Gaps in your smile can be the least of the problems a missing tooth can cause. Your dentist can discuss the different options for replacing a single tooth, multiple teeth or all of your teeth, depending on your preferences and your price range.
How common are missing teeth?
Many Australians now keep most of their natural teeth all of their lives, but the average number of missing teeth naturally increases with age – from an average 3.6 missing teeth for 35–54 year olds to 8.8 missing teeth in 55–74 year olds and 13.2 missing teeth in those aged 75 or older, according to the latest National Study of Adult Oral Health. Around 21% of Australians over 75 have no natural teeth remaining.
What problems can missing teeth cause?
Missing teeth can cause a number of functional and aesthetic problems.
- A gap in a smile can affect a person’s self-confidence.
- Multiple missing teeth may affect your ability to eat or speak normally, which may also lead to dietary or digestive issues.
- Without support, the teeth on either side of a gap may bend out of shape over time, which may require orthodontic treatment.
- The jaw bone and other structures in the face may also shrink without support from teeth roots, leading to a sunken and prematurely aged appearance.
What are my options for teeth replacement?
The most common treatments for replacing teeth are dental implants, a dental bridge, and dentures, which each have their pros and cons.
- Dental implants – made from titanium and covered by a bridge or denture, implants cost more up front, but they can be a permanent replacement and are the only option that will also support your jaw.
- Dental bridges – a prosthetic tooth or teeth to fill gaps in your smile, bridges are attached to the surrounding teeth by crowns or clasps, depending on their position in the mouth.
- Full or partial dentures – removable false teeth to replace one tooth, several teeth or all of your upper or lower teeth, dentures are custom fitted by a dentist and should be cleaned daily.
The most suitable teeth replacement option for you will depend on your medical suitability, needs and budget.
Ways to prevent tooth loss
You could lower your risk of tooth loss by:
- brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and following a healthy diet to help keep your teeth and gums healthy
- switching to an electric toothbrush if you find it difficult to use a manual toothbrush
- quitting smoking to lower your oral health risks
- drinking plenty of water to prevent dry mouth, which contributes to oral health problems
- visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and oral hygiene treatments.
Discuss tooth replacement in Brisbane
To find out more about implants, bridges and other options for replacing teeth, book a consultation with our dentists at your local Swish Dental clinic in Brisbane. Call our dentists in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or our Mitchelton practice on (07) 3354 3341, or book online.
References
Do L & Luzzi L 2019. Oral Health Status. p38-96. In: ARCPOH. Australia’s Oral Health: National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017–18. Adelaide: The University of Adelaide, South Australia.