titanium. A dental crown caps the implant to create a natural look that matches the shape and shade of your smile.
Because dental implants actually fuse with the jawbone, they offer several advantages, including:
● Prevents bone loss in the jaw
● Stabilizes facial structure
● Keeps other teeth from shifting
● Enhances the smile’s cosmetic appearance
However, dental implants are not for everyone. You need a strong jawbone and generally good oral health for the implant to successfully fuse to the bone and hold it in place. Talk to your dentist about this option to see if you are a good candidate.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a type of dental restoration designed to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth in a row. Bridges not only improve the look of your smile, but they can also keep other teeth from shifting and prevent common functional challenges that come with missing teeth.
Depending on where your missing tooth is located, your cosmetic dentist may recommend one of the following dental bridge options.
Traditional Fixed Bridge
The most common type of bridge is the fixed or traditional dental bridge. Essentially, a fixed bridge consists of a natural-looking false tooth (or teeth) attached by dental crowns to two healthy teeth (abutment teeth) on either side of the gap. The artificial tooth (or teeth) fills in the space to improve your smile’s appearance and functionality.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
In some cases, there is only one healthy tooth to anchor a dental bridge. While not as strong as a traditional bridge that is attached to two natural teeth, a cantilever bridge is often the best option for these patients.
The artificial tooth is cemented to the healthy adjacent tooth with a dental crown. Cantilever bridges can typically only support one missing tooth to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing.
Maryland Dental Bridge
If you have a missing front tooth, a Maryland bridge or resin-bonded bridge may be the right solution for you. Rather than using dental crowns to anchor the artificial tooth, your dentist will use a strong resin material to cement the bridge in place.
The resin attaches two wing-like extensions on the false tooth to the back of the adjacent natural teeth. This means the attachments are hidden behind the teeth and not visible from the front when you smile or speak.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
For people who do not have healthy abutment teeth to support a bridge, dental implants can be used to anchor the dental bridge. This option works for patients with at least three missing teeth in a row. The dental implants replace the two outermost missing teeth and anchor an artificial tooth or teeth in between them to bridge the gap.
Dentures
Patients with several missing teeth may benefit most from a full or partial set of dentures. While dentures may have carried a stigma in the past, dental advancements have taken them to a new level. Dentures are now more natural-looking, better-fitting, durable, and comfortable than they have ever been.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are removable dental appliances made to resemble the natural gum line and a complete arch of teeth. The artificial teeth and gum-colored base fit over the gums for aesthetic and functional improvements.
Patients will need to remove their dentures at night to clean them. However, most dentures can be worn all day without any issues. Your dentist will provide tips and instructions to care for your dentures and maintain the best fit.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a good choice for people with multiple missing teeth in different areas of the mouth. Although they are similar to full dentures in design and materials, they only replace some teeth rather than the full upper or lower arch. They attach to the mouth using personalized clasps that fit around your natural teeth.
Other Types of Dentures
Your dentist may also offer other denture options if a full or partial set will not work for you. Implant-retained and implant-supported dentures rely on dental implants to hold them in place.
Implant-retained dentures snap into dental implants already in your mouth, making them stable yet removable. However, implant-supported dentures permanently attach to your dental implants and are not removable.
Dental Porcelain Veneers
While dental porcelain veneers cannot replace teeth that have completely come out, they are an excellent cosmetic option for those with damaged or flawed teeth. A veneer is a thin yet strong layer of porcelain that fits over your natural tooth to instantly hide imperfections and create a more balanced smile.
Porcelain veneers can help with:
● Cracked or broken teeth
● Chipped teeth
● Uneven teeth
● Worn-down teeth
● Spaced out teeth
Damaged teeth do not always need to be extracted. Even if the tooth is chipped or broken, the root can still be healthy and viable. In these cases, a dental porcelain veneer can cover the damage and improve your smile without invasive procedures.
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Speak With a Restorative Dentistry Specialist in Las Vegas
If you have missing teeth, you do not have to keep hiding your smile. Several cosmetic options are available that may fit your needs, lifestyle, and budget. A cosmetic dentist will help you find the best restorative treatment to replace your teeth, restore function, and boost your confidence.
In addition to restorative treatments for missing teeth, other cosmetic services can enhance your smile and help you feel good about your teeth. At Las Vegas Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Tati and her team are ready to make your dream smile a reality. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.