Are your Teeth missing?
Having a gap in your teeth can affect the nearby ones and your health too. Let’s figure out why teeth go missing and see how we can fix it.
Losing teeth can change how your smile looks, especially if it’s the ones you show when you smile or talk. It’s not just about looks; it can also mess with your dental health.
Studies on oral health say that Australians who are 15 or older usually have about 4.5 missing teeth because of things like tooth decay and gum issues. The older you get, the more likely you are to loose teeth. More than a third of Australians who are 75 or older have lost all their teeth.
There are good reasons to do something about missing teeth, not just for looks but also for your health. Let’s find out why it happens and what we can do about it.
Reasons for missing teeth
Losing teeth is a diverse journey, and it’s not just about forgetting to brush! One common issue is cavities; those little holes in your teeth caused by munching too much on sugary snacks and neglecting brushing. Missing teeth due to gum disease is another mischief-maker; it sneaks in when you skip regular dental check-ups and overlook the importance of flossing.
Accidents can also snatch away teeth. Ever had a collision with a hard object or perhaps a friendly wrestling match that got a bit out of hand? Yup, teeth can take a hit. Sometimes, teeth decide to grow in the wrong direction, causing overcrowding and chaos in your mouth.
The Enigma of Missing Teeth
Age plays a role too. As the years add up, so do the chances of experiencing missing teeth; it’s like a natural part of the ageing journey. And guess what? Smoking is like plague for your teeth, promoting gum disease and making them more likely to bid farewell, joining the league of missing teeth.
So, whether it’s struggles with cavities, gum issues, unexpected accidents, unruly tooth growth, the ticking clock of age, or the effects of smoking; teeth may decide to make an exit for various reasons. Taking care of those pearly whites might just save you from playing the tooth fairy later on! Here’ also 6 signs that you need dentures.
Is it always necessary to replace a missing tooth?
The need for tooth replacement varies, depending on which tooth is absent and your overall oral health. Your preferences and priorities might play a role in the decision-making process.
However, several important factors should be considered, as the absence of teeth can potentially impact your health and give rise to other dental issues.
The impact of missing teeth extends beyond mere aesthetics; it can affect your ability to chew, your nutritional intake, and your overall quality of life. Depending on the type and location of the missing teeth, challenges in chewing food or speaking may arise, significantly influencing your daily life. Missing teeth can disrupt the harmony among neighbouring teeth, leading to potential shifts and misalignment. This misalignment not only complicates oral hygiene but also increases the risk of decay or trauma.
Teeth play a vital role
Especially in supporting your face and jaw. Tooth loss can affect bone volume, with some studies suggesting changes within a year of extracting a tooth. Recognising the potential repercussions of missing teeth is major in making informed decisions about tooth replacement.
What are my options to replace my missing teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is a choice worth exploring if you’ve got a gap in your smile. When you visit your dentist, they’ll take a look in your mouth and chat with you about what could work.
They’ve got a bag of tricks, like artificial teeth that match your natural ones. Depending on what suits you, they might mix and match treatments.
Your dental pro will break down the good and not-so-good stuff about each option and let you know the cost. It’s like having a menu for your teeth!
Dentures
First up, there are dentures. They can fill in a bunch of missing teeth or replace all of them in the upper or lower jaw. Dentures are like removable puzzle pieces that need a daily cleaning.
New dentures won’t break the bank, but not every type works for all missing teeth issues, like bone loss.
The Bridge to a Full Smile
Then there’s the dental bridge. It’s like a bridge for your teeth, connecting the gaps. Bridges are made of porcelain, a mix of porcelain and metal, or just metal. They lean on the healthy neighbours on either side of the gap, sometimes getting them custom crowns as well.
Implant-retained dentures
Ever wondered about implant-retained dentures? They replace one or more missing teeth, firmly anchored by dental implants securely nestled within your jawbone.
These innovative dentures not only improve your ability to savour every bite, making it easy even with the trickiest foods like steak, raw fruits, and veggies with ease, but they also look and feel just like your natural teeth. The added bonus? You can still pop them out for a thorough cleaning, assuring a pristine smile that’s as convenient as it is confident. Implant-retained dentures — where comfort meets practicality for a winning combination.
Keep Your Teeth in the Game
Now, let’s talk about avoiding the whole missing teeth situation. You can cut the risk by brushing those pearly whites daily, using a mouthguard during sports adventures, and saying hi to your dentist for regular check-ups.
Give us a call at Advance Oral Dentures
Curious about what could work for your missing teeth? Give our team at Advance Oral Dentures a shout – we’re always up for a friendly chat about your options.
