Most individuals do not expect to lose one or especially, multiple teeth throughout their lifetime. Unfortunately, as a result of poor oral hygiene and injury, this is a common occurrence among adults. Fortunately, living with tooth loss doesn’t have to be a reality since there are multiple options, such as denture and dental implants in Myrtle Beach, available for replacing these precious pearly whites. But restoring your smile in a timely manner is crucial. Why? Read on to find out what can happen to your oral and physical health if you wait too long to replace your missing teeth.
What Can Happen if You Don’t Replace Your Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth not only cause problems for your confidence level and physical appearance. Over time, they can also lead to additional oral and overall health concerns. A few examples of what can happen if you don’t seek treatment include:
- Alignment Problems: If a tooth is missing, your nearby teeth will begin to shift in an effort to close the gap. This can cause an issue with the alignment of your teeth or bite. Two of the most common are overbite and underbite. If the teeth start to shift toward each other, you will have a small gap and crooked teeth that will require orthodontic treatment to fix.
- Opposing Tooth Growth: Also known as “super-eruption,” this occurs when the tooth opposite of the missing one tries to overcompensate and grows longer.
- Bone Resorption: Without teeth, your jawbone has nothing to keep it stimulated, so even if you are missing a single tooth, this vacated socket can cause your bone to weaken and deteriorate.
What Options Are Available?
In order to replace your missing teeth, your dentist in Myrtle Beach can provide you with a few options that will work to restore your smile: dentures or dental implants.
Full or partial dentures are ideal for a person who is missing some or all their teeth along an arch and who prefer a less-invasive treatment option. Both are made using an acrylic, gum-colored base, complete with artificial teeth. If missing only a few teeth, a partial can be created to include clips that will connect to your natural, healthy teeth, allowing it to stay in place.
A full denture can be created to replace and restore the look of a smile for an individual who is missing all their teeth. Whether in need of a top or bottom denture, or both, your natural suction will keep it in place, and a dental adhesive will work to provide added security.
If dentures don’t sound like the right option for you, your dentist can examine your smile to determine if your jawbone is stable enough for dental implants. These titanium posts are surgically placed into your jawbone, allowing for greater stability and functionality. Since it does require surgery, you will need 3-6 months to heal after receiving your implants before you can have your custom dental restoration put into place.
Depending on your personal preference and priorities, dentures are considered a more affordable solution; however, dental implants are designed to last 30 years or longer with proper care. Although more costly upfront, they are considered a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Don’t wait to do something about your missing teeth. Your dentist will be happy to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both restorative solutions, so you can make a more confident decision about your dental health.
About the Author
Dr. Jack Markusen served in the United States Air Force in 1968, as an airborne electronics technician. Honorably discharged in 1971, he enrolled at Baptist College of Charlestown and received his Bachelor of Science degree two years later. He then went on to the Medical University of South Carolina, School of Dentistry, and graduated in 1976. Dr. Markusen and his team strive to offer patients the best solutions for a better smile. This includes dental implants for those with missing teeth. Since a person’s oral health can decline quickly if teeth are not replaced in a timely manner, he will work to ensure the negative effects of tooth loss do not progress by providing safe and effective, restorative solutions. To find out how we can help you, visit our website or call (843) 314-4877.