Replacing a missing tooth is a lot like finding the right piece for a puzzle—it must fit, work, and last. But not every piece on the market is worth your time. With so many options, it’s easy for patients to feel lost or overwhelmed. Not all replacements were created equally, and not every “solution” lives up to the hype.
In this blog, we’ll break down four of the best options for tooth replacement, giving you the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.
Missing a tooth can cause lasting damage to your overall oral health. When you are missing a tooth, it allows your remaining teeth to shift. Shifting teeth can cause issues to both your bite and the structure of your jaw.
Dental implants involve an artificial root being surgically placed into the jawbone and then covered with a dental crown. The crown is customized to match the rest of your teeth, so that it looks as natural as possible.
Although dental implants are a great solution, they are not right for everyone. Not only do they involve surgery and take longer to complete, but they are also costly. You also must have the proper bone density for this procedure.
Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth by using the surrounding teeth as anchors. There are four main types of dental bridges:
Dental bridges are a quicker solution to missing teeth, with the process typically only taking a few weeks to complete. They also do not require surgery unless you elect to have an implant supported dental bridge installed. They are also a cost-friendly option compared to implants.
Dental bridges are the best option for those who have one or a few missing teeth while the surrounding teeth are still healthy. Bridges are also the best option for individuals who are unable to receive dental implants due to low bone density or poor jawbone health.
To effectively sanitize and care for your dental bridges, they must be properly cleaned. They require a special cleaning brush and must be flossed regularly. It is also important to remember to clean under your bridges to prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Dentures are removable artificial teeth on a gum-colored base that are typically made of acrylic resin and are attached to the gums using a special adhesive. They are designed to replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
Traditional full dentures are a budget friendly option for those who are missing multiple teeth. They are also a long-lasting option if you properly care for them and maintain the rest of your oral health.
Full dentures require all the remaining teeth on the arc to be removed before the appliance can be attached. They also must be removed nightly in order to properly be cleaned. Dentures sometimes tend to look unnatural, and it can take a while to adjust to how they feel.
Partial dentures are similar to full dentures; they also are artificial teeth placed onto a gum base made of acrylic resin. However, partial dentures are designed to replace only a few teeth and attach to the remaining teeth and gums using metal clasps.
Unlike full dentures, partial dentures do not require the remaining teeth to be extracted. They also can help preserve your remaining teeth as they are a less invasive solution to missing teeth.
Although partial dentures can also be a long-term solution, they are more likely to require adjustments to the clasps over time. Food particles can also be trapped under the denture if they are not properly cleaned.
Choosing to get full dentures or partial dentures depends on your specific needs. If you are only missing a few teeth and the rest are healthy, then partial dentures are likely a better option. If you are missing teeth and the health of your remaining teeth is declining as well, then full dentures are likely better for you. However, it is always important to get a professional opinion.
Book a consultation appointment with your dentist to address your missing teeth. A professional dentist can properly diagnose your dental issues and devise a treatment plan that best fits your needs.
A missing tooth can be far more than just a cosmetic issue. At Garden State Dental Design, we remain committed to creating the best smile for everyone with a wide range of solutions. Call (732) 669-7227 today to see how we can help restore your smile.
