Having missing teeth in the front row can be particularly worrisome, considering that a smile makes up an important part of someone's personality. Patients may soon find themselves smiling less and covering their mouth more due to embarrassment, and self-esteem and confidence could take a blow. Besides the aesthetics, a lost tooth can affect the remaining teeth, making them less stable and potentially causing bite misalignment. If you are looking to replace a front tooth, you probably want an option that blends right in with the remaining teeth.
The following are some of the options for replacing missing teeth in the front row:
This option involves supporting a dental bridge with two teeth close to the gap. The adjacent teeth will be covered with crowns, and the crowns will be linked with a prosthetic or replacement tooth called a pontic to create a strong and reliable restoration. The adjacent teeth, also called the abutment, must be filed down to prepare them for the dental bridge fitting.
The preparation for the abutment teeth is important so that they do not look too bulky or awkward. If the teeth close to the gap are broken, discolored, or damaged in any way, and would benefit from a dental crown, then opting for a dental bridge would be beneficial. However, if the teeth are healthy and strong, it means the dentist will need to remove “good” tooth structure. A dental bridge can be cosmetically appealing if handled by a professional.
Dental implant
A dental implant is an innovative way to restore a missing tooth. The result is highly aesthetic and looks natural. The single implant restoration consists of a dental implant inserted into the gums and covered by a crown. Unlike the dental bridge and removable partial denture, the prosthetic teeth do not rest on the gums. Also, the dentist will not need to reshape existing teeth, which makes a dental implant sometimes the healthiest restoration option.
The dental implant replaces the tooth root, and this offers additional benefits for oral health. When the patient bites, the sensations move through the tooth into its root and surrounding bone. The stimulation keeps the jawbone strong and healthy because the body will continue to replace old bone cells. Usually, when a tooth is missing, that process stops and the jawbone slowly loses its density. Patients who are looking for an option that provides the feel and function close to the natural tooth should certainly consider dental implants.
Sometimes called a flipper, this is a mini denture created for patients who cannot get a dental bridge or dental implant restoration for some reason. The prosthetic device is fabricated to replace the lost front teeth and is supported by the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. Although this option is not as stable as the other ones listed above, it could be a temporary solution while the patient waits for a more permanent option.
Losing front teeth can be quite disconcerting. Fortunately, with the number of advanced and affordable tooth replacement options available nowadays, patients can get their missing teeth replaced by the dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Dentures can replace a full dental arch or fill some dental gaps after tooth loss. The dentist will make sure that these restorations match the color and texture of the remaining teeth. Proper care and maintenance can help them last for a long time. Here are some of the benefits that you can get from…
Though implant crowns and traditional dental crowns look almost identical, they serve different purposes. Implant crowns are key to tooth replacement involving dental implants, while traditional ones primarily reinforce and repair natural teeth. Understanding the differences between these options can help patients make informed decisions regarding restoring their smile.Implant crowns are attached to a dental…
Dental implants provide a long-term solution for missing teeth, offering a natural appearance and feel that supports both oral health and confidence. However, many patients also consider dentures, which offer a more traditional approach to tooth replacement. Understanding the key differences between these two options can help determine which treatment may be best suited for…
Getting dentures can be exciting because it means your missing teeth will no longer interfere with eating, speaking, and smiling. However, adjusting to a new set of dentures takes time. Knowing what to expect ahead of time makes this transition easier, and most people forget that they are even wearing dentures after a few weeks.New…
Dentures can replace a full dental arch or fill some dental gaps after tooth loss. The dentist will make sure that these restorations match the color and texture of the remaining teeth. Proper care and maintenance can help them last for a long time. Here are some of the benefits that you can get from…
Though implant crowns and traditional dental crowns look almost identical, they serve different purposes. Implant crowns are key to tooth replacement involving dental implants, while traditional ones primarily reinforce and repair natural teeth. Understanding the differences between these options can help patients make informed decisions regarding restoring their smile.Implant crowns are attached to a dental…