Your smile is one of the first things people notice when you speak or smile, making it one of your most important features. According to Healthline, about 120 million individuals in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth, and up to 36 million people have lost all their teeth. Aside from your general appearance, missing teeth also affects your speech, ability to chew, and digestion. Thankfully, Dr. Schmitt and Dr. Phillips are experts at providing and implementing tooth replacement options. Below are available options for you if you’re searching for tooth replacement options.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular and effective methods of replacing missing teeth. When it comes to resembling natural teeth in both function and appearance, dental implants are the best option. The dental implant process involves three steps. First, the roots of your teeth are replaced by titanium posts which secure the replacement tooth/teeth in place. Then, you have a short waiting period for the surrounding gum to heal. Lastly, the crown is attached to the top of the implant, giving the replacement tooth/teeth a natural appearance.
Resin Bonded Bridges
Bonded bridges are another tooth replacement option you can opt for if you have natural teeth on either side of the gap. Resin bonded bridges are prostheses that fill in a single gap in your smile. The artificial tooth has a wing-like feature that bonds it to the neighboring tooth, and is held in place by abutments on either side of the gap. Unlike traditional bridges that use crowns on the abutment teeth, fixed bonded bridges utilize a framework made using metal or porcelain. The framework is bonded to the back adjacent teeth, and it holds the replacement tooth in place.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are another viable method of tooth replacement. However, unlike the previous two methods, dentures are bulkier. They can also cause bone shrinkage, since there will be no stimulation of the jaw bone. One of the most common reasons why people get dentures is because a) They are quite affordable and b) The process is relatively noninvasive and quick.
Dental implants, resin bonded bridges, and removable partial dentures are three of the most common tooth replacement methods. If you’re missing a tooth or several teeth, we encourage you to reach out to Phillips & Schmitt Dentistry today. We will help you choose the best tooth-replacement method for you and ensure your experience is seamless and enjoyable!