Upper False Teeth Options
Fortunately for adults with missing teeth, there are many tooth replacement options available to help restore their smile and the function of their teeth. Having missing teeth can not only impact your ability to eat and speak, but it can also fuel insecurities and sink your self-esteem. It is likely that your dentist has already recommended you consider dentures, but you may be wondering what your other options are. It is important that before you commit to your tooth replacement treatment that you are familiar with all of your options so you can pick the right one for you. Below is more information on tooth replacement options including a few of the most popular options for upper false teeth.
What are Your Options?
The right tooth replacement option is different for every patient. You should start by having a discussion with your dental provider, and they should walk you through your tooth replacement options and make recommendations based on your oral health, jawbone density, and the number of teeth missing. Here are a few of the most popular options you may want to consider:
- Traditional Dentures: Traditional dentures are a complete set of artificial teeth used to replace all of the teeth on the upper and lower jaw. The dentures sit on top of the gums, as opposed to dental bridges that are anchored to existing teeth. Complete dentures are typically made and fitted within 8-12 weeks after the teeth have been extracted from the mouth. It is common for dentures to need to be refitted and replaced overtime as the mouth changes.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are a treatment used when a patient still has some of their natural teeth remaining in the upper and/or lower jaw. The partial denture is usually made of a combination of acrylic material and metal and will be attached or fitted in the mouth. A major benefit of partial dentures is that they are both convenient and removable, meaning they can be easily taken out when necessary. Partial dentures also help to prevent the other teeth from moving in the mouth when they try to move to fill the space of the missing teeth.
- Immediate and Generic Dentures: Immediate dentures are typically made available and fitted on the same day that the teeth are extracted. This option is not designed to be a permanent solution, but rather a temporary solution so patients do not have to live without any teeth. These dentures can be replaced by cost-effective generic dentures, which are more of a one-size fits all solution. However, generic solutions don’t always fit securely or comfortably in the mouth, and they do not provide an appearance that many patients are satisfied with. Denture adhesive will be needed with generic dentures to help offer a stable and secure fit.
- Dental Implants: The most popular and effective tooth replacement option is dental implants. Dental implants are titanium or ceramic posts that are surgically inserted into your jawbone to act as the root of the new replacement teeth. After the implant surgery, a 3-7 month healing period is required to allow time for the implants to bond with the jawbone. Dental implants are the most long-term and durable tooth replacement option and if properly cared for, can last a lifetime. Dental implants offer improved comfort for everyday activities like eating and speaking.
- Implant-supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures are commonly recommended for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. A supported dentures sits on top of the gums, like traditional dentures, but is held in place with dental implants. They can be used on the upper and/or the lower jaw, depending on the patient’s oral health needs. The supported dentures are also removable. Although they are removable, implant-supported dentures are securely held in place by dental implants installed in the jawbone. Unlike conventional dentures, implant-supported dentures do not move or shift during chewing or eating. They also offer superior comfort to traditional dentures and many of the other alternatives. Lastly, the implants installed in the jawbone for implant-supported dentures help to stimulate healthy bone growth, slowing down further bone loss.
- Snap-in dentures: Snap-in dentures offer an effective choice when it comes to stability because they are also held securely in place with the help of dental implants or anchors. What makes snap-in dentures unique is the design, allowing them to be easily snapped or clipped into attachments on the dental implants. This means they are both convenient and removable. Snap-in dentures are frequently used when a patient doesn’t have any natural teeth remaining in the mouth, but still enough healthy jawbone to support the dental implants.
- Dental Bridges: If a patient is only missing one or two teeth, a dental provider may recommend a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth held in place by either supporting teeth or dental implants on both sides. One big downside of a dental bridge is that a part of the healthy tooth will need to be removed from adjacent teeth. Due to their design, a dental bridge is a tooth replacement that offers a secure fit, minimizing slipping during talking, eating, and smiling.
Ask Your Dentist
If you are struggling with missing teeth, you have many tooth replacement options available to help to restore your smile and the function of the mouth. Before you commit to any of these options, you should have a conversation with your dentist and then do your research to explore which option might be right for you. Whether it is dental implants, dentures, or implant supported dentures, there are many options to choose from that will help you find a solution you are confident and comfortable with. It is also possible for you to find a temporary option until you are ready to commit to a more permanent option. You will want to take your time and weigh all of the important factors, including your oral health, your bone health, the investment you want to make, and your quality of life.