What Are My Options For Missing Teeth?
It is not uncommon to face the loss of one or more teeth – a distressing situation! You may have been born without an adult tooth, or have lost teeth due to an injury, decay, or periodontal disease. Restoring teeth isn’t just about restoring your smile. Missing teeth can cause problems with chewing, speech, and oral health, and allow your other teeth to shift out of position, with more dental problems later. If you are missing teeth and want a long-lasting solution, we offer several methods. Restoring lost teeth can be a life-changing treatment – imagine feeling free to smile widely, knowing your teeth look perfect!
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the go-to in modern tooth replacement. They are really the next best thing to your natural teeth. Quality dental implants replace a natural tooth root. Dental implants consist of titanium posts, surgically placed to grow into your jawbone. Once the implants are secure, a custom replacement tooth is made and placed atop the implant. Your new tooth will look and function exactly like a natural tooth. Dental implants do not slip or slide, and can be placed to support a new tooth, a bridge or implant-supported dentures.
Understanding posts and frames.
Endosteal implants—Made of titanium and shaped like small screws, this type of implant is placed in the jawbone. Endosteal implants are surgically implanted. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, the post is connected to the original implant through a second surgery. The final step puts the new tooth onto the post, individually, or grouped with dentures, or on a bridge.
Subperiosteal implants—This implant is placed under the gum, but on, or above the jawbone. These implants consist of a metal frame that becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts are then attached to the frame and show through the gums. Once the gum heals, a custom replacement tooth is placed on the posts.
Dental hygiene is critical in maintaining oral health. To support an implant, you must have healthy gums and adequate bone material. Regular dental visits and thorough daily cleaning is always important. You will treat your replacement tooth (or teeth) just like you would your natural teeth. You are making an investment and you want it to last and last.
Advantages of dental implants
- Restores the appearance of your smile
- Durable
- Improves speech
- Functions just like your natural teeth
- Improves overall oral health
- Halts bone loss
- Does not impact other teeth in close proximity
- No special care required to maintain
- Improves self-esteem
- More cost-effective in the long run
Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement – but you have other options.
When it comes to dental implants, the condition of your teeth and gums are a deciding factor in whether you are a good candidate. It is not uncommon for older men and women to lose several teeth, or even all of their upper or lower teeth. Today, you have so many more options available than earlier generations. For those missing several teeth, many are choosing “all-on-four” dental implants.
All-on-four implants
Gone are the days of uncomfortable dentures. In the past, dentures were unwieldy, difficult to keep in place, and affected what you could eat with confidence. With just four implants, two in the front, and two angled in the back, a full arch of new teeth can be supported. All on four dental implants require minor surgery to insert the implants. The all-on-four dental implants are positioned to secure a full set of new teeth. Because the implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that is capable of fusing with the bone in the jaw, when healed, the implants create a strong, secure foundation for a new full arch of gleaming, natural-looking teeth.
Advantages of all-on-four implants
- More cost-effective than an implant for each tooth
- Stronger and more stable than dentures
- Better food options as your teeth won’t slip and slide
- Less bulky
- Can be easily removed for cleaning
Snap-on smile
Another excellent option to address missing teeth is called a “Snap-On Smile.” It’s an easy and painless way get a beautiful new smile. If you don’t have the time or resources for a significant smile makeover, but want an option that will help you look your best, a Snap-On Smile could be right for you.
A Snap-On Smile is customized to fit perfectly over the shape of your existing teeth. To obtain the most natural look, you can pick a color that is similar to your existing teeth, or you may wish to go a shade or two whiter. There are 23 shades to choose from – why not have gleaming, straight teeth, and a movie star smile?
Snap-On Smile is made out of a crystallized type of resin, which makes it durable and resistant to stains. A Snap-On smile is not permanent and will not correct your existing teeth. A Snap-On Smile is for those who wish to fill gaps or missing teeth. It’s a great alternative if you are looking for a cost-effective solution for a beautiful smile restoration.
Within a short two weeks, you could have a dental appliance that snaps into place right over your existing teeth. It covers only your teeth and is comfortable to wear. There are no restrictions on what you can eat, and when you are back in the privacy of your own home, the appliance snaps out for easy cleaning.
Because this smile restoration is not permanent, your dental hygiene is critical. As soon as possible after you eat, your Snap-On Smile will need to be removed and cleaned to avoid exposing your natural teeth to decay from food particles.
Whichever option you choose, you are in good hands.
If you are one of the countless people who dread dental appointments, Dr. Han delivers the most comfortable dental care in the area – his dental techniques can help you feel comfortable throughout your treatment. He is known for his warm and personable demeanor and will take the time to get to know you. He will ensure your customized dental plan will leave you feeling more confident about your dental health and smile. Ready to do something about missing teeth? We can help.
