Missing teeth can lead to missing out on life. Fortunately, there are many options to restore your confidence and your smile. Read on to learn about some dental solutions to get the smile of your dreams and why you should consider them!
Missing Out Professionally, Socially & Emotionally
If you’re missing teeth, you may feel self-conscious and embarrassed. It might be hard to bring yourself to go out and see people or even to do something as simple as smiling. You may decide to pass on a job interview or not to go on a date because you’re lacking confidence in your teeth. Not wanting to smile can also affect how other people perceive you and your attitude. They may think you are unfriendly, insincere, awkward, or even off-putting. This can further lead to isolation and depression, making you feel like you are alone and that there’s nothing you can do to make yourself feel better about your appearance.
Oral Health Considerations
From an oral health standpoint, you can develop even more serious dental issues if you do not treat a missing tooth. The gap due to a lost tooth can cause other teeth to shift, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. A missing tooth can also affect jaw function and your bite. Other issues include difficulty eating, problems with your speech, and even changes in facial structure.
Your Smile Restoration Options
Whatever restorative dentistry option you choose, it’s critical to come see our dentists at Helotes Family Dentistry for regular checkups so we can check to make sure everything is still functioning properly and that your mouth is healthy!
- Dentures
- Dental Implants
- Denture Stabilization
Modern dentures are more natural-looking and comfortable than ever before! Dentures are removable appliances, made from a flexible nylon polymer or a rigid acrylic resin, that replace multiple missing teeth. Full dentures sit on top of your gums where your teeth used to be. Partial dentures are used when you still have some of your natural teeth; they’re supported by either a metal framework and clasps or natural-looking attachments that connect to your remaining teeth. In either case, dentures are specifically made for you by taking a mold of your mouth and are cosmetically designed to look like natural teeth and gums. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to get used to the feel of your dentures, they require special denture cleanser instead of regular toothpaste, and you will need to get them refitted and replaced every few years.
Dental implants are a great option to replace one tooth or many teeth. These are biocompatible titanium posts that are surgically positioned in your jawbone so that we can mount replacement teeth onto them to fill the spaces in your mouth. Not only do dental implants stop your other teeth from moving into the space left by your missing teeth, they help prevent bone loss in your jaw! Moreover, the restoration atop a dental implant can last up to 15 years, they look and feel incredibly natural, they’re not removable, and are simply cared for with regular brushing and flossing.
This restoration treatment combines dentures and dental implants! A few dental implants allow your dentures to securely attach to your gums, making for a non-slip, comfortable fit. This is best for those who are used to wearing dentures but would like to improve their comfort and avoid the hassle of dealing with adhesives.
If you are missing one tooth, many teeth, or even all your teeth, contact us to discuss your options! We’d love to schedule your consultation today to get your oral health back on track.
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