- (562) 373-0026
- 532 Redondo Ave
- Long Beach, CA 90814
- Hablamos Español
If you’re missing one or more of your teeth, know that you’re not alone. Over half of all American adults are missing at least one tooth. That number rises to two-thirds of adults who are between the ages of 40 and 64 and is almost ubiquitous among the elderly. Almost one in five seniors 65 and over are missing all of their natural teeth!
You don’t have to just accept tooth loss. You can replace your missing teeth to restore your smile and your confidence. Doing so will also improve your ability to eat and speak. We offer many options to solve this problem here at our Long Beach dentist office.
The best solution for your missing teeth depends on how many and which teeth are missing, your budget, and other considerations such as your preference and ability to have surgery. We’re going to profile several of the most common options here and would be happy to consult with you to come up with a customized treatment plan.
Bridges are one of the most common options used to replace missing teeth. They are just what they sound like -a “bridge” that spans the gap over one or more missing teeth. There must be a natural tooth on either side of the gap for a bridge to be a viable option to replace your missing teeth. There are several kinds of bridges, but we will focus on three: traditional fixed bridges, Maryland bridges, and resin-retained bridges.
In this type of bridge, a false tooth is created to replace the missing tooth. It is inserted into place and held there by crowns that are cemented onto each of the abutting teeth. This is the most common kind of bridge in use today.
Inserting a traditional fixed bridge involves several trips to the dentist. An impression has to be taken of each of the abutting teeth and sent to the lab that creates the crowns. The replacement tooth must also be created. Traditional fixed bridges are less expensive than implants and very durable.
A Maryland Bridge is similar to a traditional fixed bridge, but instead of the replacement tooth being held in place by crowns cemented onto the other teeth, it’s instead held in place by a framework bonded onto the back of the natural teeth on either side. The framework can be made out of either metal or porcelain. It’s slightly less invasive than a traditional fixed bridge.
This type of bridge is also less invasive than a traditional fixed bridge but can only be used for teeth that aren’t often used for chewing, such as the front teeth. The replacement tooth is held in place by resin bonding it to the teeth on either side. It’s neither as durable nor as expensive as a traditional fixed bridge.
Dental implants are becoming a popular option for replacing missing teeth. They are most commonly used to replace one or two missing teeth instead of multiple teeth. This is the most durable option but also the most expensive and most invasive.
Dental implants take several trips to the dentist to complete. There are three parts to a dental implant: the titanium root, the connecting rod, and the replacement tooth. Implanting the root is a surgical procedure and is not appropriate for everyone.
The steps to getting dental implants are as follows:
The post will be surgically implanted into your jawbone in the proper location using a minor surgical procedure. You’ll have to refrain from some activities, such as workouts, for a few days after the procedure.
It will take six to twelve weeks for your jawbone and gums to heal around the implant. As they do, they will help anchor the post securely in your jaw.
Once you’re finished healing from the surgery, you’ll return to the office and a small connecting rod will be attached to the post. This is called an abutment. The replacement tooth, called a crown, will then be put in place.
Implants can sometimes be used to support certain newer types of dentures or bridges. The staff at our Long Beach cosmetic dentist office will be happy to discuss these types of procedures with you if you may qualify for them.
A partial denture can also be a good option to replace a small section of missing teeth. These are created using a mold of your mouth to ensure proper fit. They look good and function well but aren’t as durable as other options and must be removed for cleaning every night. They can also be uncomfortable if worn for long amounts of time.
Some partial dentures require clasps to keep them in place. Partials are less invasive than many of the other options and require fewer trips to the dentist than implants. Partial dentures also have the advantage of usually being the least expensive option for replacing multiple missing teeth.
Complete removable dentures are an option for replacing most or all of the teeth in your mouth. Like partial dentures, they can’t be worn continuously and must be removed at night for cleaning. They do look good and restore your ability to eat properly, however. If you’re missing numerous teeth, complete dentures might be the best solution for you.
Complete removable dentures tend to be affordable and quick to obtain. They must often be held in place using dental adhesives, however, and some can break when dropped.
The staff at our Long Beach dentist office are experienced in replacing missing teeth and well versed in all the options. The first step is to come into the office for a consultation. The dentist will thoroughly examine you and go over each of the options for your specific circumstances. The staff will then develop a customized treatment plan and discuss it with you, including costs and how much your insurance will cover.
You don’t have to accept your missing teeth. You can replace them and restore your confidence along with your beautiful smile!
If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth, call Dentist of Long Beach today at (562) 373-0026 to schedule your consultation!
CALL (562) 373-0026
OR
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT NOW!
