Have Gaps in Your Smile? Here Are Some Dental Options for Missing Teeth

You’d be hard pressed to find anything cuter than a kid with a gap-toothed smile, but unfortunately the same is not usually said for adults. Millions of adults across Australia suffer from missing teeth.
Not only are missing teeth embarrassing and damaging to one’s self-confidence, but they can also cause pain, make it harder for someone to eat and drink, and can lead to a number of other problems says cosmetic dentist Newcastle.
If you’re an adult with missing teeth, you know firsthand just how difficult it can be to live with – and how difficult it can be to fix. Fortunately, you have options. There are many ways to remedy a missing tooth, and we can help you here at Newcastle Dental Care. Here is what we offer, as well as some additional options you may want to consider.
Dental Implants
Depending on your health, age, and what teeth are missing, you might consider dental implants. Dental implants do require minor surgery, which can be an unsettling prospect for a lot of people. However, dental implants are well worth it. They look, feel, and act just like normal teeth, and are so durable they will likely outlast your natural teeth.
For the surgical part of the procedure, a titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone. After it has healed and the bone has had a chance to re-grow around the screw, the synthetic tooth can be placed.
Bridges
Bridges can be used to fill gaps between healthy teeth. It’s a permanent solution that is cemented into the mouth and can be less invasive than dental implants says best dentist near me.
Bridges can be used to replace multiple teeth but are not as long lasting as other tooth replacements. Bridges on the bottom jaw in particular may need to be replaced sooner, as the jaw is constantly moving. The other disadvantage of a bridge is that in order to install it, the healthy teeth around the gap sometimes have to be filed down.
Temporary Dentures
As the name suggests, temporary dentures are not a permanent fix but are often used as placeholders with dental implants or bridges while the site heals. They are easily removed and don’t function as well as natural teeth or other replacement methods, but they do look natural and will help restore your smile.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are removable and don’t require any surgery or filing down of healthy teeth. Because of this, they are one of the most budget-friendly, permanent tooth replacement options.
They can be used to fill in multiple missing teeth and are especially good for large gaps but have been known to shift around in the mouth when talking or chewing. These dentures can sometimes be secured by metal brackets, but these are often visible when you open your mouth. If you are missing most of your teeth, and your remaining ones are in poor health, your dentist may recommend full dentures instead.
Book Your Consultation Today
With the number of dental options for missing teeth, there is no reason you can’t have a full, healthy, and beautiful smile. At Newcastle Dental Care, we believe in making quality care accessible to all. Call us today to book a consultation to see which option is right for you!
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