Replacing missing teeth is definitely a good idea when you have missing teeth. It’s not uncommon either: Only 48% of adults aged 20-64 have all of their permanent teeth. Missing teeth in your mouth can affect your appearance and health in many ways. In addition to changing your facial structure, missing teeth can cause your cheeks to appear sunken.
A missing tooth can also affect your bite. Without your teeth, you may not be able to eat quite as well. There are several options for replacing your missing teeth, including a partial denture and a bridge. Learn more about these options and how to choose the right one for you at Dentist in Wicker Park.
Causes of missing teeth
There are several reasons why you might have a missing tooth. The most common reason for missing a tooth is decay. You can lose a tooth if your teeth become severely decayed.
There are also the following reasons for missing teeth:
- Genetics
- Hypodontia (a condition in which the secondary teeth never come in, which affects 1 in 5 teeth)
- Oligodontia (when 6 or more teeth are missing)
- Anodontia (when your secondary teeth never come in)
- Poor dental hygiene
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
- Gum disease
- Injury
You can and should take action if you have missing teeth.
The effects of missing teeth
It might seem possible to live with and adapt to missing teeth if some of them are missing. There are several important reasons why you shouldn’t just live with missing teeth. Missing teeth:
- Affects your bite and chewing patterns
- Weakens jaw muscles
- Causes other teeth to migrate, even if there’s one missing tooth
- Leads to further bone loss
- Changes the structure of your face
- Impacts your self-esteem
- Is linked to further health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
Missing teeth have a lot of effects on your health, so replacing them as soon as possible is a good idea.
The partial denture option
The partial denture is a single fixed appliance that can be placed in your mouth. You can also clean underneath them since they’re removable.
Five steps are involved in getting a partial denture. The following are some of them:
- The dentist takes an impression of your mouth, which plans the best option
- The dentist takes a final impression of your mouth, which is sent to the lab
- The trial phase, when you get to wear your partial denture home and see which shade and shape you want
- Tooth try-in phase, when you try on the selected teeth and framework
- Delivery
Missing teeth can be replaced with partial dentures at a very affordable price. Despite this, many people find them less desirable since they don’t look natural and feel like dentures. Additionally, it’s a less invasive alternative to a bridge.
Getting a bridge
Bridges are permanent solutions to missing teeth. The following steps are involved in getting a bridge:
- To make room for the bridge, the teeth surrounding the one(s) to be replaced are filed down
- An impression of your teeth is taken by your dentist and sent to a lab
- You’ll be fitted for a temporary bridge, which you’ll wear until your permanent bridge arrives
- The final bridge will be cemented in place 1-2 weeks later, if you are satisfied with the outcome
A bridge is a permanent solution, so you cannot remove it. Flossing around them will need to be done differently, as shown by your dental hygienist.
It doesn’t matter whether you opt for a partial denture or a bridge, either will meet your needs. Contact Urban Smiles Dental or request an appointment online if you’re missing teeth and want to replace them.