Losing teeth can make eating and speaking harder. It can also make your smile look less attractive. Thankfully, tooth replacements called dental prosthetics are options to restore missing teeth. Let us explore the most common types and how they aim to replace what natural teeth do.
Bridges
Bridges fill in gaps where one or more adjacent teeth have been lost in the same area. The bridge consists of artificial replacement teeth anchored to two dental crowns cemented onto the intact natural teeth on either side of the space. The artificial teeth suspended in between the two crown anchors look like the missing ones.
Partial Dentures
Several fake teeth can be set into a gum-toned base to replace multiple absent teeth in a row. Clasps snap onto adjacent natural teeth to stabilize the appliance, which is known as a partial denture. Only one arch is restored, either on top or bottom, since some natural teeth remain. The base is removed nightly and placed back each morning.
Full Dentures
Complete dentures help when all teeth are missing on a single arch. The full appliance relies on close fit and suction rather than clasping onto existing teeth with partials since none remain on that arch. Tight-fitting complete dentures stay put yet are still removed for cleaning. Bone and gum shrinkage over decades may eventually necessitate denture adjustments or remakes.
Dental Implants
Implants act as artificial tooth roots surgically introduced beneath gums and fused into the jawbone for stability. Following full healing, realistic porcelain crowns, bridges, or attachable dentures can be mounted onto the implants for a secure hold. Implants restore confident eating and speech. Though costlier upfront, their durability offers long-term value.
Exploring Your Best Options
Speak with our prosthodontist to select suitable tooth replacements for your needs, from bridges to removable or fixed options. They will ensure you fully understand your choices when deciding on your optimal solution.
Dental Blog | Prosthodontist Houston, TX | Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS Dr. Alexandra Garcia is offering this blog as a resource to the community. Click here to learn more about procedures, home care, and a variety of other dental topics! Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, 777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 625, Houston, TX 77056 | (346) 250-2930 | dralexandragarcia.com | 12/3/2024 | Related Terms: dental implants Houston TX |
Losing teeth can make eating and speaking harder. It can also make your smile look less attractive. Thankfully, tooth replacements called dental prosthetics are options to restore missing teeth. Let us explore the most common types and how they aim to replace what natural teeth do.