Do you have a missing or broken tooth that needs to be replaced? Perhaps you have a series of teeth that all came out at once. Whatever the circumstances may be, there are several types of tooth replacements that you can explore. Here we will take a look at some of the most popular options available here in our Michigan dental clinic, so you can determine which one is right for you.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are individual tooth replacements designed to take the place of a single missing tooth. They are color matched to blend in with your existing smile, and they are either anchored with dental implants (described below) or the remaining roots of the teeth, if they are in good condition. While you can opt for a gold crown, most patients at our dental office in Chesterfield, MI choose to get color-matched crowns so they are less noticeable.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are similar to porcelain crowns, but they rely on the teeth surrounding the missing tooth to hold the artificial tooth in place. The adjacent teeth are shaved down slightly to make room for two crowns that have an artificial tooth in between them. The two crowns are adhered to the shaved teeth, locking the bridge in place. Once again, the bridge is made of composite materials that mimic the color of your teeth.
Partial And Complete Dentures
Removable dentures are another common form of tooth replacement in Michigan. Partial dentures replace a small set of teeth, and complete dentures replace all of the teeth in a patient’s mouth. You may need dental extractions to make room for your new dentures, which will be customized to fit your smile. Your cosmetic dentist can go over your options with you to figure out the best plan of action for your specific needs.
How Dental Implants Help Tooth Replacements
Dental implants are titanium posts that permanently lock a tooth replacement in place. The posts attach to your jaw bone and help to prevent bone loss. For crowns and bridges, a single implant may be used in place of missing or decayed roots. For complete dentures, a total of eight implants are used in the top and bottom jaws to take the pressure off the gums and provide better security for the dentures. You can still pull your dentures in and out as needed, but the implants provide a better grip while they are in your mouth.
To learn more about tooth replacements in Michigan or to figure out which ones will be best for your specific needs, contact Clinton Dental Center today at [phone_formatted] to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist.