Artificial Teeth  

 

You do not have to lose your teeth as you get older. If you do lose a tooth, you can replace it with a false (or artificial) one. If you don't replace it, your other teeth may get out of line.

There are 4 main types of false teeth.

- A fixed bridge (or fixed partial denture). One or more false teeth are held between healthy teeth on both sides. You cannot take this kind of bridge out by yourself.

- A partial denture (or removable partial denture). One or more false teeth are held in place by clasps that fit onto nearby healthy teeth. You can take the false teeth out yourself, for cleaning and at night.

- False teeth (complete dentures). If you lose your teeth, false teeth can replace all your natural teeth.

- Dental implants. These are used to support false teeth or a fixed bridge. You must have healthy gums and bone (under your teeth) to support the implant. Here's how it's done: Your dentist (or oral surgeon) will put a small metal post into your jawbone. Over time, the post will bond with the bone around it. The post (or implant) will act like an anchor to hold one or more false teeth in place.