SENIORS WITH MISSING TEETH: WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

Missing teeth don’t only affect the way you look. They can also make it more difficult to eat the food you need for a healthy diet. Your remaining teeth could also become crooked without support on both sides.

Australians over the age of 65 have an average of 10.8 missing teeth, according to the most recent National Survey of Adult Oral Health. One in five seniors have no natural teeth remaining.

If you’ve lost any teeth to decay, gum disease or accidents, or you need to have teeth extracted, talk to your dentist about your tooth replacement options. They’ll explain what these treatments involve so you can make the best decision for your circumstances.

Replacing one or more missing teeth

If you only have a few teeth missing, or most of your teeth are missing but you still have some healthy teeth remaining, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge or partial dentures.

Dental bridge

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth made from ceramic or other strong materials that’s designed to look, feel and function like a natural tooth. A bridge can replace a single missing tooth in your mouth or several teeth in a row, ‘bridging’ the gaps between healthy teeth.

A fixed bridge is supported by the healthy teeth on both sides, which are fitted with crowns for extra strength. Some types of bridges can be supported on one side only, such as bridges for the front teeth. Your dentist will explain the options they offer during your consultation.

Find out more about dental bridges

Partial dentures

Another option for replacing a number of teeth in a row is partial dentures. Unlike full dentures, partial dentures are designed to fit between your remaining teeth. They attach to the back of the supporting teeth using discreet clasps that are easy to use. They can also be supported by a dental implant.

Like full dentures, partial dentures can be taken out at night. They’re made from strong acrylic or cobalt chrome that your dentist can match to your own tooth shade for a natural-looking finish.

Find out more about partial dentures

Replacing all of your teeth

If all of your teeth are missing or need to be removed, talk to your dentist about custom-made dentures to restore the appearance and strength of your smile.

Full dentures

Modern dentures are leaps and bounds ahead of the false teeth of the past. Designed to look and feel as much like your original teeth as possible (or with cosmetic alterations if preferred), full dentures can replace all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw, or all the teeth in your mouth.

Dentures are removable and attach securely to the gums through suction. If you still have some teeth remaining, these will need to be extracted first so your dentist can take impressions of your mouth and prepare your custom dentures.

Find out more about full dentures

Save 10% on senior dental treatments in Erskineville

Senior card holders receive a 10% discount on all dental treatments at Sydney Park Dental in Erskineville.

Find out more about this offer or call us today on (02) 8084 7170 to talk to our friendly team about our treatments and specials.

References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): Chrisopoulos S, Harford JE & Ellershaw A 2016. Oral health and dental care in Australia: key facts and figures 2015. Cat. no. DEN 229. Canberra: AIHW.