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Posts for tag: missing teeth

Anyone at any age, including older children and teenagers, can lose or be born missing a permanent tooth. And while those missing teeth can be restored, replacing them in patients who haven’t yet reached adulthood can be tricky.
That’s because their dental and facial development isn’t finished. This is especially problematic for dental implants because as the jaws continue to grow, a “non-growing” implant could eventually appear out of alignment with the surrounding natural teeth. That’s why it’s often better to install a temporary restoration until the jaws fully mature in early adulthood. Two great choices are a removable partial denture (RPD) or a bonded (“Maryland”) bridge.
While “dentures” and “teens” don’t seem to go together, an RPD in fact can effectively restore a teen’s lost dental function and appearance. Of the various types of RPDs the one usually recommended for teens has a hard acrylic base colored to resemble the gums, to which we attach prosthetic (“false”) teeth at their appropriate positions on the jaw.
Besides effectiveness, RPDs are easy to clean and maintain. On the downside, though, an RPD can break and—as a removable appliance—become lost. They can also lose their fit due to changes in jaw structure.
The bonded bridge is similar to a traditional fixed bridge. But there’s one big difference: traditional bridges crown the natural teeth on either side of the missing teeth to secure them in place. The supporting teeth must be significantly (and permanently) altered to accommodate the life-like crowns on either end of the bridge.
Instead, a bonded bridge affixes “wings” of dental material extending from the back of the bridge to the back of the natural teeth on either side. While not quite as strong as a regular bridge, the bonded bridge avoids altering any natural teeth.
While a fixed bridge conveniently stays in place, they’re more difficult than an RPD to keep clean. And while less prone to breakage, they aren’t entirely immune to certain stresses from biting and chewing especially in the presence of some poor bites (how the upper and lower teeth come together).
Choosing between the two restorations will depend on these and other factors. But either choice can serve your teen well until they’re able to permanently replace their missing teeth.
If you would like more information on dental restorations for teens, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

For most people, replacing missing front teeth takes a higher priority over missing back teeth. The reason is obvious: others can see those missing in front, but not necessarily those in the back.
From a functional view, however, you should still consider replacing missing back teeth. Not only will it improve your chewing ability, it may also prevent a chain reaction of negative effects to your remaining teeth.
Teeth are held in place in the jawbone by a membrane called the periodontal ligament. The ligament is a living tissue that allows teeth to move to keep contact with adjacent and opposing teeth as natural wear occurs. When a space is created by a missing tooth, this natural movement accelerates and the teeth may shift beyond normal ranges.
As a result you can encounter excessive mobility of teeth from bite irregularities, uneven tooth wear, bone loss, potential painful problems with the temporo-mandibular joints (connecting the lower jaw to the skull), and a loss in facial height.
There are three basic options for this kind of tooth replacement. The best option is dental implants: these free-standing replacements don't normally affect surrounding teeth, they're easier to clean, and they help support the bite. On the downside, there must be enough remaining bone to support the implant.
The next best option is a fixed bridge. This option only works, however, if there are teeth on either side of the missing tooth space capable of supporting the bridge, and they must be reduced in size by removing the enamel with the dental drill. They also have a tendency to retain plaque, the main cause of gum disease.
That leaves the last, and least favorable, option, a removable partial denture. They may also trap food and be difficult to wear. They can move in the mouth, stressing — and possibly loosening — the remaining teeth that hold them in place. With all its drawbacks, though, if a partial denture is the only solution to missing back teeth, it's a better alternative than doing nothing and risking long-term problems.
If you would like more information on replacement options for back teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Replacing Back Teeth.”
Advance Family Dental Care
Naperville, IL 60563

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- 2019
- January (7)
- 3 Reasons Why Your New Dentist Needs Your Treatment Records
- Improve Your Smile With Veneers
- 4 Ways to Check on Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
- Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
- If You've had Joint Replacement, you may Need Antibiotics Before Dental Work
- Regenerating Lost Bone Can Make Dental Implants a Reality
- How we Treat your Jaw Pain Depends on the Cause
- 2018
- December (7)
- Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
- Manage Your Osteoporosis Medication to Avoid Jawbone Problems
- What Cosmetic Dentistry Can Do for You
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- Keep Your Saliva Flowing - Your Oral Health Depends on it
- J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
- Treatment Options to Keep Stress From Causing Dental Problems
- November (6)
- Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
- Cracked Mouth Corners can be Irritating - Here's How to Treat Them
- Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
- TMD and Fibromyalgia Could Share Links in Chronic Pain
- Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
- Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
- October (8)
- What is Teeth Whitening?
- NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
- Baseball Fan Catches Her Own Knocked-Out Tooth
- 3 Reasons for Blood Pressure Checks During Dental Visits
- Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
- A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
- Effective Dental Care Depends First on Getting the Big Picture
- The Versatility of Veneers
- September (6)
- Avoid These 4 Health Problems with One Simple Denture Practice
- We can Build up Lost Bone Before Your Implant
- Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
- Are You in the Know About Dental Crowns? Take our True or False Quiz
- Treating Teeth Grinding Now Could Help Prevent Excessive Tooth Wear Later
- Keep Up Good Dental Habits in College to Protect Your Teeth and Gums
- August (7)
- Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
- Dental Bonding And Cosmetic Contouring Can Fix Minor Imperfections
- Three Things You May Not Know About Root Canal Treatments
- 5 Causes of Bad Breath and What You Can Do About It!
- Clear Aligners Provide a Less Embarrassing Orthodontic Choice for Teens
- Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
- 10 Tips to Tame Bad Breath
- July (9)
- Simplify Your Toothpaste Purchase by Looking for These Ingredients
- Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
- 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
- How Often Should I Visit My Dentist?
- Look at the Long-Term Costs When Considering Dental Implants
- Teenagers with Missing Teeth Usually Need a Temporary Restoration
- Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Bonding with Composite Resins Ideal for Restoring Chipped Teeth
- Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
- June (6)
- The Secret to Preventing Gum Disease - Control Bacterial Plaque
- Can an App Help You Brush Your Teeth?
- Why You Shouldn't Worry About the Mercury in Your Silver Fillings
- Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
- June Is Men's Health Month
- Getting the Full Picture of Your Decay Risk Leads to Better Prevention Strategies
- May (7)
- Cosmetic Dentistry Remakes Your Smile
- What's Causing Your Throbbing Toothache?
- Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
- Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
- Tooth Loss: A Health Risk for Older Adults
- Not a Fan of Using CPAP for Your Sleep Apnea? Consider an Oral Appliance
- Show Off Your Best Possible Smile
- March (6)
- Enhance Your Smile with Dental Veneers
- 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
- RPDs Offer Another Tooth Replacement Option for those on a Tight Budget
- A 4-Step Process for Achieving Your Highest Oral Health Possible
- Kris Dunn Is the Latest NBA Player to Injure His Teeth on the Court
- The Type of Tooth Pain You Have Could be Telling You What's Wrong
- 2017
- September (6)
- Porcelain Veneers: A Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
- Know Your Toothpaste: How to Simplify Your Purchasing Decision
- Need a Root Canal?
- Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
- Your Next Dental Visit Might Save Your Life - Here's How
- Take Proactive Steps to Protect Your Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
- July (5)
- Include Limitations on Sugar in Your Tooth Decay Prevention Strategy
- Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
- You'll Experience Little to No Discomfort During and After Implant Surgery
- Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
- Even with Mercury, Dental Amalgam is a Safe Choice for Tooth Filling
- May (6)
- 4 Reasons why Quitting Chewing Tobacco is Good for Your Oral Health
- Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
- Stains from Within a Tooth Require Professional Whitening
- Straighten Your Smile Discreetly
- Dental Offices Uphold the Highest Standards for Infection Control
- We can Fix a Smile Marred by Absent Front Teeth
- April (6)
- Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
- Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
- Advancing Gum Disease Requires Thorough Treatment to Control it
- All Gum Disease Treatments Have the Same Goal - Removing Bacterial Plaque
- What Is Root Canal Therapy?
- Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
- February (6)
- What are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?
- Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
- Reduce Sugar Consumption - for a Healthier Mouth and Body
- Immediate Dentures Provide You With Teeth While Your Gums Heal
- You Should Brush and Floss Around Your Implant to Ensure its Longevity
- Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
- 2016
- November (6)
- Reduce Your Oral Cancer Risk with Better Diet and Lifestyle Choices
- Bitewing X-rays: Your Questions Answered
- What Dental Implants Could Do for You
- Even Though not in the "Smile Zone" You Should Replace that Back Tooth
- Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
- Cleaning Your Oral Appliance Extends its Life and Ensures Good Health
- September (6)
- What You Need To Know About Root Canals
- A "Silent" Disease Gets Recognition
- Bitewing X-Rays Provide Early Detection of Tooth Decay in Back Teeth
- Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
- Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
- Patchy Discolorations on the Tongue Aren't a Cause for Worry
- August (5)
- Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A New Approach to Preventing and Treating Decay
- Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
- What Your Toothache Could Be Telling You About Your Smile
- Local Anesthesia Eliminates Pain Completely During Dental Work
- Diet and Lifestyle Choices Key to Dental Health During College Years
- July (7)
- Clear Aligners Reduce Risk for Developing Gum Disease Better than Braces
- Straighten Your Teeth Without Hiding Your Smile
- Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
- Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
- The Time Interval to Replant a Knocked Out Tooth Can Affect its Longevity
- Why You Should Consider Cosmetic Dentistry
- That Small Mouth Sore is Likely Nothing - but Still Have it Checked
- June (6)
- Do Your Dentures and Mouth a Favor: Take Them Out at Night
- Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures To Improve Your Smile
- Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
- Monitoring Blood Pressure is Also Important During Dental Care
- Treating a "Gummy" Smile Starts with Finding out the Cause
- Oral Irrigation can be an Effective Alternative to Traditional Flossing
- May (6)
- Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
- Your Teenager may need to Wait on an Implant for a Missing Tooth
- A Straighter Smile Doesn't Mean A Mouth Full Of Metal
- Prudent Use of X-Rays in Children Provides the most Benefit at the Lowest Risk
- Find Out Why You or Your Partner Snores - it may be Sleep Apnea
- Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
- March (6)
- Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
- Regular Screenings Could Help With Early Oral Cancer Detection
- Address Your Teeth Grinding Habit Early to Avoid Potential Tooth Loss
- Persistent Jaw Pain After an Injury Needs Immediate Attention
- FAQs About Teeth Whitening
- Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
- January (6)
- Dental Implants and Diabetes
- Gaining a New Attractive Smile is More than Achievable
- Know the Risks and Benefits for Same-Day Tooth Replacement
- How Bonding Can Help Fix Minor Imperfections in Your Smile
- Why Ignoring a Missing Tooth Could Be Bad News For Your Jaw
- Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
- 2015
- December (6)
- Put an End to Bad Oral Habits to Slow the Rate of Tooth Wear
- More Than a new Smile - Dental Implants Help Stop Bone Loss as Well
- Things you Should Know about Oral Cancer
- The Different Parts of a Dental Implant
- Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
- Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
- July (7)
- Limiting Refined Sugar in Your Diet can Reduce Risk of Tooth Decay
- Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
- There are Various Ways to Treat Sensitivity - Depending on its Cause
- Keep an Eye on your Gums to Catch Disease Early
- How Scaling and Root Planing Saves Teeth?
- Veneers Whiten Teeth in a Snap
- Extracting Wisdom Teeth Now May Prevent Dental Problems Later
- April (7)
- Take a Lesson From Hockey Player Mike Bossy
- How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Change Your Smile For the Better
- Bad Breath — Discovering The Causes & Treatments
- Diagnodent Laser Diagnostic Scanning
- Taking the Right Steps to Prevent Early Tooth Decay in Children
- Your Guide to Whiter Teeth
- Are mouthguards important? Just ask Fitness Expert Jillian Michaels
- 2014
- December (6)
- Sugar Substitutes: Sweeter for Tooth Health
- Understanding the Benefits - and Limitations - of Dental Insurance
- Anchorage Devices can add Stability During Orthodontic Treatment
- Cosmetic Dentistry and the Urban Legend
- Your Smile Should Be Your Number One Priority
- Ultrasonic Scalers can Effectively Clean Most Patients' Gum Tissues
- September (7)
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: True or False
- Removing Bacterial Plaque is Critical to Halting Advancing Gum Disease
- All-On-4®: The Perfect Solution for Missing Teeth
- Encountering Positive Experiences the Key to Overcoming Dental Anxiety
- Kristi Yamaguchi's Braces Helped Give Her a Winning Smile
- What Cosmetic Option Would Best Improve Your Smile?
- Bone Grafting can put Implants Back on Your Options List
- 2013
- December (6)
- The Top 5 Things to Know About Orthodontic Retainers
- Cancer Treatment and Oral Health: What You Should Know
- Quitting the Smoking Habit Could Vastly Improve Your Dental Health
- Top Three Reasons Invisalign is the Clear Choice in Naperville
- Giuliana Rancic Prepares for Her Son's First Dental Visit
- Assessing and Treating your Risk for Tooth Decay can Prevent Future Occurrences
- October (5)
- Tooth Pain During Pressure Changes Could Be Warning of a Bigger Problem
- New Cone Beam Scanning Surpasses Standard X-Rays for Accuracy and Detail
- How The Biggest Loser Star Jillian Michaels Keeps Her Winning Smile
- Giving a Knocked Out Tooth a Second Chance
- Oral Piercing Can Lead to Problems With Your Teeth and Gums
- 2012
- November (5)
- End Your Fears and Relax with Oral Sedation Dentistry
- 7 FAQs About Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Stabilizing Your New Smile: Answering Your Questions about Orthodontic Retainers
- TV Designer Nate Berkus Is Thankful for Childhood Preventive Dental Treatments
- Not Just Filling in the Gaps: Lost Teeth Have Unexpected Consequences
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