Missing teeth can be a real barrier towards confidence for many people within Hounslow. Not only do many people find them unsightly, but they can also cause genuine problems to the way in which the rest of a person’s teeth bite together.
Fortunately, dentistry has come a long way within the last decade and people who suffer from missing teeth no longer have to do so in silence. There are various different treatments available which can help to restore a smile to a patient’s face in no time at all.
The main treatments can be categorised into:
- Dentures
- Dental Bridge
- Dental Implants
Dentures are the first option available for a patient, which is then split further into three categories: ‘temporary’ dentures, ‘partial’ dentures and ‘full’ dentures.
As the name suggests temporary dentures are a short-term solution that can be used by a dentist to give a patient’s mouth time to heal if they have recently had teeth removed. Partial dentures feature a metal (or sometimes plastic) plate which contains false teeth. These teeth have hidden clasps which attach to other teeth for stability. Finally, full dentures can be worn when a patient has no remaining teeth in their upper or lower jaw. A good fitting denture should mean a patient has no need for any adhesive cream or powder.
Bridges
A dentist usually suggests a bridge if there are only one or two teeth missing. This procedure entails securing a false tooth (or teeth) via those teeth either side of the gap. The natural teeth are then prepared for the bridge and crowns of the bridge to sit on. Bridges are an excellent solution for missing teeth and can usually last a patient anywhere between five and ten years.
Dental Implants
Lastly, dental implants involve implanting a metal rod into a patient’s jawbone using minor surgery. This rod then becomes fused to the jawbone and a denture or bridge is then fixed to it using a clip or screw. Dental implants provide excellent stability and can last a patient at least ten years.
Although some people believe that they must simply accept missing teeth there are treatments to suit all patients at affordable costs, meaning a confident smile is never too far out of reach.
