Tooth Replacement Options
Your teeth play a vital role in your overall health and well-being. When you’re missing teeth, it can impact your ability to eat, speak clearly, and maintain proper bite alignment. Over time, the excessive pressure on remaining teeth increases the risk of premature wear, damage, or even further tooth loss. You may also experience headaches, jaw pain, and an aged appearance as the jawbone deteriorates.
Dental implants, in particular, provide a comfortable, long-lasting, and natural-looking option for replacing missing teeth. Unlike traditional tooth replacements like bridges or dentures, dental implants function just like your natural teeth. By fusing with your jawbone, they help preserve bone structure and prevent the sunken facial appearance that often accompanies tooth loss. Implants also protect your remaining teeth from excessive wear and tear, safeguarding your oral health for years to come. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a wise investment in your smile and confidence.
Replacement Options for Missing Teeth
You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions. A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge replaces missing teeth by creating a set of artificial teeth anchored to adjacent natural teeth. It requires grinding down the neighboring teeth to accommodate the bridge crowns. Although non-removable, fixed bridges are durable but sacrifice healthy tooth structure.
Flipper
A flipper is a fragile, temporary, and inexpensive removable partial denture made of acrylic plastic. It provides a quick interim solution while awaiting a permanent tooth replacement option. However, flippers are not designed for long-term use due to their lack of stability and durability.
Partial Denture
A partial denture uses a plastic base with artificial teeth to fill gaps from missing teeth while fitting around remaining natural teeth. Metal clasps or attachments secure it in place, making it more stable than a flipper but still removable. Regular adjustments are required as the mouth changes over time.
Full Removable Denture
A full denture is an entire arch of artificial teeth set in an acrylic plastic base that rests on the gums to replace all missing teeth. While restoring aesthetics and function, dentures do not prevent jawbone deterioration and often require replacement due to changing mouth shapes.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.