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Replace Missing Teeth Colorado Springs CO
Tooth loss is fairly common, affecting millions of American adults, and it causes quite a number of issues. Missing teeth can make it harder to smile with confidence, eat with ease, and even talk as clearly as you would prefer. However, just because tooth loss is fairly common, it does not mean you have to struggle with it in silence. For those of you who are missing one or more of your permanent adult teeth, Andrew Miller, DDS and Francisco Darquea, DDS at SmileCOS Dentistry in Colorado Springs, CO can help restore both your smile and your confidence. Options for Replacing Missing TeethThere are several tooth restoration options available for replacing your missing teeth. First, in order to perform any major dental procedure, we will do a dental exam and ensure that you have good dental health. Your soft tissues and bone structure need to be able to support any restorations. Next, we must clear out any infection before we do any of the following procedures. We will work together on a treatment plan to find the best option for you. Dental ImplantsDental implants are a modern alternative for traditional dental restorations when you lose one or more teeth. Dental implants are used to support dental crowns, dental bridges (also called fixed partial dentures), and both removable and fixed complete dentures. Crowns are single artificial teeth that are traditionally cemented to the adjacent teeth. With dental implants, they are cemented to the implant structure, not your natural teeth. This is the same method we use for bridges and complete dentures. Dental implants provide support for these dental restorations so that we do not need to touch your natural teeth. This is the reason why many patients and our oral surgeons prefer dental implants when possible. Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?Dental implants are very popular in restorative dentistry. However, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Like with any type of surgery, there are qualifying characteristics that we need to check for before you can be approved for the procedure. Age is not a major factor, though we typically recommend implants only in patients with a fully developed jawbone. In most cases, dental implants are used by older adults who have lost multiple teeth. Dental implants are also available for both single and multiple teeth. We need to ensure you have good dental and overall health to be a good candidate for surgery. Complete DenturesFull dentures are ideal for a person who has lost either all or most of the teeth on their dental arch. Consisting of a thin, skin-toned plastic or acrylic base and a row of plastic or porcelain teeth, full dentures can help restore your smile to its former glory. A full denture, despite its name, does not necessarily mean that you need to get a plate for both your top and your bottom dental arch. You may elect to only use them on a single arch, and have a partial denture (or keep your own natural teeth) on the other arch. For the upper arch, the plate is typically solid, and goes over your soft palate and gums. For the lower arch, the denture may be horseshoe (or "U") shaped, which is more comfortable for your tongue. PartialsWhile many people believe that dentures are only for those who have lost all of their teeth, that could not be further from the truth. In fact, even if you have only lost a few of your teeth, you may still benefit from partial dentures. Like a full denture, a partial denture also consists of an acrylic or plastic plate, as well as either plastic or porcelain prosthetic teeth. However, unlike a full denture, these are often attached to your own teeth through special clasps, which help hold them in place. There are numerous advantages to getting fitted with partial dentures. Not only can they help you have a more attractive smile and make it easier for you to eat and talk, they can also help you avoid complications with your own natural teeth in the future, too. Many people struggle with their teeth moving and shifting after the loss of a tooth, but a partial denture can help act as a placeholder, keeping your remaining teeth from becoming loose and falling out. Fixed BridgeA complete fixed bridge is similar to a set of full dentures. Both dental appliances aim to restore a full set of natural teeth. A complete fixed bridge differs from dentures, though, in that it cannot be removed and is a more permanent, durable option. A complete fixed bridge also differs from a traditional bridge because instead of relying on crowns, which are less sturdy and more prone to infection, the bridge is supported by dental implants. How Long Does a Fixed Bridge Procedure Take?Getting a complete fixed bridge will involve multiple visits to our office, typically including two surgeries. During the first visit you will receive a [[[page:dental exam so we can create a restoration plan. Once completed, we will extract any remaining teeth, and then place the implants that will support the bridge. Healing can take several months as the implants join with the bone. Eventually, you will receive your custom-fitted complete fixed bridge. Once it is fabricated, we’ll place it on the implants, and you will have your new, permanent smile! Do You Need to Replace Missing Teeth?You are not alone: millions of Americans are missing all of their top or bottom teeth. Luckily, there are more options than ever to restore your smile, whether you are missing all of your teeth or some of them. If you are struggling with tooth loss, it is understandable to want to find a reliable, long-term solution for your missing teeth. How to Replace Missing Teeth: Contact Our Colorado Springs DentistsTo learn more about the various tooth restorations available to help replace missing teeth, and if you may be a candidate for them, please do not hesitate to contact us here at SmileCOS Dentistry at (719) 394-3304 today. |
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