Flipper teeth

If you are missing a tooth, you may not think it's a big deal, especially if it isn't visible. However, even one missing tooth can have a substantial impact on your smile and your health overall. When you lose a tooth, the other teeth in your mouth begin shifting toward the empty space. This can lead to crooked teeth and a misaligned bite that can result in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The symptoms of TMD can range from bothersome to debilitating, from neck pain and popping in your jaw to migraines and insomnia.

Losing teeth in the back of your mouth can cause wrinkling in your face and can also interfere with your ability to chew food. This can lead to poor nutrition and a compromised overall health.

Why People Lose Teeth

Losing teeth is actually more common than you may think. Studies reveal that roughly 70 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. By age 74, more than 25 percent of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth. Tooth loss can happen for many reasons. The most common include:

Tooth decay
Trauma
Gum disease
A failed root canal
Excessive wear and tear

Ways to Replace Your Missing Tooth

It can be challenging to replicate the look and function of a natural tooth that has been lost. But with advances in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, along with innovations in the materials used, it is now possible to replace a lost tooth effectively. There are three main ways to fix one or more missing teeth: dental implants, dental bridges and removable appliances such as dentures or partial dentures.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is the strongest, most durable option for tooth replacement. It is often the preferred method among implant dentists, but it is also the most expensive option. A dental implant is a small metal peg that is implanted into your jaw bone. Your surrounding tissue and bone will naturally grow around the implant and hold it in place. A dental crown is then attached to the implant for a sturdy, naturally-looking smile. A dental implant can also be used to better secure dental bridges and dentures.

Dental Bridges

A fixed dental bridge is similar to having three dental crowns placed. A traditional fixed bridge is recommended if you have two teeth remaining on either side of the empty space. These adjacent teeth are prepared for dental crowns, which are used to "bridge" the gap created by a missing tooth. The false tooth used to fill the empty space will mimic the look, feel and function of your missing tooth.

Another type of bridge, a cantilever bridge, is used if you have teeth on only one side of your gap. This bridge is attached to two teeth on one side of the empty space to correct your smile. A resin-bonded bridge is a third type of bridge used for your front teeth because it involves the least amount of tooth preparation.

Bridges are permanent, stable, and feel like your natural teeth. The major drawback is that your dentist will have to alter the teeth adjacent to your empty space in order to fully secure the bridge, even if they are in perfect condition.

Dentures and Partials

Dentures and partial dentures are ideal if you are missing several teeth scattered throughout your mouth. Partials are ideal if you have several missing teeth over your upper or lower arch, or if you have at least two teeth on both sides of your arch. There are different types of removable partial dentures (RPD), but the most common is a flipper. A flipper is a fake tooth attached to an acrylic plate and held in place with metal clips, similar to a retainer.

Dentures are typically recommended if you have lost a majority of teeth on either your upper or lower arch; or if most of the teeth in your mouth are gone. Oftentimes, the few remaining teeth in your mouth are pulled and dentures are used to restore your entire smile.