Don’t ignore the gaps created by missing teeth
It can be tempting to live with missing teeth, especially if they were situated at the sides or back of your mouth where the gaps can hardly be seen. But don’t do it, it’s not good for the rest of your teeth or the health of your jaw.
Instead, book an appointment with us at The Old Windsor Dental Practice in Windsor and we can look at the various ways of replacing missing teeth and work out which one is going to be best for you, your lifestyle and your budget.
There are 3 different ways to replace missing teeth. Full or partial dentures are one way, fixed bridgework is another and finally, you can also have dental implants.
Dentures
Dentures can be used to replace some of your teeth, or all of them. Partial dentures are fixed to a plate that goes behind your remaining teeth. Full dentures are fitted to a plate that goes over your palate at the top and around your tongue on the bottom jaw. All dentures are removed at night. You soak them in denture fluid to help clean them and you give your gums a rest overnight.
Fixed bridgework
This replacement method works by anchoring replacement teeth to those that still exist, so it can’t be used if you have lost all your teeth. The teeth next to the gap are used as buttress crowns, giving the bridges as much stability as natural teeth. The replacement teeth are made of dental porcelain and the bridge is made of metal to give it strength.
Dental implants
These are little posts or screws that are inserted into the jawbone where they fuse with the bone tissue. Dental implants can be used to replace one, some or all of your teeth. Dental implant-retained teeth do not come out at night. However, they can also be used to stabilise dentures, which continue to be taken out at night.
Which one is right for you depends on factors such as the state of your jawbone and the cost. The best way to find out which will suit you is to come in for a consultation and let us take a good look at your teeth and jaw.
