Gaps in your grin can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. You rely on two complete arches of teeth to thoroughly chew food, enunciate words, and smile confidently without feeling self-conscious.
If one or more pearly whites have gone missing, you might feel tempted to try replacing them with one or more do-it-yourself methods, but this isn’t usually recommended. Continue reading to learn why contacting your dentist for professional services is better!
What Are DIY Replacement Teeth?
If you’re on a tight budget and are scared that you can’t afford to visit your dentist to rebuild your smile, you might turn to commercially available products to close the empty spaces left by missing teeth. There are several different options, including:
- Melted polymers. These plastic beads can be customized to match your natural teeth, then melted and molded into a tooth shape with your fingers.
- Orthodontic wax. This is intended to cover the sharp edges of metal brackets and wires of braces to protect the tender tissues in your mouth, but a tooth-sized chunk can be used to fill in a gap.
- Moldable wax. This works similarly to melted polymer options but doesn’t require heat to be shaped.
Different brands like Smile Renewed, Temptooth, Dentemp, and others sell these and similar options at different pharmacies and local stores.
Are DIY Replacement Teeth Safe?
If you’re considering one of these do-it-yourself options, you should know that most dentists don’t recommend them. While it might be okay to use one of these fixes to address an emergency, like your tooth was just broken or dislodged, they’re not intended for long-term functionality.
Firstly, the materials aren’t overly durable. While they can be used to avoid self-consciousness or temporarily fill a gap, they’re not ideal for withstanding the pressure of biting and chewing. You might inadvertently harm your gums or neighboring teeth trying to eat with them.
Furthermore, they’re made of materials that are not hygienic and sometimes aren’t even intended for oral use. They can collect bacteria, leftover food, and other debris, increasing your vulnerability to common oral issues like cavities and gum disease. Not only that, but some polymers are toxic when ingested.
How Should I Handle A Lost Tooth?
If you’ve just damaged or lost a tooth, contact your dentist immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. Then, try to find the tooth or any pieces that may have fractured to take with you. Once you locate it, only handle the crown (the tooth-shaped portion) to avoid harming still-viable cells on the roots. Then, store it in a container or baggy with milk or some of your saliva to preserve it until you arrive.
Depending on your circumstances, your dentist might recommend one of several methods to replace your lost tooth. Whether you need dentures, a dental bridge, or dental implants, they can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality while preserving your oral and overall health!
About the Practice
At Northbrook Dental Group, you and your family benefit from a father-and-son dental duo eager to help you build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. Drs. James and Justin Woodruff collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location, including replacing lost teeth. They combine a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort while providing customized restorations, like dental implants, bridges, or dentures, to close any spaces in your smile seamlessly. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (847) 272-0049.