It can be overwhelming exploring your options for missing teeth replacements on your own. Whether you’re planning on getting dental implants, bridges or dentures, it’s important that you consider the benefits of each and discusses them with your dentist. Replacing your missing teeth can improve both your mental and physical health, so don’t put it off. Here’s a list of your options to make your decision less overwhelming.
Why Should I Replace My Missing Teeth?
Some people operate under the saying, “if it doesn’t hurt, why fix it?” Well, not replacing your missing teeth can have a detrimental affect on your mental and physical health. Deciding to not get them replaced should never be an option, and here’s why:
- When your teeth are nicely packed into a row, they help keep each other straight and from shifting. Once one of them goes missing, it can cause them to become loose or start shifting. This can result in a change in your bite, gum disease or even decay.
- Bone deterioration can also result in your face changing. When a tooth goes missing and it’s not replaced, your muscles slowly droop over time due to your bone shrinking.
- A missing tooth can also affect things like your speech pattern and ability to chew. The gap can grow to be irritating over time and also affect your self-confidence.
- If you notice a change in bite or slow deterioration of your bone or teeth, this could also result in TMJ disorder. The muscles that help you chew your food and rotate your jaw are called your temporomandibular joints. When this collection of muscles, nerves, ligaments and bones shift or changes, it can cause a great amount of pain.
What Are My Options For Replacing Missing Teeth?
There are a few options that can help give you your best smile while also addressing the health problems of missing teeth:
- Dental Implants are a permanent solution that anchors your dentures, crowns or bridges to the bone of your jaw. This can prevent bone deterioration and, because they’re permanently fixed, you don’t have to worry about the daily denture care.
- Bridges literally serve the purpose to bridge the gaps between your teeth to prevent shifting and looseness. A bridge is one or more prosthetic teeth attached to dental crowns on either side for support.
- Lastly, dentures can are prosthetics that replace your missing teeth and support the tissue around your mouth.
While all these solutions serve the purpose of helping restore your smile and health, it’s a good idea to immediately talk to your dentist about what option would be best for you so you can avoid detrimental damage to your mouth.
About the Practice
Our dentists at Coral Springs Dentistry are dedicated to providing their patients superior care because of their dedication to continuing their education to provide the most up-to-date care. With specializations in cosmetic and implant dentistry, we’re your one-stop-shop for fixing and replacing your missing teeth. Our goal is to have you leave the office flashing your smile all the way home. For any questions of to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact us at (954) 752-4450.