You might need to replace a tooth or multiple teeth for many reasons. You may have a missing tooth due to an injury, gum disease, or decay.
Whether it’s due to deterioration, a lost tooth, or an absence of adult teeth at birth, you have multiple options for replacing your missing teeth. We’re here to assist in finding the one best suited for you!
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and effective ways to replace lost teeth. We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option, how much they cost, and what type of maintenance is required.
Whether you’re looking for a permanent solution or something temporary while waiting for an implant-supported bridge, we have all the information you need right here!
Reasons why people need replacing teeth
People replace missing teeth for a number of reasons – not only to improve their appearance but also to promote health and a functioning mouth.
Teeth are essential for speaking, smiling, and eating properly. People may replace lost teeth due to tooth decay or advanced gum disease.
Replacing missing teeth can provide better assistance in supporting chewing function and improve overall health by reducing oral infections and other medical issues.
As time passes and technology advances, equipping people with missing teeth with replacements becomes easier than ever – providing patients with a comfortable experience in addition to improving their self-esteem.
Tooth replacement options
Your dental situation is unique, and the right solution for replacing missing teeth will depend on several factors concerning your particular circumstance.
Regardless of how many teeth are missing or the arrangement or order of missing teeth. Regardless of whether the gaps are located at the front or back of your mouth, neither the degree of bone recession nor the duration that teeth have been missing. Regardless of the cost of the treatment.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, fortunately, there is a range of solutions available to help patients reclaim their confident smile! These choices include dental bridges, dentures, dental implants, or implant-supported dentures. Whatever option you choose, restoring your smile has never been easier!
Dental implants: The most popular tooth replacement option
Dental implants are quickly becoming the go-to solution for permanently restoring missing teeth. As more people learn about their benefits for dental health, it’s easy to see why dental implants are such a popular option.
A dental implant feels just like natural teeth and provides a strong and secure foundation, making them last much longer than other prosthetic options.
Not only are dental implants highly functional, but they also look natural and blend in with existing teeth so you can smile with confidence.
This artificial tooth option can be tailored to fit any individual patient, which means people of all ages can experience the convenience of having permanent teeth.
It’s no wonder that dental implants are fast becoming the most preferred treatment for replacing damaged or missing teeth.
Full-arch dental implants
If you’re looking for a permanent teeth replacement that provides a foundation for searching, eating, and speaking like natural teeth, then full-arch dental implants are an excellent choice.
This revolutionary treatment is designed to provide optimal stability and support while eliminating the frustrated feeling of relying on dentures without sacrificing comfort.
Full-arch dental solutions are safely and quickly embedded in the jawbone with four strategically positioned implants, reducing the risk of shifting or slipping, which are often experienced using removable dentures.
This treatment offers the perfect solution to obtain fixed dental implants’ quality, strength, and convenience in one short procedure. With minimal post-operative downtime, patients feel comfortable restoring their beautiful smiles in little time at all!
Dental bridges: Another popular option, but they require support from adjacent teeth
Dental bridges are a popular way to replace one or more missing teeth, but they require nearby support.
The surrounding teeth act as anchors, which consist of two dental crowns – one on either side of the gap – which press against the adjacent natural teeth and secure the bridge in place.
A pontic tooth is held between the anchors, sits above the gum line, and appears like a natural tooth. Even though it may seem inconvenient to have to grind down existing and healthy teeth to create room for the bridge to fit, it can be a great solution for restoring your smile with long-lasting results.
Resin-retained bridge
For a sturdy and dependable restoration, a resin-retained bridge may be the perfect solution for those looking for strong dental implants.
Resin-retained bridges core out the interior of the tooth and use metal wings to attach to adjacent teeth, providing a reliable foundation for bridgework.
Additionally, these bridges are used on anterior teeth where a traditional crown is unsuitable while maintaining its aesthetic properties.
The resin material used helps to conserve as much of the remaining healthy tooth structure as possible and create an aesthetically pleasing result.
With a resin-retained bridge, patients can expect to have a secure and long-lasting restoration that looks great too.
Dentures are a more affordable option, but they’re not as durable or secure as dental implants
Dentures are affordable for those looking for a cost-effective solution to replace missing teeth. Unfortunately, they’re less reliable than dental implants because they can be fragile and require frequent adjustments for optimal comfort.
As a result, there is a greater risk of loss or damage if proper care isn’t taken with regular visits to the dentist.
Additionally, these false teeth have the potential to slip or move if enough stability isn’t provided and may leave you feeling insecure about smiling in public.
Dental implants are more durable than dentures, providing a much more permanent solution to replacing lost teeth.
In general, it’s important to research all your options when it comes to addressing any dental issues and consider the convenience and long-term comfortability before making your decision.
Removable partial dentures
Removable partial dentures offer a great solution for those who need to replace several missing teeth but aren’t prime candidates for dental implants.
These appliances support the tissues surrounding the missing teeth and restore your ability to eat, speak, and chew without difficulty.
A prosthodontist or dentist can fabricate a customised partial denture from acrylic resin with metal components that will fit perfectly in your mouth.
For proper maintenance and performance, you’ll want to remove and clean them daily and visit your dentist frequently for checkups and adjustments when needed. Removable partials are comfortable and aesthetically pleasing options that can provide you with years of happy smiles.
Fixed bridge
Fixed bridges have been a dental staple for many years. This treatment is used to replace one to two missing teeth, providing patients with a secure, reliable way to restore the appearance of their smiles.
The procedure involves preparing the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap and connecting them with a false tooth that fits perfectly in between them. Once the treatment is complete, it works just like your natural teeth; no special care is needed!
Your dentist will ensure an exact fit and ensure your bridge looks natural. The finished product not only gives you a beautiful smile but also makes your eating, speaking, and everyday life easier.
What happens if a missing tooth is left untreated
Ignoring missing teeth can have a significant impact on your oral health. If you frequently experience missing teeth, the force of your bite will move your teeth around, leading to a misalignment in the jaws.
This can cause facial pain and strain to the muscles that control movement and speaking. Your jawbone may also suffer from osteoporosis-like conditions when contact from biting forces is no longer transmitted through healthy teeth.
Furthermore, when you lose a tooth, your jaw no longer receives the stimulation it formerly did at the missing spot. If left unfilled, this gap can make one prone to experiencing progressive bone loss and subsequent reduced facial support.
Neglecting to replace a missing tooth can also lead to more serious dental problems, such as gum disease and periodontitis, which lead to further tooth loss.
Other complications include speech impediments, difficulty eating, and an increased risk of infection. It’s important always to treat yourself before issues become irreversible, so you don’t pay for it later!
Conclusion
When it comes to dental care, no two people are the same. What may work wonderfully for one individual could be completely ineffective for another. Thus, many universal solutions exist when deciding about your teeth and oral health.
The best way to figure out which option is right for you is to consult with a professional. At Infinity Dental Care, we are passionate about helping our patients achieve optimal oral health. We are happy to answer any questions or help you decide which tooth replacement option is right for you. Give us a call on (02) 9159 6237 today!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Types of dentures
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279192/
Dental bridges procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-bridge-procedure
Interventions for replacing missing teeth: different types of dental implants
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6786862/