Treatments to Replace Missing Teeth
When teeth are lost, it is essential to replace them to prevent the shifting
of the teeth and to restore normal chewing function. There are a three
ways to replace missing teeth in the mouth. The three choices are cemented
fixed bridges, removable partial dentures and implant anchored restorations.
Removable partial and dentures supported by either your natural teeth or
implants can be removed daily by the patient for cleaning and routine maintenance.
Fixed partial dentures (fixed bridges) and implant retained fixed bridges
and crowns are NOT removable and are permanently cemented in your mouth. |
Cemented Fixed
Bridges
Cemented fixed bridges replace missing teeth by attaching
to the remaining adjacent teeth. There are two types,
conventional bridges in which the adjacent teeth are shaped
and crowned, and Maryland bridges in which minimal preparation
is performed on the adjacent teeth. Maryland bridges are
usually limited to short term use due to their tendency
to become dislodged (come loose). Fixed bridges have a
long history in dentistry and can function for many years
but require extensive preparation of the anchor teeth.
Like simple crowns, cemented bridges can be fabricated
using either gold or porcelain depending on the location
in the mouth and the requirements for beauty. |
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Removable Partial Dentures
There are two types of removable appliances--partial
dentures and full dentures (plates). Removable partials
usually anchor to some of the remaining teeth using metal
arms or precision attachments (anchors imbedded in the existing
teeth). The remainder of the partial rests on the gum tissue
in the areas where teeth are missing. Full dentures can rest
either totally on the remaining gum tissue or sometimes over
the roots of retained teeth or implants (dentures using this
type of support are generally called overdentures). Most
dentures and partials need to be refitted or remade every
2-3 years.
Treatments to Replace Missing Teeth
When teeth are lost, it is essential to replace
them to prevent the shifting of the teeth and to
restore normal chewing function. There are a three
ways to replace missing teeth in the mouth. The three
choices are cemented fixed bridges, removable partial
dentures and implant anchored restorations. Removable
partial and dentures supported by either your natural
teeth or implants can be removed daily by the patient
for cleaning and routine maintenance. Fixed partial
dentures (fixed bridges) and implant retained fixed
bridges and crowns are NOT removable and are permanently
cemented in your mouth. |
Implant
Anchored Restorations
An implant is the man made replacement for the root of a tooth. We can use
these man made "roots" to replace a single tooth, to anchor fixed
cemented bridges or removable partials. They are versatile, predictable and
provide patients with missing teeth the ultimate in comfort and beauty.
Implant therapy has become the treatment of choice for most missing teeth.
Implants are the only way to replace the support
that the original tooth provided in your mouth. All
other dental therapies borrow support from the remaining
teeth or gums. Implants have made it possible for
almost every patient to achieve optimum dental health
and function.
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