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.
There are numerous ways to straighten teeth, and Invisalign® is an increasingly popular method. Unlike traditional braces that use metal or ceramic attachments hooked to a wire to pull the teeth straight over time, this treatment uses clear aligners that can be taken out when eating or brushing. For the desired results, it helps to…
Your first cosmetic dentist visit can be full of anxiety. How do you know what to ask? Do you need to know what you want ahead of time? What if you do not know the answer to a question asked by the dentist? Will you have work done on the same day as your appointment?It…
Dealing with crooked teeth can be a challenge. Many patients have found that Invisalign® trays can provide the same results as standard orthodontics but with less force. In addition, this option is often faster and can even go unnoticed by others. The nature and design of the aligner trays make them an excellent alternative to…
There are so many differences between traditional braces and Invisalign® aligners. You may be wondering which option is right for your alignment needs and if you will have to change your lifestyle. Many people choose to go through the Invisalign process because the trays are less conspicuous than traditional braces. Traditional braces can be very…
There are numerous ways to straighten teeth, and Invisalign® is an increasingly popular method. Unlike traditional braces that use metal or ceramic attachments hooked to a wire to pull the teeth straight over time, this treatment uses clear aligners that can be taken out when eating or brushing. For the desired results, it helps to…
Your first cosmetic dentist visit can be full of anxiety. How do you know what to ask? Do you need to know what you want ahead of time? What if you do not know the answer to a question asked by the dentist? Will you have work done on the same day as your appointment?It…