Having missing, discoloured, or broken teeth will not only be likely to cause you problems chewing your food, but it can also leave you open to infection. In addition to this, the effect that it might have on your smile will also be likely to affect your confidence to some degree.
By having your missing or damaged teeth replaced will help you in all three of these areas.
There are several options for regaining your smile. These include dentures, veneers, dental bridges, and dental implants.
But, with so much choice available, how do you know which is the best option for you?
In this article, we’ll talk you through all of these options so that you can make an informed choice should you need to.
What are dentures?
Dentures are teeth that sit where your broken and missing teeth are. They are designed to be taken out and can be replaced as needed.
Because they are not attached, they can work loose in your mouth. Poorly fitted dentures can be uncomfortable when eating.
What are Veneers?
A veneer is a thick layer of material which is placed over your teeth. They are often used if you have some existing damage to your teeth. The veneer will protect your teeth from further damage.
For many people, veneers offer a comfortable and affordable solution to improving the look and function of their teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants can be used to replace broken or missing teeth. The replacement tooth, or crown, is fitted straight into the jawbone using a screw.
Once fitted, dental implants are permanent. Unlike dentures, a dental implant is fixed into position. This means that there will be no movement while you are eating
If you are looking for a natural appearance, then you will find this with dental implants. This is because your dental implants will be designed to match the look and shape of your existing teeth. Even the colour of the implants will match your existing teeth.
Having dental implants will reduce the risk of any infections, as well as cavities and sensitivity in the neighbouring teeth.
There are two different types of dental implants, these are Endosteal and Subperiosteal.
Endosteal
The most common type of dental implant is the Endosteal implant. In this type, the crown is screwed into the jawbone. This gives solid support to your new tooth. The screws used as usually made from titanium. This is the most effective type of dental implant.
Subperiosteal
There are occasions when you would not be able to have an Endosteal dental implant. This may be because your jawbone is too thin or is not in a healthy condition. On these occasions, you may be able to have a subperiosteal implant instead.
With this type of implant, instead of being screwed into the jawbone, the implant is fitted above it. This is the least effective type of dental implants.
What is the Procedure For Having Dental Implants Like?
When you have dental implants fitted, the first stage will be to have any remaining broken teeth extracted. If your jawbone is not thick enough or is too soft, it may be possible to have this grafted. This will ensure that your jaw is strong enough to take the impact from chewing when you have the implant fitted. A graft can take several months to heal.
After your jaw is ready you can have the implant put into position. Your dentist will cut through your gums and drill down into your jaw. Once this is done, a temporary denture will be fitted until bone growth occurs. This can take a few months.
The next step is for the dentist to fit the small screw-type element upon which the crown will be fitted. Then it will be time for your new tooth to be made up. This will be done by creating an impression of your mouth. Your tooth will be designed and made around your existing teeth,
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Before a dentist decides whether you can have dental implants, they will need to know about any health issues that you have. The things that they will be concerned about are diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV, AIDs, and uncontrollable metabolic diseases. All of these could put you at risk of your implants failing.
If you have a condition that causes you to grind your teeth, dental implants will be unsuitable due to the pressure that you would put on them.
The dentist will also need to know whether you smoke and how much. They may deem that smokers are not suitable for dental implants.
The size and quality of your jawbone will also have an impact on whether you can get dental implants fitted. Your dentist will look at your jaw and in some cases may need to carry out a bone graft to improve the strength of your jaw bone.
What Are the Risks Associated With Dental Implants?
There are a few risks associated with getting dental implants. It is important to understand these and how the process of getting them fitted works.
The complications could include:
- The implant moving
- The implant becoming exposed at the gums
- Loss of feeling due to nerve damage
- The gum incision re-opening
- Infection of the gums
Following the fitting of your dental implants, the dentist will carry out an assessment to see how well they have settled in. They may ask to see you several times until they are happy that your implants are sitting as they should.
Choosing the Right Way To Regain Your Smile
Dental implants, veneers, and dentures can all help you to improve the appearance of your smile. You’ll be able to enjoy food once more, and there may be fewer worries about infection as long as you keep your teeth clean.
There are plenty of options available for people looking to replace their teeth and they don’t have to struggle without them.
Understanding the best options for you will help you make good decisions.
