Whether you’re missing one or several teeth, there are a number of options for tooth replacement. The best treatment for you will depend on your specific situation and goals. Here are some of the most popular solutions: traditional braces, Invisalign, partial dentures and dental implants.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are metal brackets that your orthodontist affixes to the front of your teeth. A wire then runs through these brackets and can be tightened to apply more or less pressure to specific areas of your mouth to move your missing teeth Floyds Knobs IN into proper alignment. These braces are often the most efficient (and quickest) option when it comes to correcting almost any orthodontic problem.
In addition to metal wires, these brackets may have elastic bands (also known as ligatures or O-rings), which add to the amount of pressure they put on your teeth. You might also have spacers, which fit between your molars to make room for the arch wire.
The archwire itself can be made of stainless steel or clear or tooth-colored materials. You might also have a buccal tube, which anchors the arch wire to one of your molars. If you break your archwire, you’ll need to visit your orthodontist for a repair, which can prolong the treatment time. You can avoid breaking your archwire by following your orthodontist’s advice about eating and drinking certain foods.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses clear retainer-based technology to correct a variety of tooth and bite problems. It is a much faster and more efficient treatment than traditional braces. It can treat crowded teeth, large gaps between missing teeth Floyds Knobs IN and even crossbite.
It is also a more discreet treatment option. It is less noticeable than traditional metal braces, and the aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic. The aligners are easily removable, allowing patients to brush and floss their teeth normally.
Invisalign can be used in conjunction with dental implants and other previous orthodontic procedures. It can be particularly useful for patients who are missing one or more teeth and need to align their smile before getting a replacement. To learn more about this treatment, schedule a consultation with Floyds Knobs IN dentist. Our experienced orthodontist will be happy to advise you on the best course of action to achieve your ideal smile.
Partial Dentures
Living without even a single tooth can be challenging, and the impact on your quality of life is significant. Fortunately, there are several different tooth-replacement options that can help you recover from missing teeth Floyds Knobs IN and restore function and self-esteem.
Partial dentures can be used to replace missing teeth in any area of the mouth. A partial consists of one or more artificial missing teeth Floyds Knobs IN that are secured to the remaining natural teeth with clasps. These removable partials can be fabricated in a variety of materials.
Stomadent offers titanium, a highly biocompatible metal, as the framework material for these partials. It is roughly 400 percent lighter than cobalt-chromium alloys that are traditionally used for cast metal partials.
We also fabricate Valplast flexible and acrylic resin denture frameworks, which are much more comfortable than those made of metal. These materials are especially well-suited for areas of the upper jaw where a removable partial is needed to avoid contact with metal clasps and improve aesthetics.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement solution that provides permanent, natural-looking results. They can also restore full function and enhance self-confidence. Unlike dentures, implant-supported teeth are permanently fused to the bone to prevent shifting and a sagging jawline.
The gap caused by a missing tooth causes the surrounding teeth to shift, resulting in crookedness and affecting your bite, ability to chew and appearance. In addition, the bone in the missing area can deteriorate.
Implants are small titanium screws that integrate into the jawbone. They can either be used as an anchor for a dental bridge or as part of an extra-oral anchorage device to facilitate orthodontic movement.
If you’re missing all of your upper or lower teeth, our team can help you regain your confidence with a full-arch fixed implant-supported bridge. This solution, known as all-on-four, uses fewer implants than traditional options to provide a cost-effective and durable alternative to removable dentures. Schedule a consultation to learn more about this option.
