Tooth replacement
Why should you replace missing teeth?
The first reason is your appearance. The next is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth at either side. A gap can also mean your bite is affected, as the teeth next to this space can lean into the gap and change the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can also lead to food getting packed into the gap, which then results in both decay and gum disease.
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How are missing teeth replaced?
This depends on how many teeth are missing and where they are. The condition of the remaining teeth will also affect the solution. There are three main options for replacing missing teeth.
1. Partial denture – a removable false tooth or teeth with clips to help keep the denture in place in your mouth
2. Bridge – where one or more false teeth are held in place by fixing to a tooth or teeth adjacent to the gap.
3. Implant – a metal screw replaces the root of a tooth with a false tooth attached.
Partial dentures
This is a plate with one or more false teeth attached to it. It may be completely plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic. They may have clips to help keep the denture in place in your mouth.
There are many different types of partial denture which use different fixing methods. Your dentist will discuss with you the most effective and conservative bridge for your personal situation.
Bridges
Fixed bridge
is a bridge which is made by putting crowns on the existing teeth at either side of the gap, then joining these two crowns together by placing a false tooth (or teeth) in the space. The abutment crowns are cemented into place with special adhesive resulting in a bridge that can't be removed.
Adhesive bridge
is a bridge which consists of a fake tooth attached to a metal or porcelain wing. This wing glues onto the adjacent tooth. The adjacent tooth does not need to be filed and only requires minimal preparation. This is much healthier for the supporting tooth than removing a large amount of enamel and dentine in order to make a retaining crown like fixed bridges.
Dental implants
Modern dentistry offers a solution to missing teeth in the form of dental implants.
A dental implant consists of a replacement metal root which provides a secure post onto which we can then fit a false tooth (dental crown). They are securely fixed into the jawbone and a dental implant looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth.
Implants are very long lasting – often for life. Patients considering implants are referred to one of our associated specialists for assessment.
Dentures
Advances in technology and design mean that complete dentures now look extremely natural and function better than ever before – so now they can be your little secret! We can restore your smile using porcelain or acrylic teeth, reshaping your facial profile to make you look younger, and help you to enjoy eating once more.
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