So you’re missing teeth and at a loss for what to do about it (no pun intended). Missing teeth not only impacts your confidence about your appearance but also the overall health of your mouth. It can affect the way you chew and speak, increase your risk of gum disease, and can lead to bone and tissue loss.
Effects of Tooth Loss on Oral Health
Missing teeth can seriously affect your oral health. Without a tooth, adjacent teeth may shift, causing bite problems and extra stress on your jaw, which can lead to joint issues and uneven wear. The jawbone where the tooth was lost can weaken over time, altering your facial appearance. Gaps from missing teeth can also trap plaque and make it harder to clean, increasing the risk of gum disease. Addressing missing teeth is essential to prevent these complications and maintain a healthy smile.
“Thank you Dr. Meden for making my experience at the Dental office very informative and helpful. I knew I had to have implants in the front of my mouth but I was always afraid to go ahead with the procedure. Dr. Meden had the patience to explain to me why I needed to do it which was not only cosmetic for cosmetic reasons. Today I was done with the procedure and I am very happy with the results. Thank you Dr. Meden for your excellent work.” — Elizabeth La Rosa
Lost Confidence
Missing teeth can significantly impact your confidence, with 74% of adults reporting that their smile is a key factor in their self-esteem (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 2023). Gaps in your smile can lead to self-consciousness and discomfort in social situations, affecting how you interact with others and how you feel about yourself. Restoring missing teeth can help regain confidence and improve your overall sense of well-being.
What are my options?
Depending on how severe your tooth loss is there are several options to restore your smile.
Dental Bridges
If you are missing a singular tooth and your surrounding teeth are healthy, a dental bridge might be a good solution for you. This procedure involves anchoring a prosthesis between two healthy teeth.
Fixed bridges provide a permanent solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, while cantilever bridges address gaps in your smile line. These bridges not only look and feel like natural teeth but also help lower the risk of gum disease, correct bite problems, and even enhance your speech. With proper oral hygiene, a bridge can last ten years or more.
While less expensive and invasive than implants, dental bridges do not offer the same longevity and functionality but can also serve as an intermediate solution to implants.
Dental Implants
Implants are surgically-placed, artificial tooth roots that when combined with a natural-looking crown are permanent and durable solutions for missing teeth. They look and function like your natural teeth and require minimal downtime.
In contrast to bridges or other tooth replacement options such as dentures, dental implants provide dependable, long-lasting, and tooth-preserving advantages. They help prevent bone loss and gum recession that can result from missing teeth, and they mimic the appearance, feel, and functionality of natural teeth. This makes them a preferred choice for individuals seeking both aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Dr. Meden is highly trained in implantology and utilizes the highest quality implants available to ensure your smile stands the test of time.
“Great dentist and highly qualified. The implants he undertook are excellent and have drawn many compliments. Very satisfied customer.” — Stefan Tevis, President Prestige Media Group
All-On-X
The All-On-X, or “All-On-Four,” method is a comprehensive smile restoration solution. This procedure is recommended for those who have major tooth loss. The procedure consists of surgically placing two arches (upper and lower) that are fixed into place by 4 implants.
The All-on-4 method is less invasive compared to other techniques because it requires fewer implants. This approach might enable patients with insufficient bone to avoid the need for a bone graft, which can delay getting dentures by several months. With fewer sites needing implantation, there is a reduced risk of infection, and the surgery itself is quicker. Additionally, All-on-4 implants can help slow down further bone loss.
“My boyfriend and I have both had a complete mouth restoration and couldn’t be happier. The customer service is great, they made us both feel very comfortable. We both loved the sedation dentistry that they offer. I am very scared of the dentist so this was very nice to be able to just show up, go to sleep, and wake up with the work done. Dr Meden has a very good eye for detail and you can tell he takes great pride in his work. I would recommend them to anyone.” — Amy Jordan
Dentures
While some patients need dental implants or bridges, others will be better off with dentures.
Dentures come in many varieties, and Dr. Meden can consult with you on the best solution for your mouth. Some dentures replace all of your teeth, but there are also partial dentures, which leave the remaining teeth.
Dentures may also be a great option for patients not ready to invest in All-on-X technology. These removable prostheses are a cost-effective solution for those missing most if not all teeth.
Discover the Best Missing Teeth Solutions at Elite Smiles Utah: Implants, Bridges, and All-On-X
At Elite Smiles, we use the latest technology and techniques to ensure the best results for your dental restoration. Dr. Meden’s extensive training and experience in implantology mean you receive top-notch care tailored to your needs.
If you’ve experienced tooth loss and are eager to restore your smile, you have excellent options available. Dr. Walter Meden at Elite Smiles in Draper, UT, is here to guide you in selecting the perfect solution tailored to your unique needs and will work closely with you to bring your dream smile to life.
Stop putting your confidence on hold—call or schedule a FREE consultation today to see if you are eligible for one of these life-changing procedures.