Upper False Teeth Options
When you have missing teeth in your smile, you may feel self conscious about the way it looks or the way it affects the way you speak. Depending on where the missing tooth is in your mouth, it may affect the way your face looks even when your mouth is closed. And worse yet, if you find yourself missing multiple teeth, your insecurity can reach even higher levels. For people with dentures, they can find that self consciousness of missing teeth is replaced by the self consciousness of dentures clicking when speaking or moving when eating. Even saying you wear dentures may cause people to be self conscious or feel older than they are. When people are looking to replace their upper teeth, dentures fit over the gums and have material that partially covers the roof of your mouth. But dentures are not the only tooth replacement option and all of the following options can be used to replace teeth on the upper jaw.
When you are looking to replace one or multiple teeth on your upper jaw, take time to talk to the dentist about dental implants, partial dentures, custom dentures, immediate dentures, implant supported dentures, snap-in dentures, overdentures, upper dentures, economy dentures, and dental bridges as options. The dentist will help you understand the pros and cons of each of the options, the approximate cost of each and what the best decision is for your needs and expectations. You will be able to walk away feeling confident in your decision and your improved, complete smile.
Dental Implants
The most common tooth replacement option is dental implants and they can be used all over your mouth including the upper jaw. The dentist places screw shaped posts into your jaw bone where the posts fuse with the bone. It takes between three to six months for the post to heal in place so the dentist will not move forward to the next step until this is complete to help your dental implant stay healthy. The secure posts then act as artificial tooth roots to the dental prosthetic, whether it is a single crown or a denture.
As compared to other treatment options for missing teeth, the dental implant is longer lasting and more durable for day to day use. Most people experience twenty five years or more with their dental implant but they can last even longer if you take proper care of them. Dental implants are not able to be removed which allows them to function like a natural tooth when you are eating, speaking, or smiling. There is a rigorous screening process for dental implants so you will need a consultation before the dentist determines if you are a suitable candidate.
Overdentures
Overdentures are a type of implant supported denture for people who need to replace multiple teeth with a single dental prosthetic. These dentures do not require any adhesive or suction to remain in place. The dental implants keep the overdentures in place and stable, preventing any movement while eating or talking. The dental implants also keep the bone stronger than regular dentures do, because the implant stimulates bone growth.
Dental Bridges
If you are only missing one tooth on your upper jaw, then the dentist can use a dental bridge to replace your missing tooth. A dental bridge is when a replacement tooth is held in place by crowns on either side, in some cases the dentist may use a dental implant on either side to hold the false tooth in place. If the dentist uses a crown on either side of the missing tooth, then the dentist will need to permanently remove the enamel from those teeth to properly attach the crown to the natural teeth. The dentist will need to compromise the health of two previously healthy teeth in order to use a dental bridge. A dental bridge will not shift while you are eating or talking, unlike dentures.
Partial dentures
If your upper jaw is missing only one or two teeth near each other or next to each other, the dentist may recommend a partial denture. This kind of apparatus looks like a false tooth attached to a retainer-like piece. There may be a metal piece that hooks around or attaches to existing teeth so you can remove the partial denture whenever you need to. Partial dentures prevent the teeth from either side of the gap from shifting and they can be made from acrylic or acrylic blended material.
Custom dentures
Custom dentures for your upper jaw can be one of the most expensive versions of dentures but the results are the most natural looking of all the other types of dentures. The teeth can be shaped and color adjusted to look like your missing natural teeth. The dentist will be able to review and share the versions of the dentures before it is finalized to ensure the best fit and most appropriate look.
Immediate dentures
If you are looking to have dentures the same day that you have any teeth removed or extracted. Not all people are healthy enough or heal well enough to have this kind of denture.
Implant supported dentures
There is more than one kind of implant supported denture available for people based on the way the dentures fit on to the dental implants and the number of implants used to support the denture. The dental implant provides the stability that dentures alone lack and the affordability of dentures as a way to replace multiple teeth on your upper jaw.
Snap-in dentures
Snap in dentures can be used in conjunction with dental implants or existing teeth on your upper jaw to secure the dentures in place. These kinds of dentures are usually removable so you can clean them the way you would you traditional dentures.
Upper dentures
These dentures are used for your upper jaw and uniquely designed for the needs of your upper jaw when you talk, eat and chew.
Economy dentures
If you are looking for the least expensive way to have dentures for your upper jaw, then this is the best option for you so you do not have to live with missing teeth. They are generic and probably will not fit well or stay secure.