Over the course of your life your teeth and gums are constantly under attack from bacteria and plaque that damage the teeth and cause dental problems. In some cases this can result in losing teeth due to severe decay. Having missing teeth not only looks unattractive but can have wider health consequences, such as causing the facial tissue to sag. This leaves a sunken appearance that can become permanent if not addressed in time.

For these reasons, City of London dentists usually recommend that patients who have lost all or the majority of their teeth have a set of dentures fitted. In the past dentures have often come with a stigma that they look false, are uncomfortable and are prone to falling out causing embarrassment. However, over the last ten years improvements in denture technology have seen vastly more realistic and well-fitting dentures become available for all patients.

A good pair of dentures should remain in place through suction around the gums alone. Many patients resort to using denture adhesives to keep loose dentures in place. These are effective but can also be messy and limit what foods the patient can eat. Your dentist can adjust your dentures so they will stay securely in place without the need for adhesives.

Alternatively, you could opt to have mini-implants fitted to the jawbone to act as a secure base for the dentures. These will keep the dentures securely in place without any unnecessary fuss or mess. You can even still use your regular dentures, which can be fitted with special clips so they can attach to the implants. In all, five mini-implants are used to secure one set of dentures.

Losing a tooth to decay or in an accident can be painful and cause a series of long-term dental complications. As well as the pain and cost of treatment, missing teeth are also quite unattractive, especially if somewhere very visible in the dental arc. They can also cause many other underlying dental and wider health problems such as rotating teeth and bite problems. Therefore, Central London dentists always recommend that you try and replace missing teeth as soon as you can.

One of the most popular ways of replacing a missing tooth is to have a dental bridge. This involves constructing an artificial tooth attached by dental crowns on either side of the gap. Alternatively, if the teeth are in good condition, the new tooth can be attached by resin bonded strips.

The artificial tooth, known as the pontic from the Latin for bridge, is usually made from ceramic and chosen to closely match the size and colour of the other teeth. This is attached to dental crowns on either side that hold it in place, bridging the gap. Dental bridges can last as long as twenty years if they are properly cared for, which involves cleaning it by brushing and flossing just as you would a real tooth. It may be necessary to avoid certain foods which could damage the bridge by being too hard. Your dentist will be able to give you more information about how to look after your dental bridge.

A dental bridge will not only restore the aesthetic appearance of your smile which was lost with the tooth, but it can also restore the functionality and make sure that no further damage can be caused to the other teeth, facial tissues and the profile. If you have a missing tooth and are keen to replace it with a substitute, make an appointment to discuss dental bridges with your dentist.