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Missing Teeth

Missing teeth

If you have missing teeth and it always makes you feel self-conscious, you may be thinking about ways to replace the teeth. Replacing missing teeth is possible, and there are several ways to achieve it.

Aside from aesthetics and improving your appearance, there are other benefits to replacing missing teeth. It helps keep your teeth healthy and enables you to eat and speak comfortably.

Read on to know more about the available treatment options for replacing your missing teeth.

Why do you need to replace your missing teeth?

When a few of your teeth are missing, it changes the way you bite because your remaining teeth may have to gradually shift into the gap left by the missing teeth. The gaps can also trap food when you eat, and this increases your chances of having tooth decay and gum diseases.

Missing teeth can also lead to the sagging of your facial muscles, and your speech may be affected. You may have self-confidence and become too conscious when you speak to people. Replacing your missing teeth helps you avoid all these.

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Different ways you can replace your missing teeth

Different procedures to help replace your missing teeth are available. They include dentures, bridges, and implants. The procedure used for anyone depends on the number of teeth missing, the condition of the gum, and cost of treatment.

Before your teeth can be replaced, the replacement teeth will be made to match the colour of your natural teeth. Replacing the teeth may involve the use of a plastic or metal framework that has false teeth attached to them (dentures), or false teeth fixed on existing natural teeth (bridges), or false teeth fitted on top of a titanium implant which will be fixed into the jaw (dental implants).

Dentures

Replacing missing teeth may involve partial or full dentures based on the number of missing teeth. Before treatment with a denture, your dentist will examine your teeth and take note of the place with the missing teeth to design dentures that will fit perfectly.

Partial dentures may be recommended as a quick fix before fitting bridges. The base of partial dentures is made of plastic or metal, and those with metal base plates are stronger, lighter but more expensive.

Full dentures are usually used by people with a lot of missing teeth and decayed gums but the gum have to heal before the full denture can be fitted. The gum may take months to heal depending on the severity of the decay. Your teeth may require a few adjustments before you can have your denture fitted.

How to keep your dentures in place

Partial dentures are usually held onto the teeth by clasps that clip to the surrounding teeth while full dentures fitted on the upper jaw cover the palate (roof of the mouth). A thin layer of saliva between the palate and the dentures create a force that holds the full denture in place. The tongue and facial muscle also hold the dentures in their position.

It is usually difficult for a full denture fitted on the lower jaw to stay in place because the supporting structure is not sufficient, but they can be held in place by supporting them on the tongue and cheeks.

After fitting your denture, it may fall off when you laugh, or cough, so try biting or swallowing and put it back in place. You can also try using denture adhesive cream to hold the denture. If your denture is not fitted properly, it could cause you to have sores in your mouth.

Coping with dentures

Dentures are used to replace missing natural teeth, but they feel different from the teeth. You may notice some changes after fitting your denture and getting used to them may take a while. It may also take a while for you to eat, smile, and speak normally.

You may have sores in your mouth after the procedure, but the sores will heal after a while as you get used to your denture. You may have to see your dentist regularly to see if your denture still fits properly. During your dental visit, some adjustments may be made on your dentures.

Ensure you take out your denture at night although, your dentist may recommend that you wear it for the first two weeks after the fitting. It may take some weeks for you to pronounce words normally, but this would improve with time.

Eating may also be difficult at first, so try soft foods while you get used to your denture. Try to eat with both sides of your mouth so the denture can remain in place.

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Caring for your denture and mouth

Brush your teeth at least two times a day with fluoride toothpaste and also floss daily. Use a soft brush for your denture and ensure you clean your tongue, gum and roof of your mouth.

If you have a denture, the best way to clean is to first brush your mouth, soak, and brush again. Brush your denture after every meal with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Brush your denture over a bowl of water with a towel to avoid damaging it. While cleaning your denture, ensure you clean all the surfaces like the one that rests on your gum and the roof of your mouth.

Some dentures are made to have a soft and delicate lining so ask your dentist for a cleaning solution that would not damage them. Take your denture out at night to prevent infection and allow your mouth to rest. When you remove your denture, place it in a glass of water, so it doesn't dry out.

Dentures are durable and can last for years if they are appropriately cared for, but if they are not fitted well, they could be irritating your gum, uncomfortable, and wear out easily. Ensure you ask your dentist for another denture if the one you have is giving you problems.

If you use dentures, ensure you visit your dentist regularly for a check-up which would involve examining your gums, and soft tissues.

Dental bridges

If one or two teeth is missing, bridges will be suitable to replace them. If you are not suitable for treatment with implants, you may opt for bridges. Bridges are false teeth with wings on the side of the teeth which are bonded to the inner surface of the teeth. They are usually supported by natural teeth.

There are two types of dental bridges, but the most common is made of two crowns permanently bonded to the natural teeth on either side and a false tooth in the middle. The second type of bridge is suitable for replacing teeth when the surrounding teeth are strong and healthy.

Bridges are permanent, so there is no need to remove them for cleaning, but you have to keep your teeth healthy by cleaning the gap under the bridge with a special dental floss.

Dental implants

A dental implant is a metal rod placed into the jawbone to hold false teeth in the mouth. The metal rod is usually made from titanium or titanium alloy. After the implant is fitted, it takes some months for it to integrate into the jaw before bridges, dentures, or false teeth can be screwed onto it.

Fitting a dental implant is usually done under local anaesthetic, and the gum must heal after the procedure for it to be a successful one. Those with unhealthy gum like smokers may not be suitable for this treatment.

You can care for your dental implant the same way you do for your natural teeth.

Recent Reviews

rating star iconI was searching for a dentist to do implants treatment. visited Dental Implant London and when I visited the clinic, I found they are so caring and supportive. The dentist explained me the entire process and suggested to stay calm during the treatment. Many thanks!

rating star iconI have had gum disease and as a result have lost quite a few of my teeth. I was coping okay with my upper teeth plate but when I lost my bottom teeth I decided to have implants because bottom dentures were much more difficult to manage. I’m now considering having the upper set replaced with dental implants as well.

Take away

Replacing your missing teeth has several benefits, including improving your oral health, improving your appearance and speech. Your dentist is in the best place to recommend a treatment plan for your missing teeth.

Contact DIL Dental now on 0203 7457526 to book a dentist appointment for replacing your missing teeth.

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