If you are missing one or more teeth, you should visit a cosmetic dentist near Leander to discuss your restorative dental care options. Depending upon your aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, and your overall health, your family dentist or cosmetic dentist may recommend dental implants, dentures, or dental bridges. Here is a look at the most common cosmetic dentistry options for replacing missing teeth.
Dental Implants
One of the most advantageous cosmetic dentistry options for replacing one or more missing teeth is the dental implant. Dental implants consist of a prosthetic tooth, which can be customized to match the color, shape, and size of your natural tooth; a titanium rod, which is implanted into your jawbone; and an abutment, onto which the prosthetic tooth is anchored to the titanium rod. Because dental implants utilize a rod anchored directly in the jawbone, they prevent jawbone loss and facial deformity, which can be unfortunate side effects of missing teeth. Dental implants are also fixed and permanent, so it is very easy to eat, speak, and maintain your dental care routine.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges utilize dental implants or dental crowns to replace one or more teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will bond dental crowns to the tops of the teeth on either side of your missing tooth or teeth. A bridge of one or more artificial teeth will then replace the missing tooth or teeth. When dental bridges are fixed in place, you can avoid jawbone deterioration, crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, and facial deformities.
Full or Partial Dentures
If you are missing all your teeth, or enough teeth that dental implants or dental bridges are impractical, your cosmetic dentist will recommend full or partial dentures. Dentures can be removable, or they can be permanently fixed into place with dental implants. Your dentures will be customized in a dental lab to fit comfortably in your mouth. They will resemble natural teeth, and you will be able to eat and speak with few restrictions. Dentures require specialized dental care and the use of specific teeth cleaning products.