Alternatives to False Teeth

Tooth loss is a common incident that affects an individual in several ways. More than the functional discrepancy, a person with a missing tooth loses self-confidence and often faces embarrassing moments. The three As -- age, accident, and addiction (tobacco, essentially) -- are criminalized to wreak havoc with one's facial esthetics.

Moreover, the embarrassment is far profound in the youth when they face tooth loss or irreversible damage -- more so because they do not belong to the bracket. Besides, it turns into an uncomfortable ordeal every time one is out with friends, or is to preside over a round-table conference.

Due to these very obvious rationalities, one may opt for dentures. It is an appliance used for replacing one or more missing teeth. The false teeth are mounted or fixed over a removable plastic plate.

Dentures maybe partial or full; partial is applicable when the individual has some natural teeth; while full denture appliance is considered when no natural teeth remain. However, dentures are not considered as the best alternative to replacing real teeth.

• False teeth, orthodontically referred to as dentures is known to cause a degeneration in the teeth bone density. Partial dentures, sure serve to be a replacement for real teeth; however, there are several occasions where the dentures demand manual alignment for the piece to fit comfortably.
• Conversations are restricted; your speech is hampered. 

• A majority have had their fair share of misadventures, specifically when biting into a chunk of tender meat and having their dental plate fall off the palate to the mouth floor.

• Overwhelming it is, when you must remove the denture before bedtime and soak it in a bowl of water only to wear them afresh next morning.
• Feeling older than your true age, too, may mar your self-confidence no end.

If it is for cosmetic reasons, false tooth is not always necessary for all cases of tooth loss. It is mostly opted when any of the front teeth or another in a visible portion is lost.

Nevertheless, dental aids help in improving oral health and also, in eating. This is because when a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth and others in the jaw tend to drift toward the area. Also, food particles tend to get trapped in the gap.

Of all the substitutes, dental implant is considered as the most effective procedure. Either a few teeth or the complete set can be replaced with dental implants. Here, an implant rod made of titanium serving as the root is fixed in the jawbone. The reason why titanium is used is the acceptability that the bone tissues in the oral cavity show toward it.

After 3-4 months approximately, or when the implant gets adjusted in the proximal bone, a post is fitted and a prosthetic tooth is slipped over it. Though the procedure is expensive, dental implants are rated far better than other options. They may not be viable options for people suffering from chronic diabetes as the healing time may go beyond normalcy.

A bridge is an effective choice for replacing only one or two teeth. It is a false tooth which is secured to the neighboring teeth, i.e., on both sides of the newly placed tooth. Thus, the false tooth acts like a bridge in the gap.

As compared to dental implant, the cost incurred to get a dental bridge fixed is less; however, the procedure is time-consuming. Nevertheless, you must also know that a bridge is not suited for replacing multiple missing teeth or the complete set of teeth.

This option is used for covering natural teeth, not for actually replacing them. The candidates for these alternatives are those, who have healthy teeth and roots; however, they are discolored.

In terms of color and texture, the porcelain veneers resemble real teeth. They are thin structures, placed over natural teeth to enhance their look and appearance. Unless one concentrates hard enough, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference between real teeth and veneers.

Besides, a crown may be placed over a repaired tooth as well. Its metal cap covers the complete tooth that was previously damaged. Certainly, nothing matches our real teeth.

However, it is far better to opt for an alternative that helps you keep up with your carefree smile. Unless it is the factor of senescence that causes teeth loss, ensure that you follow an appropriate dental care routine. It sure would help you in the long haul.

Disclaimer: The information published herein, is meant to accomplish pedagogical purposes only. The recommendations mentioned hereby may not be generically applicable. These details, by no means, intend to supplant the diagnosis and advice imparted by your concerned dentist.