Studies have found that an estimated 178 million Americans are missing one or more teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by age 50, the average American will have lost around 12 teeth already. That’s almost half a smile! If you’re part of this statistic, learn about your options from Dr. Maryam Horiyat and our team of Board-Certified Periodontists and oral surgeon in Mission Viejo, CA.
3 Ways to Replace Missing Teeth
There are various ways to replace missing teeth, but these are three of the most popular options:
- Dentures
This method uses prosthetic devices that are customized to look like real teeth. Traditional dentures are removable, but there are other dentures such as Implant-Supported Dentures or All-on-4® that can be clasped or bonded onto teeth and implants.
- Dental Bridge
This involves an artificial tooth that will be held in place by the remaining teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Often made from porcelain, dental bridges are designed to blend in with your natural smile; however, the surrounding teeth needs to be prepared to act anchor teeth, but this irreversible procedure can be eliminated with single tooth implant.
- Dental Implants
Considered one of the best solutions for missing teeth, dental implants in Mission Viejo fuse with your jawbone to make a new root for the replacement denture, crown or bridge. Dental implants feel, look, and work exactly like real teeth, and they boast of more than a 95% success rate. At Aria dental, we offer both Titanium implants and Zirconium (Metal-free implants). All of our implants are placed with American-Board Certified Periodontist, not just a general dentist.
Is it OK to Do Nothing about Missing Teeth?
Some people choose not to replace their missing teeth especially when the gap is at the back, or it’s not obvious when smiling. However, when you don’t replace a missing tooth, you’re left vulnerable to numerous problems:
- Your mouth and teeth become hard to clean.
Once a tooth is gone, the leftover bone melts away. The surrounding teeth then shift to fill the space. Due to this awkward spacing, it becomes harder to clean the area thoroughly. Eventually, it can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, bone loss, and other dental issues.
- You’ll look older than your age.
Aside from having an unattractive smile, the skin around your mouth can start to sag if you’re missing too many teeth. This will make you look much older and more tired than you really are.
- You may find it hard to enjoy your food.
Many people who’ve lost teeth find it difficult to chew their food, especially crunchy, sticky, and fibrous ones. Speech is often affected as well.
- You may experience emotional and psychological consequences.
Numerous studies have linked a great smile to personal and professional success. Conversely, missing teeth can have adverse effects on one’s confidence and quality of life.
- Shifting of Neighbouring & Opposing Teeth which will cause your bite to change and ultimately Temporamandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction that could lead to jaw pain, headaches, neck pain, and facial pain
There’s no doubt about it – doing nothing is the worst thing you can do when you have missing teeth. Given that there are plenty of affordable and effective solutions such as dentures, bridges, and dental implants, getting back a full, beautiful smile is easier than ever.
Get the Smile You’ve Been Dreaming Of, Today!
Losing your teeth can be devastating, but you don’t have to hide your smile forever. Aria Dental offers a wide range of five-star dental services done by a team of board-certified dentist in Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Orange County, Laguna Hills, Newport Coast, Irvine, and surrounding areas.
Call us at (949) 364-9600 and begin your smile transformation today!
