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Are you sick of hiding your smile because you’re missing a tooth or two?
You aren’t alone. Believe it or not, by age 50, US residents have lost an average of 12 teeth.
Unfortunately, tooth loss can impact more than just your smile. Over time, simple things like chewing and speaking can become more difficult.
Whether you’re hoping to replace a missing tooth or update existing dental work, there are plenty of fake tooth options out there. But which is best for you?
In this article, we’ll explore the top five fixes for your missing teeth. And we’ll help you pick your best match.
Implants and Other Fake Tooth Options
No matter what type of tooth replacement you decide on, you’ll want to find the right dentist first. After all, you can’t trust your smile to just anybody! Opt for a local expert like Dr. Suzanne Caudry, with over 20 years of experience serving her community.
1. Fixed Dental Bridges
A fixed bridge closes the gap between one or more missing teeth.
This bridge type uses a dental prosthetic or artificial tooth. This prosthetic is then attached to neighboring teeth and bonded in place with dental cement.
While getting a fixed dental bridge does require multiple trips to the dentist, it does come with the benefit of looking and feeling like natural teeth.
2. Resin-Retained Bridges
The process for having a resin-retained bridge put in is far less invasive than a fixed bridge. But, this type of dental work won’t last nearly as long.
Essentially, this bridge type is a fake tooth with two metal wings attached. These re resin bonded to neighboring teeth, holding the bridge in place.
Because they are less durable, resin-retained bridges are best for teeth that you don’t use while chewing. Missing front teeth, for example.
3. Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are replacement teeth attached to a pink base, designed to match your gums.
Depending on the number of teeth you want to replace, your natural teeth might hold the plastic base in position. In other cases, a metal clasp is used to attach your denture to its neighboring teeth.
While this dental option for missing teeth does work well for chewing, speaking, and aesthetics, it is far less durable than bridges or implants.
4. Removable Complete Dentures
These days, fewer and fewer clients are opting for removable complete dentures to replace their missing teeth.
Unlike a removable partial denture, this tooth replacement option works best for people who need to replace most, if not all, of their teeth. Depending on how many teeth you still have, this can be a fairly invasive dental procedure requiring multiple office visits.
Removable complete dentures can’t be worn 24 hours a day and require regular cleaning. So, they are one of the less aesthetic options when it comes to replacing lost teeth.
5. Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most modern option for tooth replacement, but they aren’t for everyone.
The implant procedure does require minor surgery, during which a replacement tooth root is fitted and fused to the jawbone. This fake tooth option provides the most natural look and feel possible, and will outlast all the others.
However, implants work best for replacing just one or two teeth, and typically cost more than dentures or bridges.
Get Your Smile Back
Now that you know a bit more about the different fake tooth options available, you’re ready to start smiling again!
Be sure to choose an expert dentist with an outstanding local reputation to perform your tooth replacement. And don’t forget to discuss these different options with them. You’ll be grinning again before you know it.
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