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FILLING THE GAP Missing tooth - teeth
A missing tooth can be most unpleasant, for
your smile and for chewing, eating and talking. Today there
are many options available to fill the gaps - Implants, Bridges,
Dentures. Your dentist can explain to you which is best for
the space in your mouth and explain the advantages and disadvantages.
The right choice for you will depend on:
- The space - how big and where?
- How many teeth are missing?
- Front or back of the mouth?
- State of remaining teeth?
- Your bite - is it heavy?
- Cost factors.
THE
IMPLANT:
For single or many missing teeth.
What is an implant?
A lightweight metal device (titanium
post). It is placed in the bone under the gum. After 6-9
months the bone has bonded around the post and the crown
or dentures are then attached.
How is it done?
It takes very careful planning and usually
two or more dentists are involved - one to put the implant
in the bone (usually a specialist) and one to put on the
crowns.
Advantages:
Very natural, doesn't involve other teeth,
looks and feels fixed in the mouth. They give excellent
support to dentures as well as crowns. Good long term
results.
Disadvantages:
Several stages of treatment, some surgical
work needed.
Costs: An implant is more expensive than other options.
By restoring your smile and full working function of your
mouth, the cost is more than justified.
Maintenance:
Just like your own teeth implants need
regular care and maintenance by you with brushes and floss.
Regular follow up is also required.
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| Single
Tooth Implant |
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A lightweight
titanium post is placed in the bone under the gum,
and the tooth fitted
"from Nobelpharma" |
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| A strong
natural looking result |
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THE
BRIDGE
The bridge uses teeth on either side
of the gap to 'hold' the replacement tooth in position.
How?
Teeth on either side of the space are
shaped to a core, just like a crown, sometimes they need
to be built up. A mould impression is taken and the bridge
is made in a laboratory. Temporary covers are placed.
The bridge is fitted carefully and cemented in place.
Materials:
Porcelain and metal depending on where
in the mouth and how many teeth are involved.
Advantages:
Strong natural feel, not removable -
fixed. Appearance and function restored, long-term treatment,
maintains the other teeth in position stops drifting and
eruption.
Disadvantages:
Complex procedure involving preparation
of other supporting teeth, requires a minimum of two visits.
Costs:
A bridge is usually more costly than
a denture, Costs vary with time, and numbers of teeth
involved.
Maintenance:
Special brushes and floss are needed.
Regular hygiene visits. |
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| Teeth shaped
ready for bridge |
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| A strong
natural looking result |
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Other
Bridges:
'The Maryland':
Missing tooth supported by metal wings
that are cemented (bonded) onto adjacent teeth. It needs
very careful planning and is only useful in areas of low
stress. BUT, they might be right for you, 'ask your dentist'.
Advantages:
Little tooth preparation, fixed - not
removable, moderate costs, excellent appearance.
Disadvantages:
It cannot be used in heavy bite situations;
it can be dislodged with a knock or as teeth shift. |
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| The "Maryland"
Bridge |
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THE DENTURE - PARTIALS
The oldest and the cheapest way of replacing
teeth. 'Partial' denture means not all teeth are replaced -
just some. There are two main types of denture, plastic and
precision metal.
Plastic Denture
An all-plastic construction but often
with wire clasps to hold it in place. The plastic denture rests
on the gums.
Advantages:
Lowest cost option, simple procedure, no adjustment
of other teeth.
Disadvantages:
Removable, an 'extra' object in the mouth,
take out to clean, often loose and may get food under it, can
cause wear on adjacent teeth and 'push' back the gums. This
is short or medium term option, often temporary while bridges
or implants are made.
Precision Metal Denture
A cast metal (chromium cobalt) construction
with a plastic support on the gums.
Advantages:
Moderate cost, little tooth preparation (only
for rest and clasps), stays in place and less 'bulky' than plastic.
Stronger and cleaner.
Disadvantages:
Removable, take out to clean, needs regular
maintenance. This is medium or long term treatment option.
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