There Is No Need For An Incomplete Smile

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There are several reasons people lose their teeth. The major reason for tooth loss is periodontal disease which is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Illness, medications, and aging can all lead to eventual tooth loss. You may get teeth knocked out while playing sports or in a car accident, a bike accident, or due to other trauma.  Missing teeth cannot only be an embarrassment, but they can affect your speech, chewing, and your self-confidence. But remember…there is no need for an incomplete smile.

Dentures and Partials

Most everybody knows about dentures. You may have had a grandmother or grandfather who wore dentures. Dentures are not used to replace just one or two missing teeth. They are used when you are missing all of your teeth either on your top or bottom arch, or both. Dentures consist of a soft, pliable base that blends with your gum tissue. Artificial teeth are attached to the base. Dentures are removable and are attached to the gum either with denture adhesives or by suction. It can take time to adjust to wearing dentures.

Partials

Partial dentures are used to replace several teeth, but in order to wear a partial you must have one or more natural teeth remaining in that arch. Unlike for a bridge, the natural teeth do not need to be adjacent. Because partials are a combination of full dentures and a bridge, they are designed to make use of the remaining natural teeth.  Partials are fabricated to snap into crowns placed on natural teeth using removable clasps.

Other Options

Your dentist will help you decide whether full dentures or partial dentures are the right treatment for you. Dentures and partials can also be secured using implant posts which are surgically “implanted” into your jawbone. Other treatments for missing teeth include dental implants and dental bridges.

ABOUT YOUR GARY, IN DENTIST:

As a native of northwest Indiana, Nicholas Cain, DDS, is dedicated to providing excellent general, preventive, and family dentistry services to the community that raised him. To schedule your appointment, call Healthy Smiles today at 219-938-2637.