Are you missing a tooth or two and don’t know how you could get it replaced? Thanks to the wonders of modern dental science, you now have several options to choose from. But that comes with its own challenge – which one is the best way for you to replace your tooth?
Getting dental implants from a cosmetic dentist in Geelong is one choice. But you can also get dentures or bridges instead. So let’s discover what the benefits and drawbacks of each of these options are so you can decide which is the best for you.
Tooth Replacement Options
Here’s everything you need to know to select the best tooth replacement option for you.
Dental Dentures
There are two kinds of dentures – full and partial dentures. If you have lost all teeth on one or both of your teeth rows, then full dentures are for you. However, if you have only lost a few, then partial dentures are a better fit.
Your dentist would give you custom dentures moulded after your jaw structure. This is so that they’ll be held in place by suction to your gums. Most dentures are made from acrylic plastics, which are cheap but durable.
But while dentures can be very inexpensive, they are also very uncomfortable. While you can get used to them, eating food can be tricky with them. In fact, for some people, gum suction is insufficient and they have to use a special adhesive glue to hold their dentures in place. This glue has a flavour of its own and can harm your culinary experience.
You will also have to go beyond just conventional oral hygiene if you use dentures. You’ll have to remove them every night and place them in a special solution for disinfection. For many, this new habit can be tedious.
Dental Bridges
For those who don’t want to put up with the hassle of dentures, dental bridges can be an interesting alternative. These are special “crowns” or artificial teeth that are custom made for you. A good cosmetic dentist would make sure the crown’s shape and structure allows it to seamlessly plug the gap where your tooth used to be.
Making sure this fit is snug is important because bridges are held in place by the natural teeth on either side. But as a consequence, they are not suitable for replacing molars since the teeth in that part of your jaw lack the ability to hold bridges in place.
Dental bridges are also difficult to maintain in the long-term and eventually need to be replaced. There is also a higher risk of gum infection and disease forming in the gums underneath them, which makes oral care paramount.
Dental Implants
While dental implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement options, they easily justify their cost. Since implants are directly attached to your jawbone using a screw-like device, they feel just as naturally as natural teeth. This means their functionality is uncompromised and you can eat and chew food comfortably.
They are also made from highly durable materials that require minimal care beyond good oral hygiene. Implants are long-lasting and you can live a regular life without the tediousness of removing dentures every night or watching what you eat with bridges
What Factors to Consider When Getting a Tooth Replacement in Geelong?
Teeth can decay and fall out for a variety of reasons. Gum disease, accidents, or simply old-age can cause a tooth to fall loose and ruin your otherwise perfect smile. In fact, this is a more common experience than you might realise. But this doesn’t have to mean that you will have to make peace with gaps in your rows of teeth.
But before you decide what exact tooth replacement method you will select, you need to be prepared. For instance, how many teeth do you need to get replaced? As well as what kind of teeth? Molars can only be replaced by certain kinds of options. Besides keeping these factors in mind, you will also have to be prepared for important lifestyle changes.
You will likely have to quit smoking tobacco and be consistent with your oral hygiene. Tooth replacement options require good oral health and maintenance.
Lastly, certain procedures are more complex than others and require the expertise of a good cosmetic dentist in Geelong. They’ll ensure you only use the highest quality materials so you can use your new teeth comfortably and smile confidently.