Our teeth are some of the most important bones in our bodies. But taking care of them can be difficult and sometimes this results in tooth loss. over 70 percent of Americans are missing permanent teeth by the time they reach the age of 45.
Missing teeth can cause a host of problems. Some are physical, causing speech impediments or causing teeth to shift. Other problems are more psychological; low self-esteem and an unwillingness to smile in pictures.
Dealing with these can be a chore, and if these are some of the problems you experience, then you should look into tooth replacement options. Here is a list of some actions you could take to mitigate your tooth problems.
Flipper
Don’t be confused, a flipper is just a temporary partial denture. Its called a flipper because of its convenience at being flipped in and out.
Unlike an actual partial denture, flippers are not intentionally meant to be a permanent solution. They are bulky and uncomfortable to the wearer and are prone to breaking.
But if you are looking for a cheap alternative for a short period, then these can work.
Partial Denture
If flippers are cheap and flimsy, partial dentures do a bit better of a job. These are mostly used for one or two teeth; the fake teeth clasp together and fill the gaps left by the old tooth. The good thing is they take minimal effort from the dentist.
However, they are known to be uncomfortable to the wearer and can be discolored, making them unattractive.
Dental Implants
The removable tooth options may be cheaper, but the real worth is found in the implants. Dental Implants are the closest you have to the original tooth you lost.
They look and feel like your real tooth, and you may even forget which ones are real and which aren’t.
However, it does comes with cons. The dentist does a lot for this option; they insert a metal screw to act as the root of the implant. The procedure is invasive and has a long heal time.
This makes the implant option the most expensive, but you get what you pay for.
Tooth-Supported Bridge
Another more cost-effective solution to replacement is a tooth-support bridge. The dentist fills the gaps by creating a ‘bridge’ to connect the teeth on both sides of the gap.
The drawback is the dentist will have to shave down the teeth that are probably still healthy. This could make those teeth prone to problems later.
Implanted Bridge
The implant-supported bridge is the best option for those who are missing several teeth in a row. The dentist will fix the fake teeth at both ends instead of outfitting each tooth like an implant.
The procedure is not invasive, but it is only effective if you are missing multiple teeth. And because they are not cemented or screwed, you will eventually have to get the row replaced.
Read More: All on 4 Dental Implants vs. Traditional Implants
Don’t Leave Any Gaps With These Tooth Replacement Options
Losing a tooth can be fixed with many different tooth replacement options. These aren’t the only ones. But remember, it may seem expensive, but its an investment into your future dental health.
Your teeth are important. You should take care of them the best way you can.
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