PROSTHETIC

Missing teeth can have a major impact on your appearance, overall oral health, and self-esteem.

Dr. Michael Young offers a full range of dental prosthetics, including bridges, dentures, and even implant-supported prosthetics. These restorations can renew your dental function and help you feel much more confident in your smile.

When you receive a prosthetic from Dr. Young and our staff, you will benefit from our high level of personal attention and our commitment to your comfort. Additionally, Dr. Young is an experienced cosmetic dentist, and, when planning for dental prosthetics, he takes both aesthetic and functional components into consideration.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

Receiving a bridge or a denture will have obvious and immediate results for your appearance, particularly if you are missing teeth in the front of your mouth. At the same time, a dental prosthetic can have an equally important effect on your oral health. Missing teeth can alter the force of your bite, putting pressure on your jawbone and your other teeth. In time, this can increase your risk for additional tooth damage and even TMJ disorder (TMD). Furthermore, when there are gaps in your dental arch, other teeth can start to shift and migrate into this space. A prosthetic will fill in the opening to keep your bite strong and healthy.

Dental Bridges and Dentures

A dental bridge is commonly used to replace one tooth or two adjacent missing teeth. These prosthetics attach to the neighboring teeth with dental crowns. One or two new teeth, known as pontics, will then fill in the space between. You can choose from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-porcelain, and zirconia.

When you are missing a larger number of teeth, a denture is appropriate. Partial dentures can restore your smile when you still have some remaining healthy teeth. These prosthetics are removable with a plastic base that fits over the gums. Small clasps connect to the adjacent teeth and help to keep the denture in place. If you are missing all of your upper or lower teeth (or both), Dr. Young will recommend a full denture. Advances in technology mean that dentures now fit more comfortably and securely than ever before.

Implant-Supported Restorations

In addition to traditional prosthetics, Dr. Young is also proud to offer implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures. These restorations attach to metal implant posts, which are inserted in your jaw during surgery. Thus, they are more secure than a removable denture and can better restore your oral function. Further, dental implants replace not only your teeth but also the tooth roots. Just like natural roots, they can promote bone growth and prevent additional tooth loss.

Contact Us to Restore Your Smile

To learn more about dental prosthetics and to find out the best way to restore your smile, contact our Lafayette or Delcambre office today. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Young can discuss your budget, health needs, and goals before designing your custom restoration. Book your appointment by calling 337-237-6453.

References: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-dentures