How to Replace Missing Teeth: The Best Methods
There are a number of reasons why a person may wish to replace missing teeth. Not only are cosmetic reasons usually a contributing factor, but the chances of gum disease, tooth decay or serious infection are all significantly increased when even one tooth is missing.
Understanding your tooth replacement options, the costs involved, and the type of treatment that is suitable for your specific condition will go a long way in improving overall health and restoring confidence in your smile.
Dentistry has advanced considerably over recent years, and great natural results can be achieved with the latest technology and techniques. To help you find the best solution for you, we’ve listed some of the best options on the market for tooth replacement and explained how they could improve the overall appearance of your mouth.
However, don’t forget to double-check with your dentist on whether each treatment is recommended for your individual case, as not all of the options listed will fix each precise problem.
Dental Implants
Often seen as the gold standard in tooth replacement, dental implants are an excellent option for those looking to enhance their smile. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed teeth replacement due to the simple fact that they are purposely made to match a person’s natural teeth and have the potential to last for decades.
The process for inserting a dental implant involves securing a titanium screw in your jaw. Once the screw has combined with the bone, you’ll return to the dentist to have a crown placed on top of the screw. This will form your replacement tooth.
While the process may seem a little daunting, it is specially designed to ensure your implant remains stable for years to come, while also working to prevent your jawbone from becoming weak or shrinking.
When deciding on whether to get dental implants to replace your missing tooth, bear in mind that it will require a couple of visits to the dentists as replacement crown take time to prepare. This is to ensure that they fit the inside of the mouth and against other teeth properly.
After treatment, the upkeep of dental implants is relatively easy as long as you look after your gums and attend regular visits to a hygienist for frequent check-ups.
Dental implants are usually only available privately and tend to be more expensive due to their quality and close resemblance to a natural tooth, so you might want to take into account the costs before you decide on this option.
Partial Dentures
Where complete dentures are suitable if you need to replace all of your teeth, partial dentures will be more advisable for a candidate looking to replace just one or two teeth.
Partial dentures are made of either all plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic and hold a replacement tooth in your mouth by clipping to nearby natural teeth via metal clasps. They are ideal for someone looking to replace a single tooth but hoping to avoid the surgical treatment and higher costs that are usually related to similar procedures.
Despite their lower cost, there shouldn’t be a fear about how these will appear in your mouth as the base of dentures will be designed to match the colour of an individual’s gums.
To keep the partial dentures in good condition, you’ll need to routinely brush them thoroughly with toothpaste and rinse them in an effervescent solution. This will remove any loose food debris and ensure they are kept completely clean.
Unfortunately, although they are a convenient solution, they will eventually need replacing as the mouth naturally shifts over time which can cause the fitting of the dentures to become loose.
Fixed Dental Bridges
A fixed dental bridge repairs a gap caused by a missing tooth. It works by taking an impression of the surrounding teeth and bridging replacement teeth in the opening. The false teeth used in this process are called pontics and can be made from a range of materials depending on your preference and budget, including gold, porcelain and alloy.
Unlike dentures, these can’t be removed. Due to this, your remaining teeth won’t drift out of position. The dental bridge will also restore your ability to properly chew and speak by correctly distributing the forces in your bite.
Preparation for treatment involves recontouring the teeth either side of the gap by taking away part of the enamel, creating more room for a crown to be placed over them. Following impressions, a temporary bridge will be slotted in to place until a permanent bridge can be created and added on a future visit.
To get the fit of the bite and fit of the metal framework perfect, you might need to have multiple visits to the dentist. This is because a proper fit is crucial as a poorly fitted bridge could gradually damage adjoining teeth over time or cause causing tooth decay or an infection.
One of the most significant benefits to dental bridges is that they are a long-term solution, lasting anywhere between five to 15 years, even longer if you care for them well and have regular check-ups.