Having missing teeth can make normal tasks such as eating or speaking difficult, but there are several tooth replacement options available to allow you to restore function and improve the appearance of the mouth. Learn more about what alternatives are available to patients and the potential benefits of each method.
Depending on the situation and how many teeth are missing from the mouth, patients can choose from three methods to achieve a full smile.
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth by placing a titanium screw into the jaw and attaching a porcelain crown that appears and functions similarly to a natural tooth. One of the main benefits of this restorative option is that implants integrate with the jawbone, acting as substitute tooth roots that help stimulate and preserve the bone. While this method is most often used to address issues where only one tooth or a small number of teeth need to be replaced, there is no limit to how many implants a patient can have.
For patients who are missing one tooth or several adjacent teeth, a dental bridge can be used to fill the gap. There are three main types of bridges offered by dentists:
For patients experiencing widespread tooth loss, dentures are one of the most common tooth replacement options. With a partial denture, patients can fill in gaps of missing teeth with a clip-on prosthetic. Full dentures, on the other hand, are a complete set of upper and bottom teeth that suction onto the patient’s gums. Traditionally, the gum-like base is made from acrylic. With flexible dentures, however, nylon or other more comfortable materials are used that often look and feel more like natural gums. Implant-supported dentures use four or more strategically placed implants to secure a full arch of teeth onto the gums.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Options For Replacing Missing Teeth in Chicago, IL.
Living with one or more missing teeth can have negative effects on a person’s oral health and everyday life. Patients should consider each of these tooth replacement options carefully and discuss the alternatives with a dentist.
Request an appointment or call Joyful Dental Care at 773-786-9560 for an appointment in our Chicago office.
When you have dentures, you no longer have to hide your smile or avoid being around other people. This treatment can also improve your oral health and allow you to eat a wider range of foods.Of course, wearing this apparatus does not let you eat anything. There are still certain foods you should avoid, so…
People who wear dentures typically have the same complaints. Although the types of dentures made today are fantastic compared to those from years ago, issues can still arise.The biggest concerns are slippage, discomfort, poor fit, and bad breath. The bad breath problem is often how others know when a person is wearing dentures.Along with big…
Dental bridges are effective at replacing missing teeth. However, having a bridge does not mean that you can neglect your oral hygiene. On the contrary, with a bridge, dental hygiene becomes even more important than before. However, you may have to learn new techniques for cleaning your dental bridge, as well as avoid some behaviors…
When you have dentures, you no longer have to hide your smile or avoid being around other people. This treatment can also improve your oral health and allow you to eat a wider range of foods.Of course, wearing this apparatus does not let you eat anything. There are still certain foods you should avoid, so…
People who wear dentures typically have the same complaints. Although the types of dentures made today are fantastic compared to those from years ago, issues can still arise.The biggest concerns are slippage, discomfort, poor fit, and bad breath. The bad breath problem is often how others know when a person is wearing dentures.Along with big…
