Options for Replacing Missing Teeth to Give Yourself a Healthier Smile

There are many options for replacing missing teeth to give yourself a healthier smile. A healthy smile is an important component of your overall bodily health. Not only can missing teeth cause personal distress about your appearance, but they can lead to serious health consequences as time goes on.

Even just one missing tooth can alter the way you chew your food. As you begin to chew differently and favor different parts of your mouth, you cause undue stress on your jaw that may cause complications or injury.

It’s also important to remember that your teeth are not set in stone. When one or more teeth go missing, the other teeth slowly shift to fill in the space. This can be exacerbated by changes in chewing to accommodate for the missing teeth. Changes in tooth position can significantly alter your personal experience. It can also seriously affect your ability to chew and speak. As your teeth move, they may begin to grind against each other when chewing, leading to further damage and injury.

Available options

There are many options for replacing missing teeth that can have you looking and feeling your best. Be sure to talk to your dentist about which ones work best for you. Here are some of the more common options for replacing missing teeth.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are the easiest and one of the most common options for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a false tooth fixed atop a gum-colored base and metal or plastic clasps that brace onto surrounding teeth.

Partial dentures are the least invasive option and can be easily removed for cleaning and adjustment. However, they must be removed every day for regular cleaning. They are also one of the least durable options available.

Fixed bridge

Fixed bridges are a great option for bridging the gap between existing teeth. As the name might suggest, fixed bridges only work when there are still natural teeth on either side of the bridge.

Fixed bridges are a permanent fixture. They require the dentist to remove some of the enamel around the surrounding natural teeth in order to slip the bridge over to attach it. Although the process is more invasive than partial dentures, fixed bridges look incredibly natural and are very durable.

Resin-retained bridge

Resin-retained bridges are a fantastic option for replacing front teeth that don’t endure as much pressure while chewing. Although they aren’t as durable as a fixed bridge, they are much less expensive, and the procedure is much less invasive.

Dental implant

Dental implants are false teeth that are surgically fused to the jawbone where your natural teeth used to be. Implants provide the most natural look and feel out of all options for replacing missing teeth. However, the procedure is more invasive, and it can be quite expensive.

A healthy smile is a sure indicator of good overall health. Missing teeth can cause a series of worsening health problems, so it’s important to act quickly. Talk to your dentist soon about your options for replacing missing teeth for a healthier smile!

Request an appointment here: https://princewilliamdental.com or call Prince William Dental at (703) 662-8287 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.

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