A few missing teeth leave gaps in your smile and can significantly impact your speech, bite, and look. Rather than enduring the hassles and embarrassment, consider visiting Hartman Dentistry to discuss tooth replacement options.
The most popular tooth replacement solutions are dentures and dental bridges. However, what is best for you is determined by various factors, including your oral health and lifestyle. Our dentist will undoubtedly provide extensive guidance during your consultation, but as a starting point, we will review the fundamentals of these restorative procedures.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a restoration that is attached to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge is anchored in place by crowns placed on the natural teeth and fixed in place with a dental adhesive or cement. The most common type of bridge is a fixed bridge, which does not need to be removed for cleaning.
Dental bridges are a good option for restoring your smile’s aesthetics and health. They are fully functional and can restore your chewing and speaking abilities. They are also aesthetically pleasing because they are designed to match the color of existing teeth, blending in with the rest of your smile. Lastly, bridges can help prevent further tooth decay or loss, making the remaining teeth more stable.
Partial Dentures
Like complete dentures, partials are made from lightweight metal and clear synthetic resin that won’t stain or discolor over time. They can replace one or several missing teeth and can be removed for cleaning and at night. Most patients wear their partial dentures during the day and remove them before bedtime. This not only gives the patient’s gums a chance to rest but also reduces the pressure put on the jawline by chewing during the day.
Dentures
Dentures are removable oral appliances that look and function like natural teeth. They are made from high-quality acrylic resin and hardened to a durable finish for long-lasting use. Traditional dentures are supported by your gums using suction or adhesives.
You may also choose implant-supported dentures anchored by dental implants placed in your jawbone. Implant-supported dentures attach to your implants securely and are more comfortable than traditional dentures.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Bridges are permanently bonded to your surrounding teeth for support and can replace one or more missing teeth in a row. They require healthy adjacent teeth to support the restoration.
Partial dentures are used when the patient still has healthy teeth on the top and bottom arches. They are removable and often less expensive than other options. Partials are recommended if you are missing several natural teeth.
Dentures are used when the patient is missing all of their natural teeth or when their remaining natural teeth are too damaged to be restored.
At Hartman Dentistry, we offer several options for replacing missing teeth. For more information, visit us at 3091 East 98th Street, Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46280, or call (317) 581-0215.
