When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are several fake tooth options available. However, not all fake teeth are designed to handle the forces of biting and chewing. Eating with improperly fitted or ill-suited prosthetic teeth can damage the teeth and your gums. That’s why it’s crucial to choose fake teeth that are up to the task of mastication (chewing). This article will explore the types of fake teeth that allow proper biting and chewing function for eating.
Fake teeth that support eating
There are three main categories of fake teeth that can facilitate effective chewing and eating:
- Dental implants
- Fixed bridges
- Removable partial dentures
Let’s look at each of these in more detail.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone. An abutment and crown are then attached to the implant post to complete the tooth replacement. Dental implants fuse to the bone over time, providing a solid foundation for artificial teeth.
Implants are the most stable and durable type of fake teeth. They allow for natural biting and chewing function, much like your natural teeth. The crowns and bridgework attached to implants can be made from various lifelike materials, including:
- Porcelain or ceramic
- Zirconia
- Composite resin
- Metal alloys
These materials hold up well to the high forces exerted during chewing and eating. With proper oral hygiene, dental implants can last for decades, making them an ideal choice for replacing teeth you rely on for eating.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges consist of artificial teeth anchored to natural teeth on either side. They are cemented in place and can’t be removed. Fixed bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row.
Bridges are typically constructed from porcelain fused to metal (PFM). With two sturdy anchors provided by the abutment teeth, fixed bridges offer security for eating. They are engineered to mimic the shape and function of your natural teeth.
The downside to bridges is the eventual need to replace or repair them if the abutment teeth become compromised. Still, cared for properly, a fixed bridge restoration can serve you well for 10-15 years. This makes bridges a potential option for replacing teeth important for chewing.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases. Metal frameworks provide rigidity and support. The denture is designed to connect to your natural teeth with retentive clasps or devices.
Partial dentures can fill in gaps from multiple lost teeth in one arch. As the name implies, you take the denture out for cleaning. When in place, a well-fitted partial denture allows you to eat normally, relying on the clasps and contacts with adjacent teeth to keep it stable during chewing.
The acrylic and metal materials stand up well to biting forces. With its removable design, a partial denture also allows for easy cleaning under the appliance. Proper care can extend the functioning life of a partial denture to 5-7 years or longer. This makes it a feasible short-term solution for replacing teeth needed for eating.
Important Considerations
While the aforementioned fake teeth can facilitate eating, there are some important factors that affect their success and longevity:
Good Fit
Like natural teeth, artificial teeth need to fit properly in your mouth. A fake tooth that doesn’t integrate well with your bite or sit correctly along your gumline won’t function optimally for chewing. Poorly-fitting fake teeth are also more likely to irritate your gums and cause discomfort when eating.
Getting accurate impressions and measurements for your prosthetic teeth is crucial. Your dentist will evaluate the fit and contacts with your other teeth. Adjustments are commonly needed to ensure proper integration and comfort.
Materials Strength
The materials used for your crown, bridge, or partial denture need to withstand the compressive stresses of chewing. Porcelain and composite resins replicate the look of real teeth but may chip or crack if too thin. Metal alloy reinforcements help prevent damage. Your dentist will select materials that balance aesthetics and durability for eating needs.
Oral Health
Keeping your mouth healthy is essential for eating with false teeth. Food particles can get trapped under fixed bridges or partial dentures if not cleaned away thoroughly. This can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Practicing excellent oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly helps keep your mouth in good shape for chewing.
Regular Dental Visits
Even durable prosthetic teeth need occasional adjustments or repairs to stay functional. Seeing your dentist every 6 months helps ensure your fake teeth are performing well for eating and aren’t causing any problems. Your dentist will examine the contacts, stability, and materials integrity at these visits. Quick fixes can prevent minor issues from becoming major tooth replacements down the road.
Choosing the Right Type of Fake Teeth
Selecting suitable artificial teeth for eating depends on several factors:
- Your specific tooth loss – Single vs. multiple teeth missing
- Amount of bone support available
- Condition of adjacent natural teeth if needed as anchors
- Ability to keep the prosthetic teeth clean
- Costs and insurance coverage
- Your comfort level with various options
Your dentist will take impressions and x-rays to determine which type of fake teeth can best replace your natural teeth. They’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option. For eating purposes, select fake teeth that offer these features:
- Durability for chewing forces
- Good integration with your bite
- Stability
- Easy cleaning access
- Biocompatibility with your gums
- Natural aesthetics
With the variety of quality artificial teeth available today, finding suitable options for eating enjoyment is very achievable.
Caring for Fake Teeth Used for Eating
Fake teeth that replace lost natural teeth used for eating require diligent care. Here are some tips for maintaining your prosthetic teeth:
Brush and floss thoroughly
Food debris easily gets trapped around prosthetic teeth. Brush and floss fixed bridges and surrounding teeth at least twice a day. For removable partial dentures, brush them after each meal before reinserting. Use a soft toothbrush and denture cleaner to avoid damaging the materials.
Watch what you chew
Avoid excessively hard, chewy, or sticky foods that can dislodge or damage prosthetic teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and hard candies are common troublemakers. Cut harder foods into small pieces you can chew gently with your back teeth.
See your dentist regularly
Visit your dentist every six months to ensure your artificial teeth remain secure and undamaged. Report any chipping, loosening, or irritation from your prosthetic teeth right away. Minor problems can turn into more extensive damage when left unchecked.
