Options for Replacing Missing Teeth Port St. Lucie, FL
When you meet someone for the first time, one of the first things this person will notice is your smile. A full set of teeth will enhance your smile and appearance. Unfortunately, though teeth are strong and durable, they can be damaged and fall out due to injury or decay. Replacing missing teeth can restore your smile and allow you to eat and speak normally again.
Options for missing teeth are available at St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Port St. Lucie and the surrounding area. You should speak to our team about which options make the most sense for your budget and needs. We can provide you with a solution that you can feel good about. Call us today at (772) 242-4124 and schedule an appointment.
Available treatments
The good news for patients who are missing teeth is that there are effective options to correct these issues. An evaluation will factor in a person's medical history, the severity of oral health conditions, and how many teeth are missing to decide on the preferred treatment option. Options our team might recommend include:
- Dentures: These can be full or partial. Dentures are removable and made to look like natural teeth.
- Implants: This process takes longer than other options, but implants are more durable. Implants work well for patients who are missing multiple teeth.
- Bridges: As an article on WebMD explains, this treatment fixes artificial teeth to crowns over natural teeth. Bridges can stop surrounding teeth from shifting.
All treatment options have benefits and challenges. Therefore, it is essential for both the patient and the dentist to openly discuss what is available. Then decide on the right fit.
“An evaluation will factor in a person’s medical history, the severity of oral health conditions, and how many teeth are missing to decide on the preferred treatment option.”
Complete Dentures to Replace All Teeth
A patient who wants a complete teeth replacement has three options. The most common option to choose is getting a full set of dentures. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, approximately 15% of people missing all their teeth get dentures. Full dentures are an appropriate teeth replacement choice for many patients. Additionally, dentures are usually a more affordable solution to severe tooth loss than others. As opposed to implants, these oral appliances are removable, which allows the patient to use them on a more flexible schedule. Those new to dentures may need several appointments for measurements, impressions, and finally, the fitting of the dentures into the mouth with St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.
“A patient who wants a complete teeth replacement has three options.”
The Role of Age on Replacing Missing Teeth
Regardless of a person's age, it is vital to have functioning teeth. Missing teeth makes chewing more difficult, can weaken oral health, and can affect appearance. Our staff will consider a person's age when deciding what option for replacing missing teeth is right. For example, older patients may not be concerned about a solution that will last for 20 years and beyond. Older adults may prefer dentures for this reason and because it takes less work to clean.
Conversely, young patients are more active and may find themselves in more social situations. For this reason, they may prefer to choose implants. Also, younger patients are more likely to be in good overall health. Overall oral and physical health is an important criteria for being a good candidate for dental implants.
“Regardless of a person’s age, it is vital to have functioning teeth.”
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The Process of Replacing All Teeth
When a patient is ready to go forward with complete teeth replacement, our team can guide them through the process. After deciding on a complete teeth replacement, our team schedules a consultation. We evaluate the mouth and gums and take X-rays. Then, the dental provider recommends treatment. Before getting dentures or implants, our dentist will remove any other remaining teeth or diseased gum tissue.
With dentures and implants, the dentist measures the mouth before treatment begins. We take impressions to get the right dimensions for the new prosthetic. Afterward, that information goes to the lab for a custom fit. After the lab creates the dentures, they may require several fitting appointments to ensure comfort. Patients who need implants will schedule surgery to place the implants. Then, there may be an appointment to place abutments onto the posts. A few months later, the dentist places the individual implants onto the metal posts.
“After deciding on a complete teeth replacement, our team schedules a consultation.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How can a dentist replace missing teeth?
Q. How does age affect your options when it comes to replacing missing teeth?
Q. How can complete dentures replace all teeth?
Q. What is the overall process of replacing all my teeth?
People Also Ask
Q. How can I prepare for my first implant procedure?
Q. What should I do if I lose teeth?
Q. What factors enable a patient to receive dental implants?
Q. What is the difference between fixed and removable implants?
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
Q. What happens after the dental implant procedure?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can my life improve with all teeth replacement options?
A. Not replacing missing teeth can lead to various problems with oral health. Along with that, it can help to restore one's smile. Complete teeth replacement helps improve speech, eating, appearance, and oral health.
Q. What can I eat with a complete teeth replacement?
A. Patients with dentures or implant-supported dentures may need to avoid foods such as carrots, apples, nuts, and tough cuts of meat. With dental implants, there is no need to adjust the diet. Whatever one eats, it is important to continue to brush and floss regularly after getting dentures or implants.
Q. What is the adjustment period for all teeth replacement options?
A. After getting implants, there is no adjustment period because they act and feel like real teeth. Wearing dentures for the first time may require an adjustment of about 30 days. Patients may feel a little discomfort in the jawbone as their mouth gets used to the dentures.
Q. What kind of oral care do I need for a complete teeth replacement?
A. Dental implant patients can continue their normal oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Patients with dentures or implant-supported dentures should rinse the dentures after each meal and soak them in a cleaning solution at night. All patients should continue to make regular appointments with their dental provider.
Q. When do I need to redo a complete teeth replacement?
A. Dentures are typically replaced every five to 10 years. The bridge from implant-supported dentures may also need replacement after time. Dental implants can last for decades, so they may never need replacement.
Dental Implant Terminology
It Is Time to Start Feeling Confident About Your Appearance
You may be amazed by what a big difference a new smile makes. Our staff is eager to help restore your mouth and looks. Call us today at 772-242-4124 so you can replace your missing teeth. You can feel more at ease about eating, speaking, and meeting new people in Port St. Lucie.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry was established in 1984.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Port St. Lucie, River Park, White City, Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce South, St Lucie West, Tradition, Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Stuart
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