When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are different options for dental prostheses. Alternative treatments that include dentures, bridges and implants, and whose purpose is to improve the appearance and dental health of the patient.
Missing teeth is a common problem that should not be underestimated, as the remaining teeth can become misaligned, making speech difficult and increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
For this reason, prosthetic tooth replacement is the smartest option when it comes to perfecting appearance and restoring dental functionality.
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Functionality of dentures
Dental prostheses have become a quality alternative when it comes to rehabilitating or replacing teeth. Dentures, bridges and fixed implants stand out.
Each of them offers specific results according to their engineering. Therefore, the most appropriate treatment for you will depend on the number of missing teeth, the condition of the rest of the teeth and the available budget.
Dentures
Among the prosthetic options for replacing teeth are dentures, which in turn can be temporary, partial and complete.
Temporary Dentures
After tooth extraction, both the gums and the jawbone require rest. During this period, your dentist may recommend permanent dentures to fill in the gaps.
Once your jawbone heals, the temporary denture will be replaced with a partial or complete denture (as appropriate) or a permanent bridge.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can be used to replace one or more extracted teeth, as they function as brackets that support several artificial teeth.
There are different types of partial dentures. But, in general, these are usually constructed of sheet metal and/or plastic. While artificial teeth, in turn, can be made of plastic or porcelain.
As an additional fact it should be noted that:
- Partial dentures may have metal clasps. As far as possible, these clasps are concealed to avoid their visibility when smiling or speaking.
- Alternatively, our dentist may suggest soft partial dentures if you are not a candidate for a plastic or metal denture.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are used when all the teeth have been removed from the upper or lower jaw. They are usually made of plastic with porcelain or plastic teeth.
- Full upper dentures cover the palate of the mouth and usually fit easily in place. Adhesive products are also available to help secure the denture.
- Full lower dentures are more difficult to fix because of the constant movement of the jaw. The ridge where the teeth used to be also shrinks over time.
Getting used to your dentures
It is important to be honest about wearing dentures, as getting used to them takes time. They may help you eat, speak and smile with confidence, but ultimately they will not feel like your natural teeth:
- Initially, it is common to feel discomfort while getting used to them. For this reason, it is usual for the dentist to schedule a check-up appointment a week or two after fitting your dentures.
- You may find it difficult to pronounce some words or make some sounds. However, as you wear your dentures, this problem will resolve.
- Getting used to eating with your new denture is a matter of practice. Use both sides of your mouth to keep the denture securely in place.
How to clean your dentures
- Brush your natural teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Even with a full denture, make a point of cleaning your gums, tongue and palate with a soft brush.
- Clean your dentures after every meal. Use a soft brush, soap and water. Clean all surfaces carefully to remove stored food debris.
- Overnight, remove your dentures and place them in a glass of water. If your denture has metal clasps or any soft material, consult your dentist about cleaning solutions.
- Avoid immersing your denture in hot water or bleach, as this tends to weaken the denture material.
- To prevent long-term infection, be sure to see your dentist regularly for a proper evaluation of your gums.
Dental bridges
If you are missing one or two teeth, your dentist may recommend the use of a dental bridge. A metal or porcelain instrument that attaches one or more artificial teeth to the natural teeth.
Therefore, the natural teeth are prepared to fit the crowns on top, and in the space between the crowns, the artificial teeth are attached to ensure an optimal result.
How to clean my teeth if I have a dental bridge
Since bridges are cemented, it is impossible to remove them for prompt cleaning. Therefore, maintenance of the bridge and natural teeth is strictly dependent on flossing.
Clean under the bridge properly with special floss.
Ask your dentist for advice on how to optimize cleaning and ensure hygiene.
Dental bridges last approximately 5 to 10 years.
Dental implants
Because of their technology, comfort and practicality, dental implants have become a first class solution. This technique involves a titanium metal rod that is fixed to the jawbone to hold the artificial teeth.
In other words, the rod acts as an artificial root attached to the jawbone and an attachment. The latter is screwed to an artificial crown of the highest quality that rehabilitates the functionality of chewing and grinding food.
Since it is fixed, the disadvantages of the previous alternatives are forgotten. In fact, given their easy maintenance, practicality and lifespan (30 years maximum in some cases), fixed implants have a 99.9% success rate.
All these advantages come at a higher cost. But, taking into account its virtues, it is a worthwhile investment because it offers immediate benefits.
Considerations on fixed implants
The only significant disadvantage would be the duration of the procedure, since we must wait for the implant to completely bond to the bone. This takes about 4 months.
In addition, we must also consider preventive surgical treatments, as this allows us to examine the bone support and soft tissue, in order to ensure an ideal placement and mitigate long-term risks.
This procedure can take 6 to 8 months. So we are talking about a long-term process that requires preventive techniques and controls.
Dental implants in one day Is it possible?
In order to minimize the waiting time and avoid the patient being toothless during this stage, we are already talking about dental implants with immediate loading.
This procedure is suitable for those who meet the necessary conditions. For this purpose, a provisional crown is placed, which can be installed 48 hours after surgery, that is, after examining the maxillary bone and proceeding with the placement of the implant.
This treatment is applicable to patients who wish to replace one or more teeth, as well as those who wish to replace a removable prosthesis.
But, as we have said, it is a special procedure that requires an exhaustive study to check whether or not the patient is suitable for the treatment in question. And given its availability in record time, it is a higher cost treatment compared to traditional implant placement.
We are SOFDental
At SOFDental we have the best team of professionals in the area. Years of experience and academic training in the main dental programs have made us a leading clinic in Tijuana.
Do you want your smile back? Contact us for more information and specialized attention. We are waiting for you.
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