Upper False Teeth Options
People who are missing even a single tooth might feel insecure about their smile. For people who are missing multiple teeth, the insecurity may be so great as to make smiling not even an option. This may be particularly problematic when the teeth that are missing are the upper front teeth, as these are the teeth that are most visible and most noticed when smiling, eating, or speaking. While removable dentures may have once been the most common option for replacing missing teeth, innovations in dental technology have increased the availability, affordability, and viability of some other dental replacement options. Some of these long-term or permanent tooth replacement options include dental implants, dental bridges, or overdentures. The type of dental restoration that is recommended to each patient will vary, based on the health of the oral cavity, the density and overall health of the jawbone, the patient’s budget, and the number of missing teeth.
The most popular alternative to removable dentures is also the most effective: dental implants. Dental implants are small cylindrical fixtures, usually made of titanium, that are inserted into the jawbone and then allowed to heal. Once the implants have healed, fusing together with the bone, they serve as replacement tooth roots that anchor the replacement teeth in place. It usually takes implants anywhere from three to six months to heal, though dentists recommend a slightly longer healing time for the top row of teeth when implants are used. Dental implants are durable and can last a lifetime if cared for correctly. They cannot be removed, and they are custom crafted to visibly match the surrounding teeth, making them both comfortable and aesthetically attractive. Dental implants also provide the added benefit of improving the health of the bones in the jaw and stimulating the growth of new, healthy bone, which helps maintain the appearance of the face and jaw. These aesthetic appeals can be especially important when the teeth that are being replaced are the top, front teeth. In order for dental implants to be an option, the patient must have a sufficient amount of healthy bone to support the implants, either naturally or after a bone graft procedure. Patients must also have healthy gums; if a patient seeks implant therapy and has gum disease, the dentist will treat the gum disease and provide education and guidance toward preventing future gum disease as part of the implant therapy.
Overdentures may be used if a patient has lost multiple teeth. While removable dentures are held in place with a denture adhesive, overdentures are anchored into the mouth with dental implants or by using caps that are placed on the remaining natural teeth. This provides stability and security that are not usually found with removable dentures. Overdentures don’t slip or move while their wearer talks or chews, while removable dentures can be prone to slipping, making overdentures more comfortable than their removable counterparts. Overdentures that are supported by implants also stimulate the health of the bones in the jaw, delaying or even preventing future bone loss.
For patients who are only missing one or a few teeth, a dental bridge may be the most appropriate option. A dental bridge is held in place either by crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap created by the missing tooth or teeth, or by dental implants on either side of the dental gap. While dental bridges are highly stable and create visually appealing results, dentists usually need to remove healthy structure from the supporting teeth in order to place the crowns that anchor the dental bridge, which may not be an appealing option for some patients.
Other dental replacement options include traditional removable dentures, which can be either complete or partial. These can replace all or some of a patient’s natural teeth and sit on top of the gums, secured by denture adhesives or acrylic pieces that follow the natural contour of the mouth and hold the dentures in place. These denture options are convenient and removable and can be premade of acrylic material or custom made of more expensive and natural-looking material. For patients who are averse to surgery or for whom surgery is not recommended for medical reasons, or for patients whose jaw is not strong or healthy enough to support dental implants, these removable options may be preferred. Removable dentures are also less expensive than their permanent counterparts, which can make them more appealing to some patients for whom budget is a concern. Dentures may also be supported by one or a few dental implants, helping to secure the denture in place and increasing the comfort and utility of the denture, or they may be made to snap on to dental implants or anchoring crowns on the existing teeth. These snap-in dentures are convenient and removable, like traditional dentures, but are also stabilized by dental implants and therefore less likely to slip and interfere with talking or chewing. These dental replacement options can replace teeth in the upper row of the jaw, the lower row, or the entire mouth.
The right type of upper false teeth options for each patient will depend on a number of factors, including overall health, oral health, the amount of available healthy bone, and the patient’s preferences and budget. If you know that you don’t want removable dentures, ask your dentist about the available alternatives, like dental implants, overdentures, and dental bridges. If you prefer a more affordable and immediate solution, removable dentures may be appropriate for you. A prosthodontist or dental implant specialist can help you learn more about each of these options and can determine which replacement options might be suitable for your needs, and your dentist can refer you to the appropriate specialist, choosing a colleague whose work they respect and trust. Your initial consultation will include an examination of the periodontium to determine the health of the gum tissue and existing teeth, as well as an x-ray to assess the jawbone and gauge its health and strength. If necessary, a bone graft procedure may be performed before implants are placed, increasing the required healing time but also providing a solid foundation for dental implants. Each of these factors will be taken into consideration as your dental restoration treatment is planned and implemented.