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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
What dental treatment can help my teeth problems?
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I have lost a few teeth over the years and there have been gaps between my teeth and as a result (because I never got implants or crowns in these spaces my teeth have moved and my jaw goes back further. And because of this my jaw cracks or makes a loudish noise when I eat. Sometimes the cracking gets a little bit painful. Also I grind my teeth all the time now, I think it is because it is all uneven. Because of my lack of teeth my face now seems shorter as my lower front teeth slant backwards towards the back of my mouth, and the back teeth have moved forward to fill some of the gaps. Is it possible to make newer straighter teeth without braces? Can my teeth be ground down and then built up again, straighter? And would that help my jaw cracking? -
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3
Thanks
Dr Roland Chong
Dentist
The problems associated with your dental condition is complex. Without a full dental examination it is difficult to give any relevant recommendations. As I understand you have several problems.
1) Several missing teeth
2) Loss of facial vertical dimension as a result of missing back teeth.
3) Jaw problems.
4) Teeth grinding.
5) Cosmetic concerns due to front teeth having moved into poor positions.
The first thing you need to do is to see a dentist. They will be able to asses you and point you in the right direction. You may need specialist attention if the case is challenging.
There are many options available these include:
1) Orthodontic treatment (Braces) to move the teeth into better positions. Replacing missing teeth with the braces or using implants and bridges.
2) Replacing missing teeth only with implants or fixed (bridges with crowns) or removable partial dentures (metal frames or plastic) and accepting the location and position of the existing teeth.
3) Removal of all the teeth and using full dentures with or without implants to support the dentures.
4) Combination of the above.
Depending on the condition of the existing teeth keeping them and replacing the missing teeth will be a good option. But if the remaining teeth are very broken down then the better option would be to consider removal of the teeth and using full prostheses.
Your jaw problem may or may not resolve following all the dental treatment. The cause of the jaw issue should be investigated and addressed. Not all jaw pains are associated with teeth missing and poor bites.
If you are not interested in braces then you will have to rely on a prosthodontic option (this involves the use of crowns, bridges, implants or dentures.) Depending on the severity of the problem this may or may not work.
As I mentioned at the start of the reply, a visit to your dentist is a must before you consider any other options.
Good luck!
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1
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Dr Kevin Jaffar
Dentist
Jaffar Dental - Trusted and Established since 1997. We are a family owned General Dental Practice offering a friendly and caring environment in Waterford QLD. … View Profile
A comprehensive check up with x-rays can allow a dentist to custom design a treatment plan to suit your time and budget.
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