Aesthetically, missing a tooth is not ideal.
That gap in your mouth is likely to make you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
Besides the appearance, however, a missing tooth can pose a risk to your oral health and overall wellbeing. That’s why it is important to get your teeth replaced with dental implants, dental bridges or removable dentures.
Under no circumstances should you leave that gap unattended. Read on to learn about your options.
Reasons to Replace Your Missing Teeth
In some cases, there might be apparently little to no-impact. However, our teeth are designed to work together, so gaps in the mouth can impact chewing, speech and other aspects of your life in the long run.
Also, in compensation for the missing teeth, your remaining ones might shift and move due to the extra room in your jaw.
Eventually, your face could also change, making you look older. Missing teeth could also affect your mental health over time, as it can lead to a big loss in self-confidence.
The initial discomfort of the appliances is just temporary and far-preferable to the consequences of missing teeth, so if you are lacking them due to decay, injuries or gum disease, you should speak with your dentist as soon as possible. Procrastination is a big no-no when it comes to oral health, so be sure to address the situation before it is too late.
Dental Solutions for Missing Teeth
Our West Kelowna dental clinic will help you find the dental appliance that suits your needs best.
Since choosing a tooth replacement involves several options, here are the most popular treatments for replacing missing teeth:
Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a permanent base for replacement teeth, and involves surgically mounting metal posts or frames into your jaw.
The biggest advantage of dental implants is that they resemble natural teeth and can last for years.
However, not everybody is in good physical health to undergo dental implant surgery and recover successfully afterwards. In that case, you might be a candidate for a dental bridge.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges might be effective if you are missing more than one tooth in a row.
Dental bridges cover the gaps left by missing dental pieces using dental prosthetics or artificial teeth, which are attached to adjacent pieces and later bonded in place using a special type of cement.
Bridges are generally cheaper than dental implants. Despite the price, dental bridges can be more difficult to clean and could host plaque and bacteria underneath.
Removable Partial Dentures
Dentures are often cheaper and easier to repair than other tooth replacement options, although some people find them uncomfortable in the beginning.
Removable dentures have to be cleaned every day and removed before bedtime, which can make them more susceptible to damage.
Replace Missing Teeth in Kelowna
To find out what is the most suitable option for you, book an appointment with our West Kelowna dental clinic.
The experienced team at Westside Dental will meet with you, assess the missing tooth or teeth, and discuss the best options with you.
It’s time to get your smile back!