Upper False Teeth Options
If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, you may feel self-conscious about your smile, and, if the missing teeth are on the top row, especially near the front of the mouth in what is called the aesthetic zone, you might resist smiling at all. For decades, people who were missing teeth often chose dentures as a dental restoration option; however, dentures aren’t a great option for many people, as they can be uncomfortable or even painful and they often interfere with eating and speaking. More recently, thanks to advances in dental technology, there are more and more alternatives for people who want to replace one or more missing teeth but don’t want to rely on removable dentures for whatever reason. Your dentist may recommend one of these dental restoration options, and it’s important to be familiar with the pros and cons of each type of dental restoration as you make your own informed medical choices.
Some of the more common options for replacing both the upper and lower rows of teeth include dental implants, overdentures, removable dentures, and dental bridges. The appropriate dental restoration option will depend on the number of teeth you’re replacing, your oral health and the health of your jawbone, and your personal preferences and budgetary needs. The most popular dental restoration option, and the most effective alternative to removable dentures, is dental implants. Dental implants are tiny screw-like cylinders made of biocompatible material, usually titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone and serve as substitute tooth roots to anchor dental restorations in place. The success of dental implants derives largely from their security and stability in the mouth, which provide a natural appearance and feel. The security of dental implants is the result of a process called osseointegration, in which the jawbone heals around the implant and fuses to the implant itself during the healing process. Osseointegration usually takes about three to six months, and temporary replacement teeth can usually be used while the implants heal. Once osseointegration has completed, dental crowns and implant-supported dentures can be permanently affixed to the implant posts. When properly maintained, dental implants can be expected to last a lifetime; their durability is one of the reasons they are so popular. They also appeal to people because they are comfortable and feel and act most like natural teeth, and the dental prosthetics implants support can be crafted to match existing natural teeth in color and luminosity, creating a natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Because their stability arises through osseointegration, dental implants are recommended for patients with a sufficient amount of healthy bone, though bone graft surgeries may be used to supplement healthy bone in certain situations. Once implants have been placed and healed, they stimulate the growth of healthy bone tissue and can help restore and maintain the health of the jawbone, providing a medical benefit in addition to the multiple other benefits they offer.
Dental implants can be used to support individual dental crowns, with each implant serving as the root of its own individual prosthetic tooth, or they can be used to support overdentures. Overdentures can be a good option for people who have lost most or all of their teeth. While removable dentures are held in place with adhesives, which can make them prone to slipping and rubbing on the gum tissue or interfering with eating and speaking, overdentures are held in the mouth with dental implants or supported by the remaining natural teeth, providing more security and stability than adhesives. Overdentures don’t slip or rub, so they don’t irritate the gums and won’t interfere with eating and speaking, making them more comfortable and convenient than removable dentures, and, because they are supported by implants, they confer the added benefit of stimulating healthy bone formation and maintaining the health of the jaw.
If dental implants aren’t an option for you, you may be curious about one of the many removable denture options that are available. Dentures are prosthetic teeth, usually made of acrylic or porcelain, that are attached to a base that rests on the gums and is held in place with denture adhesive. Dentures can be made to replace the upper or lower row of teeth, or both rows. Traditional removable dentures are convenient and easy to clean, but they often slip out of place and can interfere with chewing and talking. Flexible dentures, which are made of malleable materials, can be a more comfortable option than traditional removable dentures, which rely on rigid materials, like acrylic, to support the prosthetic teeth. Flexible dentures are often made of thin, thermoplastic material, like nylon, making them lighter and more comfortable, and they lack metal parts that can increase bulk and uncomfortable rubbing.
When patients still have some of their natural teeth, they can be fitted for removable partial dentures, which can be clipped onto the remaining teeth as desired. If you’re only missing one tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge. A dental bridge consists of a single prosthetic tooth that is supported by dental crowns or dental implants on either side of the prosthetic. In order to place a dental bridge, dentists may need to remove some of the structure of the healthy teeth so that a crown can be fitted over the tooth, which is the primary downside of the dental bridge. Overall, however, dental bridges can be excellent, stable, comfortable alternatives to dentures.
No matter what kind of dental restoration you and your dentist decide to use, properly caring for your false teeth is key to maintaining their appearance and longevity and protecting your oral health. False teeth require regular cleaning, just like natural teeth do, and it’s also important to clean the gums, tongue, and oral cavity daily to remove infection-causing bacteria and debris. While different types of dental restorations require different cleaning techniques and solutions, your dentist will work with you to make sure you know how to clean your dental restorations, and daily cleaning combined with regular dental checkups will help maintain your oral health and the life of your dental restorations.