It's very important to get missing teeth replaced to maintain your oral health. Our Abbotsford dentists will provide you with a range of options to replace your missing teeth, and together, you'll choose the one that's right for you.
Why replace missing teeth?
Missing teeth can cause a variety of oral health issues if left untreated. In some cases, the remaining teeth can shift out of their correct positions, causing discomfort, trouble chewing, and wear and tear, as your bite becomes misaligned.
In addition, the jaw bone in the area where the teeth are missing may begin to deteriorate over time, eventually leading to facial collapse.
How to Replace Missing Teeth
If you are missing teeth, there are a few options that you can choose from to have them replaced. When you visit Clayburn Dental in Abbotsford, your dentist will review your choices with you, and help you pick one that best suits your needs and budget.
The following are the 3 main options for replacing teeth:
Dentures
Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth. Your dentures will take some getting used to, and they will never feel exactly like your natural teeth. However, today's dentures are natural looking, comfortable, and highly functional. They are also the least expensive option for replacing missing teeth.
There are two main types of dentures. Full dentures replace all the teeth in either your upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures replace one tooth or a few in a row. Dentures are customized based on impressions made of your mouth.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are fixed dental restorations that replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth (or teeth) to adjacent teeth or dental implants. A dental bridge will span the full area where teeth are missing, whether you are missing one tooth, or several in a row.
Dental bridges are not removable like dentures are, making for a more secure, comfortable fit.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are implanted into the jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth. They are made of titanium, which is a metal that can bond with natural bone. Once the implant has been placed, a dental crown is placed on top, to finish the tooth.
The implant and crown combination looks, feels and behaves just a like a natural tooth would. While implants are the most expensive and invasive option for missing teeth, for many people, the natural look and feel of these restorations is worth it.