When you have missing teeth, it can impact your smile, oral health, and confidence. The good news is there are several options for missing teeth.
Whether you’re looking for a permanent solution like dental implants, considering partial or full dentures, or exploring other alternatives, this blog post will guide you through all the options.
Don’t Ignore Missing Teeth
While it may be tempting to overlook a single missing tooth, doing so can lead to a range of issues that affect your mouth’s functionality, appearance and comfort.
One of the most immediate consequences of ignoring missing teeth is the negative impact on oral health. Teeth are designed to work together; when one is missing, the surrounding teeth may shift and drift into the gap. This can lead to misalignment issues and bite problems. Plus, the exposed gum tissue becomes vulnerable to infection.
Aesthetic concerns are another consequence of ignoring missing teeth. The visible gaps in your smile can affect your self-confidence and self-esteem. You may become self-conscious about your appearance, leading to social anxiety and a reluctance to smile or speak openly.
Permanent Solutions
Permanent options for missing teeth offer the most reliable and long-lasting results, but it’s important to know that they often come with a higher cost and a more time-consuming treatment process.
Dental implants are one of the most popular permanent options for missing teeth. They are surgically implanted into the jawbone, serving as artificial tooth roots. Dental implants provide stability and functionality, mimicking the feel and appearance of natural teeth. It’s important to note that the treatment process involves multiple stages and costs are relatively high.
Another permanent solution for missing teeth is a fixed dental bridge. This restoration involves anchoring replacement teeth to adjacent natural teeth. The bridge is custom-made to fit your mouth and permanently cemented in place. While it doesn’t require surgery like dental implants, it does involve the alteration of healthy teeth, which is a consideration.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a popular and practical option for missing teeth, offering an effective solution that balances cost and functionality.
These dental appliances are custom-made to replace one or several missing teeth when you still have some natural teeth remaining in your mouth. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored acrylic or metal base and they are designed to fit snugly in your mouth, providing a secure and comfortable solution.
One of the main advantages of partial dentures is their versatility. They can be used to replace missing teeth in various areas of the mouth, whether they are consecutive or scattered. Partial dentures are also removable, making them easy to clean and maintain. Proper care can extend the lifespan of these appliances, allowing them to serve you well for several years.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are a common and time-tested option for missing teeth. These removable dental appliances are designed to replace a full arch of missing teeth, whether it’s the upper, lower, or both dental arches.
They’re made of prosthetic teeth set in a lifelike gum-colored acrylic base, which is custom-made to fit comfortably and securely over your gums. While full dentures may not feel like natural teeth or offer the same stability as dental implants, they are a valuable option for restoring a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile.
One of the greatest advantages of full dentures is their accessibility. They are typically more affordable than implant-supported options and require no surgical procedures. The process of getting full dentures involves taking impressions of your mouth and then skilled dental professionals create the custom dentures to ensure a snug fit.
While there may be an adjustment period as you get used to wearing them, many people find that full dentures significantly enhance their ability to eat, speak and smile confidently.
Nesbit Flexible Partial Denture
Flipper partials, or Nesbit partials, are removable dental appliances used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are a temporary and cost-effective solution for those who are waiting for a more permanent option for missing teeth. Or those who have lost a tooth due to injury or extraction. They consist of prosthetic teeth attached to a pink acrylic base that is designed to blend in with the natural color of your gums.
Unlike more complex dental procedures like implants or fixed bridges, Nesbit partials can be created relatively quickly and at a lower cost. This makes them a practical choice for those who need an immediate solution for their missing tooth or teeth without breaking the bank.
They are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth and are typically secured in place using metal or plastic clasps that attach to adjacent natural teeth. The removable nature of Nesbit partials makes them convenient for daily cleaning and maintenance.
Regain Your Smile
No matter what you choose, taking action to address missing teeth is an important step toward regaining your confidence and enjoying a life full of smiles and improved oral health.
Your dream smile is within reach with Dental Lab Direct. Our range of partial dentures is a cost-effective way to regain your confidence to smile again.
Our three-step process ensures you’ll be proudly showing off your new smile in just 4 weeks.
