Replacing missing teeth not only improves your ability to eat and digest your food, but can transform your whole appearance.
When teeth are missing, changes can occur to your dentition – your bite. A tooth next to an empty space has nothing to lean on while other teeth are pounding it during chewing. It might start to move into the empty space, thus loosening the grip of its gums. Crooked and loose teeth and periodontal disease can result.
Eventually, bone loss could even reduce the underlying support for your face, which could then take on a sunken appearance.
Types of Dentures
- Full denture – The traditional set of false teeth: uppers, lowers, or both.
- Partial denture – A few false teeth, attached to a denture base (sometimes flexible, sometimes more rigid) and designed to clip onto healthy teeth. None of your teeth will need be reduced to accomodate crowns.
- Implant denture – A partial denture anchored by implants.
The Fixed Bridge
When just a few teeth are missing, all in a row, and there are sound teeth on each end of the gap, a non-removable restoration can be made in the form of a fixed bridge. The two end teeth are reduced, so that crowns may be placed over them. Artificial teeth are fabricated to fill the gap. This set of false teeth is then affixed to the crowns on each end. One or both of the crowns may be an implant crown (a crown placed over an implant abutment.)
Artificial Teeth – What Kind is Best?
- If all teeth are missing: full dentures (uppers and lowers), implants, or implant dentures.
- If a few teeth are missing, between healthy teeth that can serve as end-caps: a fixed bridge, a partial denture, an implant partial denture, or implants.
- If a few teeth are missing, but there is only an end-cap tooth on one end: a partial denture, an implant partial denture, or implants.
Which method is best is an extremely personal decision and one that you will live with for a long time to come. At Granville Dental, it is important to us that you are satisfied with your new teeth, and that they are comfortable, long-lasting, and beautiful. With our many years of experience, we are in a good position to educate you about your options and help you make the decision that works the best for you – personally, financially, and aesthetically.
Call Granville Dental in Ohio for a free consultation. Dr. Alexandrunas and the staff are here to help you make the best choice. Call (740) 587-4891 or fill out our online contact form.