Improper oral hygiene is one of the reasons why most dental issues develop. Before you know it, neglecting the simple task of brushing your teeth has led to serious oral problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss.
When people lose their teeth, it affects their facial structure and their ability to speak and eat. That’s why tooth loss requires immediate solutions like permanent teeth replacements. However, the process of creating them usually takes weeks or months.
While waiting for the said process, patients can choose to have temporary teeth. It allows them to continue with their daily tasks without feeling conscious about their incomplete smile. Listed below are more details about this type of option.
What Are Temporary Teeth?
Temporary teeth are restorative solutions designed to fill the gaps left by your missing teeth. Dentists usually remove a damaged tooth in your mouth to avoid it from affecting your other healthy natural teeth. As a result, it creates gaps that will require permanent oral solutions like dental implants and dentures.
These dental procedures often require your gums to heal completely, which could take months before the prosthetic devices are placed on your teeth. During that period, your teeth tend to shift or move. Temporary teeth are placed in those gaps to protect and maintain the spaces left by your extracted tooth. The length of time you’ll have to wear your false teeth will depend on your dentist’s recommendation.
Types of Temporary Tooth Replacements
There are different types of temporary teeth available. Whichever option suits you depends on your preference, dental status, and budget. Some of them include the following:
Dental Flipper
A dental flipper is a temporary partial denture designed with an acrylic base plate. This prosthetic tooth is usually used to replace your front or back teeth.
Clip-On Veneers
Clip-on veneers are used to improve the appearance of your teeth. They help hide factors that affect the aesthetics of your smile, like cracks, stains, chips, and some missing teeth. This type of prosthetic is usually worn like a mouth guard, and it is advised to remove them before you sleep or sometimes when eating or drinking.
Temporary Implant Crown
A temporary implant crown is a cap that protects your implant, as it usually takes weeks before a permanent crown is cemented in place. Although it will help you chew and eat properly, temporary crowns require extra care as they are not as durable as permanent ones.
Consult Your Dentist
These are only a few things that will help you understand how temporary teeth work. Consult your dentist if you need guidance in determining which type of prosthetic is suitable for you. To get in touch with a team that provides comprehensive dental services, contact Afdent Patient Friendly Dentistry. You can also visit us at one of our dental offices in Mishawaka and Fort Wayne, IN.