Are missing teeth keeping you from living your life? Are you afraid to smile in public and ashamed of how you look? According to the American College of Prosthodontists, nearly 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and almost 40 million don’t have any natural teeth.
These statistics may surprise you, but what might also surprise you is the numerous tooth replacement options available in Annapolis and the surrounding area. In this comprehensive guide to missing tooth replacement, we’ll explore the many ways you can reclaim your smile, self-confidence, and life.
The Benefits of Restoring Your Smile
Regardless of how many teeth you’re missing, you should talk to your dentist about replacing them. Here are some of the benefits of replacing your missing teeth:
- Improved oral health — Filling the gaps in your smile will keep your other teeth from misaligning, which can prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Improved appearance — Imagine feeling more confident when you look in the mirror and see your beautiful smile.
- Improved biting and chewing — Once you replace your missing teeth, you can bite down and chew your favorite foods.
- Improved speech — Missing teeth can make speaking difficult, so replacing them can restore your ability to talk with friends and family.
- Improved facial structure — When you have missing teeth, you can lose valuable jawbone density; not only that, but your face can sag and look sunken.
- Improved joint health — You can prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues by replacing your missing teeth.
What Are Your Tooth Replacement Options?
The expert dental team at Chesapeake Bay Dentistry offers numerous tooth replacement options. When you schedule a consultation, we'll discuss your smile goals and work with you to form a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Here are the different tooth replacement options available:
- Partial dentures — If you are missing a few teeth, a partial denture will fill the gaps in your smile. Our partial dentures attach to your adjacent teeth and effectively restore your smile.
- Complete dentures — If you are missing all your teeth, full dentures are customized to fit over your gums and jawbone. Removable dentures are an economical way to regain your ability to smile, eat, and speak.
- Dental implants — As the gold standard of tooth replacement, dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth. We surgically place a titanium post into your jawbone, and once it heals, we add a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants are a great way to restore your smile and oral health.
- Implant-supported dentures — This tooth replacement option combines traditional dentures and dental implants, giving you a stable and comfortable denture option. We place several dental implants into your jawbone and attach your dentures to the implants. Implant-supported dentures preserve jawbone density and won’t shift or move in your mouth, making them a popular choice for many people.
- Dental crowns — As the final part of a dental implant restoration or to hold a dental bridge in place, dental crowns are durable and aesthetically pleasing.
- Dental bridges — A dental bridge closes the gap and provides a uniform look for one or more missing teeth. We place dental crowns on both sides of your missing teeth to support the dental bridge; no one will know you have a dental restoration.
Maintenance and Care Considerations
Once you’ve completed your smile restoration, you’ll want to do everything you can to maintain it. Here are some tips on caring for your new smile:
- Practice good oral hygiene — Regardless of your tooth replacement choices, brush and floss your remaining natural teeth daily to maintain a healthy smile. Brush for two minutes twice a day, and floss between each tooth once a day. Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash daily to reduce harmful bacteria.
- Remove and clean dentures — For traditional, removable dentures, clean them daily to avoid issues. Use a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner, and soak your dentures overnight to ensure a proper fit.
- Clean under a bridge — You must clean under and around your dental bridge daily to avoid gum disease and keep your adjacent teeth healthy to support your bridge.
- Visit your Annapolis dentist — To keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, it’s essential to make regular visits to your Annapolis dentist. Schedule an exam and cleaning every six months, and if you have any dental concerns, call for an appointment.
Need Information about Missing Tooth Replacement in Annapolis, MD?
If you’re ready to love your smile again and look forward to going out with friends and family, we’re ready to take your call! At Chesapeake Bay Dentistry, we want you to have a healthy, beautiful smile; that’s why we offer a wide range of tooth replacement options to fit your lifestyle, budget, and treatment timeline.
Please call our dental office at (410) 266-8250 to schedule a consultation or appointment.