Many people lose multiple teeth as they age. With fewer teeth in their mouth, they may find it difficult to chew their food thoroughly. Additionally, they may have trouble pronouncing words properly.

Tooth loss can also have a negative impact on the remaining healthy teeth in the mouth. With extra room along the palates, the remaining teeth may start to migrate from their initial positions. Additionally, the missing teeth can provide no stimulation to the jawbone. This stimulation, which occurs as the pressure from chewing is transferred from the teeth to the bone of the jaw, promotes the production of new bone cells to keep the jawbone healthy and thick. 

Without the stimulation, the jawbone can atrophy, fitting less firmly around the remaining teeth. Also, the reduced bone material offers less support to the facial structure, promoting an aged appearance.

Nevertheless, if a person loses multiple teeth, there are replacement options available to restore their appearance and the ability to masticate. Here are a few of them.

Dentures

Your dentist may prescribe a denture to replace a few missing teeth or a complete palate of lost teeth. Partial dentures are used to replace less than a full palate. A full denture is offered for patients who have no teeth in the upper or lower jaw. 

A denture includes a base with the false replacement teeth attached. The partial denture can be connected to bordering teeth. However, a full upper denture may be held in place mainly by the suction that is created as the base of the denture rests against the roof of the upper palate.

Still, dentures can be implant-supported. The devices may be fitted with attachment mechanisms that fasten them to designated dental implants.

A denture can be easily removed by the patient, even if it is supported by an implant. The attachment mechanism can be quickly released or reattached.

Fixed Bridges

A fixed bridge can also replace multiple missing teeth. The bridge, which is not removable, is held in the mouth by the attachment of its crowns to the abutment teeth. 

Before the crowns can be applied to the abutment teeth, the size of the natural crowns must be reduced to allow the bridge crowns to fit over the teeth properly. The color of the crowns and that of the false bridge teeth can be matched to the natural hue of the remaining natural teeth for a seamless restoration.

To learn more about dentures, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.