Can a Cosmetic Dentist Replace Missing Teeth?

If you are missing one or more of your teeth, you may have considered working with a cosmetic dentist. Many patients have been hiding their teeth in photos and social settings for so long that closed-mouth smiles have become habitual. 

If you have been missing a tooth, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist today. They have the tools to help patients fix various issues with their teeth to achieve a dream smile. That includes assisting with missing teeth. There are several options to help you replace missing teeth, that not only fix the function of your teeth, but the overall appearance as well.

Replacing missing teeth

Several different approaches can be used to help replace missing teeth. If you have a single missing tooth, you may consider a bridge or a single tooth dental implant. If you are missing several teeth, it may depend on the location and condition of the remaining teeth. However, some options include implants, dentures, or bridges. Each of these approaches has several subcategories and will be better suited for patients depending on their needs. 

Understanding the dental bridge

A dental bridge is used to restore the appearance and function of a missing tooth or a few missing teeth near each other. Additionally, these teeth must have an excellent natural tooth on either side of the missing teeth. The remaining natural teeth will be fitted with a crown attached to a series of false teeth suspended on a bridge between the teeth. 

While a dental bridge still appears to be natural teeth, there is no root structure, and the bridge does not go beneath the gums. 

A closer look at dental implants

Dental implants are comprised of two pieces. The first is a titanium post that is inserted into the bone underneath the gums. This post is coated with a special material that encourages bone growth so that after you have healed, the post is securely anchored by new bone growth attached to it. Once your cosmetic dentist determines that you are ready, a crown will be placed on top of the post. The crown will be color-matched to your existing teeth so it will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. 

Dentists often prefer using implants because they help improve bone growth and maintain the jawbone's strength. In contrast, bridges and dentures don't encourage new bone growth, and the jawbone becomes weaker over time. 

More about dentures

Dentures are one of the oldest techniques that cosmetic dentists can use to help replace missing teeth. While dentures are frequently used to replace an entire arch of teeth, they can also replace smaller sections. However, dentures are prosthetic devices with a lower area covering the gums and bone and an upper portion that looks and functions like your teeth. 

Dentures are typically one of the most cost-effective solutions to replace many missing teeth and are also the least invasive of the procedures. However, dentures are more prone to being lost or broken and take more care than dental implants. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.pattersondentaloffice.com or call Patterson Family Dental at (209) 585-1472 for an appointment in our Patterson office.

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