Ways to Replace Missing Teeth
Whether you have lost teeth due to injury, trauma, extraction, or decay, tooth replacement prosthetics not only help enhance your dental aesthetics, but they can restore the health and function of your smile.
With the ever-advancing treatment technologies in the field of dentistry, there are many restoration options to choose from. But how do you know which solution is best for you? Let’s take a more in-depth look at the tooth replacement options your dental professional may recommend for you.
Traditional Restorations
Enamel Colored Fillings– composite and porcelain material fillings are becoming more popular due to their safety, predictability, and natural aesthetic. They are utilized to restore and mimic the natural appearance of the tooth structure. In addition to restoring teeth that have fractured or decayed, enamel-colored fillings may sometimes be used to cosmetically enhance the color or shape of the treated tooth.
Porcelain Crowns– these restorative caps do not contain a metal of any kind and are widely used and favored by many dental professionals due to the ceramic being both natural-looking and durable. Crowns are used to encase the entire tooth surface restoring its original shape and size. They protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be repaired with other types of restorations.
Bridges– these restorations bridge the gap where your missing teeth used to reside. Conventional bridges consist of one or more prosthetic teeth and are held in place by dental crowns. These abutments are cemented onto teeth neighboring your missing tooth.
Dentures– for patients that are missing multiple or all of their teeth, dentures are an ideal solution. Traditional dentures are removable appliances that consist of numerous artificial teeth. Full dentures mimic the look and function of an entire set of teeth.
Implant-Supported Prosthetics
Crowns- for single-tooth replacement, these restorative caps are often used. Implant-supported crowns are permanently affixed to the titanium posts previously inserted into the jawbone. This form of tooth replacement is widely popular because of the functional and aesthetic benefits it provides.
Bridges- instead of being anchored by crowns, dental implants support these restorative bridges. Typically, one titanium post is placed for every missing tooth, so a series of implants hold the bridge in place. Because these appliances are held with implants, they are secure and comfortable, just like the natural teeth they replace.
Dentures- implant-supported dentures are ideal for patients that no longer have any teeth in the jaw but have enough jawbone density to support the implants. These appliances have special attachments that snap onto the titanium posts, making them durable and completely secure.
At Alhambra Dental Plaza, Dr. Han Do is dedicated to providing top-quality restorations for patients looking to restore the health, beauty, and function of their smile. we encourage you to call our Alhambra dental practice today to schedule your comprehensive consultation and see which option is best for you!