How to Fix Missing Teeth

You may be wondering how to replace missing teeth? There are several options, such as metal bracesdental implants, or a dental crown. Each option has pros and cons. Many people lose an entire tooth or are born with crooked teeth. The good news is that treatment options exist! You do not have to live with bad teeth, instead, you can have the beautiful smile that you’ve always wanted.

Causes of missing teeth

A variety of factors may lead to the loss of teeth, such as poor hygiene or tooth decay. Although some factors can easily be avoided or reversed (or at least partially), others, like a history of dental disease, are not always preventable. Tooth decay can be caused by these factors, and can cause tooth loss. Untreated, these conditions can lead to gum disease and eventual tooth loss.

When a tooth is missing, it disturbs the natural relationship between bone and teeth. As neighboring teeth shift, the space left by missing teeth can cause jaw problems. Without stimulation, bone and gum can shrink and become less elastic. A missing tooth can also lead to the teeth around it shifting out of their proper places, leading to crooked and bad-biting. Additionally, the exposed area caused by the tooth could expose the jawbone and soft tissue to infection. This infection, if left untreated can lead to severe gum disease.

Tooth decay, dental trauma, and extractions are the most frequent causes of missing teeth. Genetic conditions may prevent permanent teeth from forming. Hypodontia is a condition that has six to eight permanent teeth. Oligodontia, on the other hand, can have more than one. Although missing teeth might not appear to pose a problem, it can affect confidence and oral health. Thankfully, there are now treatments available for many of the reasons why a person is missing their teeth.

How to Fix Missing Teeth

Metal Braces

Although traditional braces are not the most appealing option, they might be the best choice for patients with missing or crooked smiles. They are very easy to apply and will correct any imperfections in your teeth. Patients who wish to enhance their smiles without using metal braces can also choose to use invisible braces. These braces are clear and will not be noticeable when you smile.

The first step in the process of using metal braces to fix missing teeth is to visit your dentist. Dental x-rays will reveal your full set of dentures. Once you’ve gotten your braces, you will need to visit your dentist to have the aligned periodically.

The metal braces are used to move teeth into the correct place. They are made from a number of collagen fibers that hold the teeth in place and allow for movement. They aren’t strong, but they do support your teeth. Gently moving your teeth along the jaw structure will create new bone and place the periodontal ligament in a different position.

dental implants

The process of getting a dental implant is not simple. There are many steps involved, but they are all customized for your specific needs. Your dentist will first perform a comprehensive dental exam to determine if implants are a good option for your situation. Your dentist may take 3D pictures of your jaw and mouth, along with an impression of the teeth. He will also discuss with you any medication that may be affecting the healing process.

One or more missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants. Implants can be used for decades. Dental implants can last for decades, but they are much more costly than bridges. For people with multiple missing teeth, fixed bridges may be an option. The bridges can be treated just like natural teeth. Dental implants can last many decades, but unlike dentures, they are not removable. This treatment is the most permanent solution for missing teeth and can improve your smile dramatically.

The dentist is required to perform a dental implant procedure. After assessing the jaw’s quality, the dentist will insert the dental implant. Based on the amount of bone in your jaw, the dentist will decide if you require bone grafting. A four-month period of healing will be allowed. This will help the implant settle into your mouth. In the meantime, you can continue your daily routine of brushing and flossing.

Dental Crowns

Full mouth rehabilitation includes dental crowns for many purposes. They can improve the appearance or strength of weak teeth after root canal treatment, as well as replace missing teeth. Dental crowns are used to replace missing teeth in two ways: dental bridges and dental implants. While dental bridges and implants replace missing teeth with other materials, a dental crown actually replaces the tooth with an artificial one.

Dental crowns are also used to support dental bridges. Dental bridges are often used to replace multiple missing teeth in a row. The dental bridge is attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These anchoring teeth, called abutment teeth, must be strong enough to support the dental bridge. Dental crowns are placed on the abutment teeth to hold the dental bridge in place.

Crowns, which cover a prepared tooth to restore its original appearance, are caps. Dental crowns are made from metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal. You can choose between the two options. Although metal-fused to-metal crowns can be stronger than porcelain, they may not look as natural as the surrounding teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are more expensive than porcelain-only crowns.

Alternatively, you may choose a dental bridge. This procedure involves placing one dental crown on each side of a missing tooth. Because the artificial tooth becomes weaker due to the absence of support teeth, this method is not as popular. Moreover, bridges are only used on the front teeth, as the back teeth receive too much chewing force. Dental bridges might be a perfect choice if you want to permanently replace your missing teeth.

Porcelain veneers

It can be hard to find the best option for your dental needs, given all of the choices available. While many people turn to dental veneers for their missing teeth, they aren’t a viable option for everyone. This is because veneers are thin, compared to dental implants, which are thicker. Some patients may not be eligible for this procedure due to poor dental hygiene or tooth decay. Some people may not be able to get veneers because of the risk of tooth decay and oral infection.

While porcelain veneers look great and can improve your smile, they cannot replace your missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth. A porcelain veneer can cover several years of wear and tear, which can make it more difficult for you to eat and speak comfortably.

Dental veneers can be described as thin, wafer-thin shells that are made from tooth-colored materials. They are placed on the front surface of a tooth and bonded to it with a strong dental resin. Veneers are much stronger than resin and can last for several decades. If your existing teeth don’t meet the requirements for veneers, your dentist might need to extract them. Next, your dentist will take molds of your mouth to create a customized denture. The whole process can take several months.

Dental Bonding

Cosmetic dentists can perform dental bonding, which is a process that replaces missing teeth or corrects minor problems. Sometimes, the dentist can use dental bonding to protect existing teeth from decay. The composite resin is custom-colored to match your teeth and can be used to fill small cavities and cracks. This procedure is also used to lengthen or replace a chipped or broken tooth. Once completed, dental bonding is a relatively pain-free outpatient procedure.

Another advantage of this type of tooth replacement procedure is that it can be a fast, noninvasive option for minor aesthetic problems. The procedure can be completed in one visit to the dentist. This procedure can be completed in about 30 minutes, and it is an excellent alternative to dental crowns. To make the tooth stick, a special resin is applied to it. Then, the tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth in thin coats. The procedure can take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the condition of your teeth.

Dental bonding is a relatively inexpensive way to fix missing teeth. It is typically much less expensive than cosmetic dental procedures. Dental bonding uses resin rather than porcelain and is an economical, effective method to solve many of your dental issues without spending a fortune. A single appointment can result in a brighter smile and improved confidence. Dental bonding can be a good choice as an alternative to porcelain veneers, which are expensive.

Proper care for healthy teeth

The dental health of your mouth and teeth is important regardless if you have done any dental implant surgery. Sweet foods not only cause health problems but they can damage your tooth enamel and even rotten teeth if food particles are not cleaned properly. After your cosmetic dental treatments make sure to floss and brush often to prevent further damage to your teeth or cosmetics.