Use caution with adhesives
Removable partial dentures typically require denture adhesives to remain in place for eating. Look for non-toxic brands free of zinc. Don’t use excessive amounts that can ooze and irritate your gums. Always thoroughly clean adhesives off your gums after eating.
Protect your teeth
Wear a custom mouthguard if you play sports to prevent trauma to prosthetic teeth used for eating. Buckle up your seatbelt properly so your mouth avoids injury in a car accident. Take care not to bite into hard objects that could chip or crack your artificial teeth.
With diligent care and good oral hygiene, your fake teeth that facilitate eating can last for many years. Be sure to see your dentist at the first sign of problems to avoid more complex repairs.
Common Problems With Fake Teeth Used for Eating
Even well-made prosthetic teeth are susceptible to issues with extended use for eating. Here are some common problems that can develop:
Fractures
The porcelain or acrylic of prosthetic crowns, bridges, and partial dentures can develop cracks or outright fractures from chewing stress over time. Fractures compromise the tooth replacement’s strength and allow bacteria to penetrate the underlying tooth or roots.
Chipping
Small pieces of material can break away from the artificial teeth, especially at the edges. Chipping exposes rough areas that wear down further. It also catches food that can increase plaque accumulation and cause dental decay.
Loosening
Adjacent teeth supporting fixed bridges can weaken, causing the bridge to loosen. Partial dentures can lose their clasp grip on remaining teeth with excessive chewing forces. Implants can also fail to integrate properly with the bone, leading to destabilization.
Tooth Decay
Lack of good oral hygiene allows cavity-causing plaque to build up around the prosthetic teeth used for eating. Acids from food debris erode the natural teeth supporting or adjacent to the restoration.
Gum Disease
Plaque accumulating under poorly cleaning prosthetic teeth boosts bacteria levels that inflame and infect the gums. Wisdom teeth are particularly prone to pericoronitis under ill-fitting dentures.
See your dentist as soon as you notice any chips, cracks, loosening, or discomfort from your artificial teeth. Minor problems can often be resolved with a simple adjustment or repair. Waiting allows more extensive damage that requires redoing the entire restoration.
When to Replace Fake Teeth Used for Eating
Depending on your oral hygiene and chewing habits, prosthetic teeth usually need replacement every 5 to 15 years. More specific signs that your fake teeth used for eating need a replacement include:
- Fractures or deterioration of the materials
- Tooth decay under or around the artificial teeth
- Damage to abutment teeth supporting a bridge or partial denture
- Gum recession or excess movement indicating poor fit
- Inability to chew comfortably
- Poor aesthetics with chipping or staining
It’s advantageous to replace or repair failing prosthetic teeth sooner rather than later. Putting off treatment allows more wear to your natural teeth and bone tissue. It’s also more cost-effective to treat limited problems versus complete redoing of multiple fake teeth restorations.
Discuss any concerns you notice at your regular dental visits. Your dentist will advise you when replacement or repair of your artificial teeth becomes necessary. With periodic replacement as needed, prosthetic teeth can serve your oral function and esthetics for decades.
Treatment Costs
The costs of prosthetic teeth used for eating can vary substantially based on the specific restoration needed. Some general cost ranges are:
| Fake Tooth Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Single Tooth Dental Implant with Crown | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| Fixed Bridge (per tooth) | $700 – $1,500 |
| Removable Partial Denture | $1,000 – $2,500 |
These fees are just general estimates for each type of restoration. The actual cost can vary based on your specific treatment needs and dentist fees. Dental insurance may cover a portion of the expenses, especially for basic acrylic partial dentures. Discuss costs and budget options thoroughly with your dentist when planning which prosthetic teeth you need for eating.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about fake teeth used for eating:
Are fake teeth suitable for those with natural teeth?
Yes, if you’re missing certain natural teeth, prosthetic teeth can fill those gaps and allow you to eat normally. With surrounding natural teeth as support, bridges and removable partial dentures integrate well.
Can you chew gum with fake teeth?
It’s best to avoid regular gum chewing, especially sticky varieties that can dislodge prosthetic teeth. Sugar-free gum in moderation is okay for stimulating saliva flow. But excessive gum chewing risks compromising your fake teeth.
What foods should you avoid eating with fake teeth?
Avoid very hard, chewy, crunchy, and sticky foods that can damage prosthetic teeth. Those include nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, bagels, caramel, taffy, ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candies.
How do you secure loose dentures when eating?
First, have your dentist adjust the fit and clasps for a tighter hold. You can also use temporary denture adhesives to help stabilize your removable partial or full dentures for eating if properly fitted initially.
Can dental implants allow you to eat anything?
Dental implants mimic natural teeth and can withstand high chewing forces. But hard or sticky foods can still damage crowns over time. Avoiding excessively hard foods helps dental implants last.
Conclusion
Selecting suitable artificial teeth allows you to enjoy eating and maintain proper nutrition even with some missing natural teeth. Dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable partial dentures can all facilitate effective chewing function when properly designed and cared for. Work with your dentist to determine which type of prosthetic teeth match your needs and budget for long-term success. With regular dental visits and excellent at-home care, quality fake teeth restore your confident smile and chewing ability for years of satisfying meals.
