When teeth are missing there is a number of reasons to replace them. First aesthetically, this can be a difficult social problem. People with missing teeth have reported to think about the “tooth gap” with every smile and every conversation. In addition, eating can be problematic. Food can become lodged in an area with missing teeth and be annoying as well as damaging to the gingival tissue where the tooth or teeth previously resided. Functional problems also arise from missing teeth. Speech patterns can be affected if teeth in the front are missing. Missing teeth also make the face sag and indent and give the “old maid” look where the chin appears protruded.
Those are the obvious reasons. In addition, when teeth are lost it affects not only the lost teeth but also the adjacent teeth. Teeth want to be at the level of the lowest potential energy and that means they often will drift into the space that was previously occupied by the lost tooth. The deleterious effects are not often anticipated. Your “bite” is something that is delicately designed by development. Every cusp, size, shape, and spacing of every tooth has a specific purpose and when those positions or anatomies are changed even at a subtle level the entire equilibrium can be thrown out of position. Often these problems are not easily fixed once the damage is done and can be some of the most expensive repairs in dentistry.
What are the Options for Replacement of Missing Teeth?
The answer is not simple in any regard. Without a full consultation, analysis, study casts, radiographs, and a clinical exam the dentist is not yet able to determine the best course of action. The good news is that there is a terrific solution for every patient missing teeth. Dental implants are often the best solution to a missing tooth. They provide an aesthetic long term solution. Implants hold the advantage of being integrated with the existing bone. Among other benefits this allows the bone to be stimulated continually which will prevent resorption, which is basically the bone eliminating itself. Some patients, however, do not have the physical bone structure sufficient for implants. In addition some patients cannot afford implants. The answer for many people is dentures. Dentures are a more affordable option for tooth replacement. When designed properly they look no different than the natural teeth and can return the patient to a normal social life and the elimination of the dependence on soft foods.
There are several different types of dentures. First, complete dentures will replace all of the teeth in either the upper or the lower arch. They are made of a special gum colored denture resin with teeth made either from acrylic or porcelain. When designing the dentures the dentist will take into account many different aspects of the patients smile, facial structure, phonetics, and eating patterns. Partial dentures, by contrast, are designed to replace one or more teeth missing in the upper or lower arch. The design allows the existing teeth to bear some of the load for the missing teeth. Both the complete and removable dentures are removed at night.
The process of denture design takes several appointments with the dentist. During these appointments an aesthetic try-in appointment ensures that the patient is happy with the appearance and function of the dentures. Once delivery of the final product has occurred, the patient will return for several appointments to adjust the dentures based on how the body has responded.
Dentures act as normal teeth in that they require daily cleaning and care. Dentures should be soaked nightly in a solution and care needs to be taken that they are not dropped or damaged.
If you are missing teeth, the first step is to obtain a consultation from the dentist. The various solutions available to you, including pro’s and con’s of each, can be discussed. Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry is a general and cosmetic dentist located in Ponte Vedra Florida. PVCD features caring, trained and skilled doctors who will work hand-in-hand with you to create a treatment plan that protects and restores your teeth and bite to their ultimate health and beauty, and a staff ready to address your every need. To make an appointment or with any further questions please contact Ponte Vedra Compete Dentistry at (904)285-7711 or contact us online.