Upper False Teeth Options
Having a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth can be a source of embarrassment for many people, who feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile. In addition to the social stigma attached to missing a tooth or teeth, there is also the impact missing teeth have on one’s quality of life. One of the biggest drawbacks for patients missing multiple teeth is they are limited in the types of foods they can enjoy and are not able to properly chew and digest the foods they once enjoyed. Missing teeth also increase an individual’s risk of developing other oral and physical health issues and will result in the gradual deterioration of their jawbone, due to lack of stimulation. Once this occurs, a person’s face can become sunken, and they can look older than they actually are.
Fortunately, there are several different treatment options for patients with missing teeth. Which option is right for you will depend on a variety of factors, such as the location of your missing tooth or teeth, the underlying cause of your tooth loss, your age, treatment goals, and overall oral and physical health. To learn more about treatment options for missing teeth, please refer to the following.
Process for Replacing Upper False Teeth
The process of replacing your upper false teeth will largely depend on what type of treatment your periodontist recommends. The first part of this process is the evaluative process, during which your periodontist will review your medical and oral health history, perform a thorough evaluation of your current oral health, determine the underlying reason why your upper teeth need to be replaced, and identify and treat any additional underlying issues that need to be addressed to ensure your dental implant procedure is successful.
Once the underlying cause is determined and a treatment plan is developed, your periodontist will schedule a follow up appointment. Regardless of what type of treatment plan is recommended, you should plan on a recovery period to reduce your risk of developing complications and ensure you have a successful outcome.
Best Alternative to Dentures
Following your evaluation, your periodontist will detail what treatment options are available to you. Which treatment option is best suited for your needs will depend largely on how many implants you require, the density of your jawbone, the status of your overall oral health, and what your treatment goals are. Examples of treatment options for upper teeth include:
- Economy dentures: Economy dentures are a generic denture which is not designed to meet the unique needs and qualities of a patient’s mouth and that require dental adhesive to create a more secure fit. There are numerous drawbacks to this as a treatment option, such as causing discomfort, frequently slipping out, and not looking natural; however, this is also the most cost affordable treatment option for missing teeth.
- Immediate dentures: Although this is not a viable treatment option for all patients, in some cases dentures can be placed on the same day a tooth or teeth are extracted.
- Partial dentures: This treatment option is best suited for patients who still have some of their natural teeth remaining in their upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures work much like a retainer, in that they have a pink colored base attached to a metal piece which connects to the roof of the mouth and surrounding remaining teeth. Partial dentures do not provide the same type of chewing force and stability as a permanent denture, but they are a cost-affordable option and are easy to remove and clean. Partial dentures are especially effective in prevent remaining teeth from moving.
- Traditional complete full dentures: Unlike dental bridges, which anchor to existing teeth, complete full dentures sit on top of the gums and replace all of the patient’s teeth. Complete full dentures are most often placed within two to three months of the patient’s remaining teeth being extracted.
- Custom dentures: Although dentures are not commonly recommended if other treatment options are available, getting custom dentures is the best option for patients who want to have as much stability as possible and a denture that looks more natural. Patients who get custom dentures can also weigh in on what they would like the final aesthetic appearance to look like. Although traditional dentures have been a popular option for patients with missing teeth, most periodontists will recommend other treatment options such as the following.
- Implant supported dentures: Implant supported dentures are secured to a dental implant, which is placed into the jawbone and acts as the root for the replacement teeth. In addition to looking more natural and lasting longer, implant supported dentures also reduce the likelihood of the denture slipping out of place and provide greater strength and stability.
- Overdentures: Overdentures are held in place with dental implants and sit on top of the gums. Overdentures are removable and can be used on both the lower and upper jaw.
- Snap-in dentures: One of the best solutions for correcting teeth that are missing in your upper jaw are snap-in dentures. Snap-in dentures are held in place with the help of anchors onto the existing teeth or dental implants. In addition to increased stability, snap-in dentures can also be designed to match your remaining natural teeth, providing you with a stable, natural looking solution. Because they are also removable, this means you can thoroughly clean them while you conduct your normal oral hygiene routine. While snap-in dentures are a great option for many patients, it will be necessary to take a diagnostic exam to ensure you have enough jawbone to support this upper false teeth option.
Contact Your Periodontist Today
To learn more about treatment options for missing upper teeth and/or to determine which treatment option is right for you, schedule an appointment with your periodontist. They will perform a thorough evaluation, which will include diagnostic exams, a review of your oral and medical health history, and a discussion about your primary treatment goals. Once they have gathered this information, a personalized treatment plan can be developed to help you achieve the results you desire and restore you back to having a bright, full smile!