07 Jun Filling the Gap: Your Guide To Replacement Teeth
Missing teeth affect the way you eat, the way you speak, and the way you smile. But replacing them will restore your quality of life and your confidence. In this guide, we give you an overview of the three most common tooth replacement options: dentures, bridges, and implants.
Three Reasons Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth
1. You’ll be able to eat normally again.
Missing teeth may change your diet. You might start avoiding certain foods that are difficult to chew, even if they were once your favorites. Plus, good oral health is closely tied to a healthy diet. If missing teeth are keeping you from eating nutritious food, it’s definitely time for a change.
2. Your speech patterns will return to normal.
Did you know that missing teeth can change your speech patterns? Think back to the lisp you might have had as a six-year-old when you lost your front teeth. The way your lips move around your teeth and how you place your tongue against them is how certain sounds are formed. Replacing your missing teeth will help you speak normally again.
3. You can be confident in your smile.
Your smile is often the first thing people see, but many people with missing teeth find themselves hiding their smile from the world. And because your teeth also help you form facial expressions, replacing them can restore your self-confidence.
What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?
The technology for replacing missing teeth has come a long way over the years. There are now many ways to restore your smile, from permanent solutions like implants and bridges, to removable options like dentures.
Dental Implants
Whether you need to replace a single tooth or a full set, dental implants are the most permanent option. Their titanium anchors are surgically implanted in the jaw bone, providing a stable base for realistic-looking crowns. Implants are more costly up front, and the procedure takes some time, but they are worth it in the long run because if taken care of with good home care and regular dental visits, they can last a long time.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a set of false teeth that are anchored to the teeth on either side of a gap. They can be used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. They typically cost less than implants and can be made quickly. However, they may need to be replaced over time.
Dentures
Dentures can be a removable set of false teeth that can replace either a full set of teeth (top or bottom) or several missing teeth in a row. Some full and partial removable dentures may need dental adhesives to help hold them in place, and they must be removed every night for cleaning and soaking.
Dentures can also be supported by implants. An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that replaces several teeth at once. If you’ve lost most of your teeth, we may recommend implant-supported dentures. Attachments are placed underneath the denture that connects the implants. When placed in the mouth, the denture fits onto the dental implants, keeping it stable and secure. You’ll be able to enjoy more foods with implant-supported dentures than you would with conventional dentures.
Get Your Missing Teeth Replaced in Prescott, Arizona
At Hicks Dental Group, we can fit you with dental implants, dentures, or bridges to replace your missing teeth and restore your smile. Our family-owned practice offers the very best in tooth replacement options in Prescott, Arizona. The sooner you replace your missing teeth, the sooner you’ll be smiling again! Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and we’ll help you choose the best solution for your budget and your lifestyle.
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