Harley Street Dental Clinic

A cosmetic dentist has several options available to help patients with missing teeth. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have a unique collection of dental specialists – including periodontists, implant dentists and prosthodontists – who will work together to help you restore your smile.

Why you lose teeth, and why you should replace them

At our Harley Street clinic we see patients who have lost teeth for a variety of reasons. Gum disease and tooth decay can result in tooth loss, as can accidents and injuries. Whatever the reason you’ve lost your teeth, as dentists we believe you should always replace them.

If you don’t replace your missing teeth, other teeth may move into the gaps left behind, becoming crooked and more difficult to clean. This in turn leads to an increased likelihood of plaque bacteria build-up, and ultimately further tooth loss. Your diet and even your speech may be affected if you’ve lost several teeth, and your confidence in your smile can be severely dented.

What a cosmetic dentist can do

Patients with one or more missing teeth are invited to join us at our Harley Street clinic for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. They will carefully examine your remaining teeth and your gums, and will listen to your personal preferences before running through treatment options.

For one or two missing teeth, a dental bridge is a good option. If your surrounding teeth are strong and healthy, your bridge can be supported by crowns or wings on these teeth. Another option is to have a bridge supported by dental implants – in most cases one implant can support several new teeth.

Dentures – either partial or full – are a popular choice with patients who have lost all or several teeth. These can be made from a variety of materials, and can be of the traditional type or can also be supported by implants.

Your dentist has many options available to help you if you have lost one or more of your natural teeth. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our team comprises some of the leading practitioners in the fields of dental implants and prosthodontics, and we offer several tooth replacement solutions.

We see patients who have lost teeth for a variety of reasons – tooth decay, gum disease, accident or injury. Whatever the reason, if you lose one or more of your natural teeth, we urge you to book an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. As well as improving your confidence in your smile, replacing your teeth is better for your dental and general health.

If you don’t replace missing teeth, your remaining teeth may become crooked as they move into any gaps. This makes them more difficult to clean and increases your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease – in turn increasing your chances of losing more teeth.

Your diet and speech can also be affected by tooth loss, and many patients who have lost several or all of their natural teeth also experience bone loss as the jaw bone starts to resorb.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer a wide variety of ways to replace your missing teeth, so if you have lost one or more teeth you should book a consultation with a dentist to discuss tooth replacement options.

Here are some of the ways your dentist can replace lost teeth at our Harley Street practice:

Bridges

Bridges can replace one, two or a few adjacent teeth. They may be fixed to remaining teeth with wings or crowns, or may be supported by dental implants – your dentist will discuss all the options.

Dentures

Dentures can replace some or all of your teeth. They can also be supported by dental implants.

Dental implants

The only permanent way for your dentist to replace your missing teeth, implants are small metal screws that replace the root portion of a tooth, with crowns, dentures or bridges attached on top.

The expression, ‘you are getting old before your time’, usually applies when people cannot let go of old habits. Little do they realise that it is possible to look old at a young age. Surprisingly, it is not the wrinkles or age lines that cause it, but the early loss of teeth.

Understanding the relationship between tooth loss and early aging will help you understand the importance of having a complete set of teeth.

Tooth loss and early aging

Teeth serve a variety of purposes apart from aiding your digestion. These keep your facial muscles and bones intact. Tooth loss causes loss of alveolar bone, one that surrounds and supports teeth. You lose facial bone and muscle support for every tooth you lose.

Studies show that the bone experiences about 25% decrease in width after losing your teeth in the first year and an overall 4-millimetre decrease in height thereafter. Without the mass your teeth provides, your mouth and cheeks will sink and shrink upwards. A few teeth gaps may seem insignificant. Too many gaps, however, may change the way you look forever.

It is not just your face but your lifestyle that will change, as well. You will find it hard to chew, speak or smile if you lose your teeth. From a mere inconvenience, tooth loss becomes a major hindrance.

Dealing with premature aging

Given the consequences, dentists in Harley Street emphasise the need for a complete set of teeth, be it through natural or artificial means. They suggest flossing and brushing your teeth once and twice a day, respectively. They recommend a diet filled with calcium, fruits and vegetables instead of sugary food and drinks, as well. Avoid clenching and grinding your teeth to prevent early wear and tear.

Tooth loss changes your appearance and lifestyle if you refuse to do anything about it. Visit a dentist for advice and assistance in proper oral care. Cosmetic dentists in Harley Street know how to save your teeth from damage and discoloration. We provide dental implants, bridges, crowns and other dental treatments to help maintain and improve your face and smile. Call us or visit our office for more information on treatments for tooth loss.