As the saying goes, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Losing a tooth can cause several immediate problems, as well as long-term issues if it isn’t replaced in time. In addition to the effects a missing tooth has on your confidence and smile, a missing tooth or teeth can affect the way you talk, what you can and can’t eat, and your overall oral health. Thankfully, there are several options available to you for replacing missing teeth.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges are one of the most popular tooth replacement options for those missing one or a few teeth. Consisting of a fixed device featuring one or more prosthetic teeth, fixed bridges attach to your nearby remaining natural teeth to anchor in place. Typically made of ceramic or porcelain and metal, fixed bridges are great replacements for missing front teeth. In some cases, they can even be a suitable replacement for other teeth that endure pressure, such as when chewing.
Getting a fixed bridge usually takes a few trips to your denturist or dentist. First, your denturist or dentist might take an impression of your teeth to help prepare your fixed bridge and may even install temporary crowns. Next, your bridge will be made, and you’ll be called for your next appointment to get your bridge fitted. Once fitted, it might take you some time to get used to your new bridge, but it will eventually look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
Dental Implants
Another common tooth replacement method, dental implants are permanent solutions to replacing one or more missing teeth. Surgically implanted into the jawbone, dental implants essentially involve replacing your tooth’s root with anchors used to secure a prosthetic tooth. Unlike bridges, dental implants do not rely on surrounding natural teeth to hold them in place but do require you to have gums and a jawbone healthy enough to hold the implant in place.
While they may be more expensive than other tooth replacement options, dental implants are the closest you’ll get to a replacement that both looks and feels real. What’s more, the fact that they’re implanted into and eventually fuse to your jawbone ensures dental implants won’t slip or shift, doing away with the typical eating and speaking issues experienced by many new prosthetic owners.
Partial Dentures
If you’re looking for a removable tooth replacement option, then partial dentures might be just what you need. Featuring false teeth supported by a gum-colored acrylic base attached to a metal frame, partial dentures are one of the most cost-effective tooth replacement options when replacing a small section of missing teeth. Like fixed bridges, partial dentures fit between your natural teeth and clasp into place.
Partial dentures may take longer to get used to than dental implants or bridges and may even feel uncomfortable after an extended period of time. Nevertheless, partial dentures are still a great tooth replacement option for those missing a few of their natural teeth.
Tooth Replacement in Calgary
No matter how you lost your teeth, Hillhurst Denture Clinic is here to help. Our professional, in-house denturist can help you choose the best solution for your missing teeth. Call us today at 403-283-1272 or contact us online for a free consultation on any of our tooth replacement services.
