Tooth Replacement Options To Fix Missing Teeth

From facilitating quality digestion to chewing and speech, the teeth and mouth play an integral role in the overall health and well-being of a person. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your teeth are in top condition.

According to statistics from Australia’s Oral Health Tracker by the Australian Dental Association in 2013, over 15% of adults have fewer than 21 teeth. The Oral Health Tracker plays a crucial role in the oral health industry, spotlighting concerns and tackling problems.

One of the biggest concerns currently is missing teeth and the appropriate treatment options. There is a lot of misinformation regarding missing teeth, their health impacts, and the treatment options available.

The Oral Health Risks of Missing Teeth

The oral health risks that can be a result of missing teeth can’t be understated. Even a single tooth can have a huge impact on the rest of your teeth, jaw, and overall well-being.

Aesthetic Concerns

Missing teeth can be a massive aesthetic concern, impacting your smile and facial appearance. This can result in confidence and self-esteem issues, which lead to an overall decrease in well-being.

Dental Shift

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth will shift over time to fill the gap left behind. This can lead to various oral health risks, including bite problems, misalignment, and crooked teeth. That’s why replacing a missing tooth is essential for preventing dental shift. Treatment will help maintain proper alignment and prevent any oral health-related risks.

Bone Health

Stimulation is important for the jawbone to maintain its health—without it, it can deteriorate. Teeth play a vital role in this, as when you chew, the roots of the teeth stimulate the jawbone. If teeth are missing, it can lead to a lack of stimulation in the jawbone, where there are gaps and bone deterioration can occur.

Digestive Health

Chewing is an essential part of the digestive process and also the first step. Missing teeth can cause inadequate chewing, which can lead to digestion problems and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Lack of Protection

When a tooth is missing and left untreated, it can have a massive impact on the integrity of adjacent teeth. It removes the natural protection that having a neighbouring tooth offers and can cause the adjacent teeth to shift and lean into the empty space.

Association to Chronic Disease

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has also reported a link between missing teeth and several chronic diseases, including diabetes, stroke, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. The ADA has also found an association between missing teeth and poor diet and issues in chewing, which can increase the likelihood of developing a chronic disease, impacting quality of life.

Speech

Teeth play an essential role in speech and sound formation. Missing teeth, especially any in the front, can cause difficulty speaking and alter speech patterns. This can also lead to issues with self-esteem and confidence.

Overall wellbeing

Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible and ensuring overall tooth health is integral to an individual’s overall well-being. Research has found that a missing tooth can have a severe impact on someone’s physical and mental health. Having a full set of teeth can improve self-esteem and confidence. As a preventative measure, immediate treatment for a missing tooth is recommended.

Teeth play an integral role in the health of the rest of the face, including the mouth and jaw, as well as in the digestive system, which is essential for breaking down nutrients for the body.

Tooth Replacement Treatment Options

Whether one tooth is missing or several, there are a range of different tooth replacement treatments available. Whether replacing front teeth, a rear tooth, or several, there are typically four treatment options available.

The different options are dental implants, dentures, bridges, and crowns. All four options have pros and cons, which we will discuss below.

When deciding on which treatment is right for you, you should consider your budget, the placement of the missing teeth, and aesthetic objectives. Speaking to a dental professional will help guide you on the best option for your circumstances.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most common solution for tooth replacement. In this procedure, a titanium metal post is placed in the jawbone beneath the gum.

This titanium is biocompatible, fuses with the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration, and provides a stable base for an artificial tooth. The dental implant method is typically preferred, as it looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.

Dental implants also help prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone. They can also be used to restore a single tooth or multiple teeth or even replace an entire mouth of teeth.

However, it’s important to note there are restrictions when it comes to dental implants. While most people can have dental implants, you need to be a fully grown adult. There are also some health conditions that can prevent having dental implants.

Dentures

Dentures are another popular solution for missing teeth and a good alternative to dental implants. Also known as false teeth, dentures are removable artificial teeth that can easily be taken in and out of the mouth.

Although it isn’t as stable as a dental implant-based option, dentures are individually tailored to the user’s mouth around the existing teeth. They are also a good option when a person can’t have dental implants due to low bone density.

The downside of dentures is that they aren’t anchored to the jawbone like a dental implant, so it won’t feel quite as natural. This means it may take more time to learn how to chew and speak again.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges, sometimes also known as traditional bridges, are a common tooth replacement. Unlike dental implants, bridges are fixed to (and supported by) teeth.

This method does have a drawback, as the adjacent natural teeth may require reducing to support the natural tooth. However, a dental bridge is a great alternative if you find the idea of dental implants too invasive.

Dental bridges can also be used as placeholders or temporary solutions while waiting for a full dental implant replacement.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are prosthetic restorations designed to cover or encase a damaged or weakened tooth. They are placed over the weakened part of the tooth, effectively restoring the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Can Braces Fix Missing Teeth?

Although it isn’t common, braces can be used to fix a missing tooth if your overall oral health is good and there’s an existing issue of crowding. Braces can also shift the rest of your teeth into place; however, it’s important to always talk to a dentist or orthodontist first.

Replace The Gaps In Your Smile At Admire Dentistry

The choice to replace a missing tooth goes beyond just cosmetic reasons; it’s essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. If you’re looking for tooth replacement options, start your journey with the Admire Dentistry team today and contact us.

At Admire Dentistry, we offer a range of missing teeth replacement services, including dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Our team understands how important teeth replacement is for quality of life, oral health, self-esteem, and confidence. Our team would be happy to answer any queries regarding treatment options.

Admire Dentistry has locations in the Arana Hills and Samford Village. We also understand how daunting visiting a clinic can be, so we strive to make our environment as gentle and comfortable as possible. If you require any accommodations, the team will do our best to meet them.