Missing teeth can make you self-conscious and want to hide your smile. But there are also many health impacts that come with missing teeth as well. Dr. Peter Auster of Cosmetic Dentistry Associates, a dentist in Rockland County, NY, explains why you should replace missing teeth and the options you have to replace them.
The Issues With Missing Teeth
One of the biggest things people think of with missing teeth is the cosmetic impact. Instead of showing off your smile, you try to hide it. It can make you self-conscious and unable to let loose with friends because you’re more worried about your missing teeth. It’s important that you have a smile that you want to show off.
Depending on where they’re located, missing teeth can also impact your diet. You may not be able to chew and bite certain foods. This can impact your ability to get all of the nutrients you need.
When you’re missing teeth, the other teeth are going to move and shift to try and fill the holes that are left. Instead of just needing treatment for the missing teeth, you may also have to do something to straighten out your smile. Missing teeth also don’t have a tooth root. This causes bone deterioration in your jawbone. You may notice a sagging appearance in your face.
People that have missing teeth are also at risk for a variety of other oral health problems. You’re more likely to get gum disease or more tooth decay when you already have teeth missing. You’re also at a higher risk of losing more teeth once one is gone.
Replacing Missing Teeth
At Cosmetic Dentistry Associates, we offer a variety of options for replacing missing teeth. In particular, we recommend dental implants. Dental implants are considered the gold standard of missing teeth. They’re the only tooth replacement option that replaces the tooth root. This stimulates bone regeneration, eliminating the bone loss that occurs without the tooth root. This also can reverse the sagging face effect.
Dental implants are also the most natural form of tooth replacement. They’re stable and both look and feel like natural teeth. Most often, they’re topped with a dental crown that’s shaped, shaded, and sized to blend in naturally with the rest of your smile. You don’t have to have any dietary restrictions and you can follow your normal oral healthcare routine without adding any extra steps.
Another tooth replacement option is dentures. These are usually recommended when you’re missing an entire arch of teeth. They’re attached to your mouth with adhesive and have ceramic teeth that are used for the restoration. While they’re much cheaper than dental implants, they do require adjustments or replacements down the line. The bone deterioration will still occur, changing the fit of them over time.
Tooth Replacement at Your Rockland County, New York Dentist
Get your teeth replaced and prevent further oral health problems. Call us or schedule an appointment online!