ACP News
Prosthodontists Offer Solutions to Baby Boomers Facing Tooth Loss
Baby boomers experiencing tooth loss now or in the future will keep on smiling, thanks to techniques practiced by prosthodontists – highly trained dentists specializing in beautiful smiles through the restoration and replacement of lost teeth.
On average, Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 will have lost as many as six teeth (not including the “wisdom” teeth), according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Ten percent of people over age 50 have lost all of their teeth, and for those over age 75, that number jumps to one in three, based on the NIDCR report. Fortunately, prosthodontic techniques and new technologies are making it possible for boomers to keep smiling.
“Teeth become more brittle and easier to break as you age. Bone loss and gum disease increase, causing teeth to loosen,” said Tal Morr, D.M.D, M.S.D., North Miami Beach, FL, a member of the American College of Prosthodontists. “Plus, there are other inevitable deteriorations of your teeth, such as thinning enamel, a darker appearance and becoming worn down. We have the know-how and technology to turn back the clock and place natural-looking teeth.”
Chief among the prosthodontists’ arsenal of procedures is the revolutionary technique of dental implants, which have become the standard of care in the replacement of teeth. With three additional years of training after dental school, prosthodontists are the leading practitioners of implant technology. They often engineer complete reconstructions for the loss of all teeth and are known in the industry as “dental architects.”
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