False Teeth Alternatives

Tooth loss is a common incidence that affects the individual in many ways. More than the functional disturbance, a person with a missing tooth loses self-confidence and often faces embarrassing moments. This awkward feeling of tooth decay and tooth loss is more profound in teenagers and young people, who are not in an age for permanent tooth loss. In such a case, opting for false teeth is the ultimate solution. One can select from several false teeth alternatives, each of which has its own pros and cons.

Alternatives to False Teeth

If it is for cosmetic reason, false tooth is not always necessary for all cases of tooth loss. It is mostly opted when any of the front teeth or another in a visible portion is lost. Nevertheless, using a false tooth aids in improving dental health and also, in eating. This is because when a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth and others in the jaw tend to drift towards the area. Also, food particles tend to get trapped in the gap. But, what are false teeth options? Following are some alternative options that can be used instead of false teeth.

Dental Implants
Of all the false teeth substitutes, dental implant is considered as the most effective procedure. Over here, an implant made up of titanium (serving as root) is fixed in the jawbone. After about 3-4 months, or when the implant gets adjusted in the nearby bone, a post is fitted and a prosthetic tooth is slipped over it. Though it is a bit pricey, dental implant is much better than other options. Either a few teeth or the complete set can be replaced with dental implants.

Bridge Implants
A bridge is an effective choice for replacing only one or two teeth. It is a false tooth, which is secured to the neighboring teeth, i.e. on both sides of the newly placed tooth. Thus, the false tooth acts like a bridge in the gap. As compared to dental implant, dental bridge cost is less and the procedure is time-consuming. However, a bridge is not suited for replacing many missing teeth or the complete set of teeth. At any point of time, the dentist is the most reliable person to seek advice on false teeth options.

Dentures
Another popularly used option is denture, which can be removable or fixed. Truly speaking, it is an appliance that is used for replacing one or more missed teeth. The false teeth are mounted or fixed over a removable plastic plate. Based on whether there are natural teeth remaining or not, dentures can be partial or full. As the term signifies, partial is applicable when the candidate has some natural teeth; while full denture fixing is considered when there are no real teeth left in the jaw.

Porcelain Veneers
These false teeth are used for covering natural teeth, not for actually replacing them. The candidates for these alternatives are those who have healthy teeth and roots, but they are discolored. Color and texture wise, the porcelain veneers resemble real teeth. They are thin structures, placed over natural teeth to enhance their look and appearance. Very hardly, onlookers can make out the difference between real teeth and veneers.

Last but not the least, crowns are placed over damaged teeth to look and function like real ones. No doubt, nothing is better than healthy and real teeth. But, in case of a missing tooth, no choice is left to the person, other than using a false tooth and following proper dental care tips. For such cases, selecting the appropriate false teeth alternatives is essential for both cosmetic and clinical applications. So, research about false teeth facts and alternatives of the same, along with their pros and cons, prior to using them.