In the United States, 26 percent of adults over 65 have eight or fewer teeth. Meanwhile, nearly one in six older adults have no remaining natural teeth.
Sadly, missing teeth can impact your health negatively, causing bone loss in your jaw and changing the shape of your face over time. It can also affect how you chew and prevent you from eating some of your favorite meals. Worst of all, it can make you self-confident and stop you from smiling or laughing in public.
Whether you have one missing tooth or many, you don’t have to let your oral health suffer. There are plenty of teeth replacement options, so keep reading to learn four of them!
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most common solutions for missing teeth since they provide permanent tooth replacement. They look just like a natural tooth and feel like one, too!
Another benefit of implants is that they consist of a metal screw that fuses to your jawbone. Although this involves surgery, it provides the crown of your tooth with a sturdy base for chewing. After a few months of healing, patients can eat anything they desire, just as they would with their natural teeth.
Despite the elevated cost of dental implants, many people find that they are an ideal solution. And, when taken care of, they can last a lifetime!
Implant-Supported Bridge
Implant-supported bridges are a good option for patients with several missing teeth in a row. Instead of replacing all of them with implants, only the two on the ends receive them.
The rest of the teeth are replaced with a bridge attached to the implants. This option saves a lot of time and cuts down on unnecessary costs.
Tooth-Supported Bridge
Tooth-supported bridges use your existing teeth to support a bridge rather than implants. Thus, no surgery is involved, and the treatment is more affordable.
However, your dentist will still need to fit two of your teeth for crowns, filing them down to the correct size.
If you’re exploring this option, ask your dentist the differences between a dental crown vs bridge. Doing so will help you understand the procedure better.
Removable Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are another economical option for patients with one or more missing teeth. They are removable, so patients need to take them out at night and clean them.
Unfortunately, they are also less stable because they do not cement to your teeth. As a result, patients have trouble eating sticky or chewy foods.
Still, they are a good option for patients on a tight budget and those who can’t have surgery.
Find the Best Treatment for Your Missing Teeth
If you would like to replace your missing teeth, speak to a reputable dentist in your area. They can recommend the best treatment options for your oral health and budget!
Would you like to learn more dental tips? Then, check out more of our posts, such as those focusing on oral hygiene!
