3 Distinct Options for Filling Missing Teeth

There are many reasons why you may have a few teeth missing. Maybe you’ve suffered from an injury that knocked teeth out in your childhood, or it was tooth decay, or your genes have something to do with it. Regardless of why you have gaps in your smile, you probably know that it would be better to fill those spaces. Because you have teeth missing, it may be difficult for you to bite down on food or chew properly. And, you may feel embarrassed to show your smile knowing that others may judge you based on your missing teeth. The good news is that you have three good tooth replacement options shared by Park Avenue Smiles.

Dentures or “False Teeth”

If you are missing all or most of your teeth, your dentist can make you a set of dentures to replace those missing teeth. If the idea of wearing dentures makes you cringe, you should know that new innovations have made dentures more appealing, more comfortable and much more natural looking. It can take some time to become accustomed to wearing dentures but within a couple of weeks, you should be able to adjust quite well. It’s natural at first to experience some difficulties when speaking and chewing but with practice, those difficulties should fade.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a good tooth replacement option if you’re missing a few teeth. This type of appliance serves as a bridge over a gap or space left by a missing tooth or teeth. While you can take out dentures to clean them, dental bridges are permanently fused to crown-covered abutments on either side of the space. It doesn’t take that long to get used to wearing a dental bridge although it is common to experience some tooth sensitivity for a few weeks after being fitted for a bridge. Most people won’t even notice that you’re wearing a dental bridge as the tooth crowns on the bridge look just like your natural teeth.

Dental Implants

A very popular option you have for filling those gaps in your smile are dental implants for tooth replacement. When you undergo this procedure, a rod made of titanium is implanted into your jawbone. This rod serves the same purpose as a tooth root. Once the bone has fused to the rod, you will have to return to your dentist so he/she can adhere an artificial tooth top or crown to the rod. Dental implants are permanent and they don’t require any special care or maintenance. Your dentist will tell you to simply continue brushing and flossing your teeth as you normally do. The nice thing about dental implants is that they look so much like natural teeth that most people don’t even notice they’re that they are artificial. The one downside to dental implants is that they are rather costly. If you happen to need several dental implants to fill all the spaces in your smile, your dental bill will easily run into the thousands of dollars.