How can missing teeth be replaced

Also, dental implants tend to be more expensive than other replacement options for a missing tooth. The procedure may be covered by some insurances, but you might be responsible for deductibles and co-pays. A fixed bridge essentially bridges a gap caused by a missing tooth using a dental prosthetic or artificial tooth. The prosthetic is attached to adjacent teeth and then bonded in place using dental cement.

A single bridge will range in price depending on materials used and your geographic location. The procedure may be covered by some insurances. Bridges are beneficial because they feel and look like natural teeth. You might find they improve the appearance of your natural teeth on either side of the space. Bridges involve altering existing teeth.

Also, a poorly fitted bridge could gradually damage adjoining teeth over time. In addition, plaque and bacteria could seep underneath the bridge, causing tooth decay or an infection. Your dentist may suggest complete dentures if you need to replace all of your teeth.

But if you only need to replace some of your teeth, you might be a candidate for a removable partial denture. Your natural teeth stabilize and hold the removable plastic base in place, although some dentures have a clasp that adjoins to natural teeth. The base is designed to match the color of your gums, and the teeth the color of your natural teeth.

These dentures might be an option if you need to replace multiple teeth in one part of your mouth. Removable partial dentures may be covered by some insurances. Some people might find partial dentures uncomfortable, at least until they adjust to wearing them.

This constant handling can make them more susceptible to damage. Benefits of Implant Crowns and Bridges The advantages of implant bridges and crowns include: The dentist will not need to grind any of your healthy teeth down to create a new bridge to replace your missing tooth.

They function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat with confidence. They provide aesthetically pleasing results. They look and feel natural, making speaking and smiling easy.

They are easy to maintain — you brush and floss like you would a regular tooth. They will last a long time before you will need to replace them. Disadvantages of Implant Crowns and Bridges The primary drawback of implant crowns and bridges is the number of dental visits required. Best Candidates for Implant Crowns The best candidates for implant crowns: Are looking for stable and strong non-removable teeth. Are missing one to a few teeth. Are looking for attractive aesthetics, great function, improved speech and confidence.

Implant-Supported Dentures Implant-supported dentures are overdentures attached to and supported by implants. Implant-supported dentures have many names: Implant dentures Implant-supported dentures Denture implants Full denture implants Snap-in dentures However, they all mean the same thing — your implants provide complete denture support.

Types of Implant Dentures Two types of implant dentures are available: Implant- and abutment-supported removable denture. Implant- and abutment- supported fixed denture, also known as a hybrid fixed denture.

Implant-Supported Removable Denture As with traditional dentures, you have to remove implant-supported removable dentures before going to bed. Two types are available: Ball-retained Bar-retained In either case, our dentist creates your denture out of an acrylic base, which looks like your gums. Other types of implant-supported removable dentures include: All-on-four , meaning that four dental implants support your full denture All-on-eight dentures Implant-Supported Fixed Denture Unlike removable implant dentures, fixed implant dentures are permanently attached to the implants and can remain in the mouth at all times.

Some names for implant-supported fixed dentures include: Permanent dentures Fixed dentures Hybrid dentures Removable Implant Denture Vs. Fixed Implant Denture vs.

Implant Bridge How can you choose the replacement option for missing teeth that is best for you? The Health of Your Bone If there is enough bone, any of the three options to replace missing teeth could work.

Your Budget Removable implant dentures are the least expensive option, as they require as little as two to four implants. Aesthetics and Maintenance Implant bridges look most like natural teeth, and many patients find them the most comfortable replacement option.

Partial Dentures Missing teeth can cause embarrassment. Benefits of a Partial Denture Some benefits of partial dentures include: They do not cost as much as implants or fixed bridges.

They restore your smile since they fill in the gaps between your teeth. The procedure is relatively quick and non-invasive. The dentist might be able to add additional teeth, depending on the type of denture you choose. Please clarify this with your dentist before committing to the treatment. For example, teeth cannot be added to a flexible partial denture.

Disadvantages of a Partial Denture Some of the disadvantages include: They do not always function well or look as natural as fixed options. They may require multiple adjustments by the dentist until they fit comfortably. They may be slightly obtrusive. Use of adhesive creams may be required to ensure better fit.

They need to be relined or replaced more often. You have to remove them each day to clean them and leave them out during the night so your gums can recover. It is easy to misplace or lose a partial denture. They can break if dropped. Your sense of taste may be lost slightly due to a covered palate. Complete Dentures Unlike partial dentures that replace only some teeth, complete dentures, also known as full upper or full lower dentures, replace a full arch of missing teeth.

Benefits of Complete Dentures Some advantages of complete dentures include: Since they replace decayed and missing teeth, they significantly improve your appearance and may boost your self-confidence. They provide adequate lip and cheek muscle support, restore facial dimensions and create a younger appearance. Like with partial dentures, depending on the health and volume of your bone, complete dentures may help make eating more comfortable and improve your speech. They are a relatively fast and affordable treatment option.

They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, look natural and can match your natural gums closely. The dentist can adjust or reline them easily to accommodate the changing shape of your jawbone. Disadvantages of Complete Dentures Some disadvantages of complete dentures include: They may become ill-fitting due to a change in your jawbone shape.

You have to remove them to clean them and keep them out overnight to let your gums recover. They often require several adjustments to make them comfortable.

You may require adhesives to keep them in your mouth. They may break if dropped. Best Candidates for Complete Dentures Complete dentures are a low-cost option when you need to replace a complete arch of teeth. If taken care of, dental implants can last you a lifetime. The process of placing your dental implant can be somewhat lengthy.

Once the screws have been put into place, you will need to allow the implant to heal for a few months, during which time, the implant becomes securely fused to your jawbone. Once the implant has healed completely, a dental crown will be placed on top and secured.

Pros of Dental Implants: They are one of the most effective options to replace missing teeth They provide a very natural look and feel There is no involvement of your neighbouring teeth, so adjacent teeth remain intact They are a permanent, lifelong replacement, requiring no regular check-ups.

Implant-supported bridge An implant-supported bridge is an ideal solution for multiple missing teeth in a row. The process of replacing each tooth with a dental implant can be very lengthy and unnecessary. With an implant-supported bridge, only the teeth at the two ends are secured in place with implants. The teeth in the middle of the two ends are held in place without any screwing.

Pros of Implant-Supported Bridges An economical choice for replacing several missing teeth in a row The bridge is equally as effective as a dental implant They provide a natural look. Cons of Implant-Supported Bridges They can only be used under certain circumstances when there are several missing teeth in a row Implant-supported bridges are not a permanent solution, and the bridges will need to be replaced The placement of an implant-supported bridge requires numerous visits to the dentist.

Tooth-supported bridge A tooth-supported bridge uses your existing teeth to support the placement of a bridge, rather than placing two implants into your teeth. A crown is placed on the teeth, which are next to the missing ones and cemented into place. The procedure is completed over a few visits.

Pros of Tooth-Supported Bridges A tooth-supported bridge provides the same realistic look and feel of that of a dental implant There is no surgery required, so the process is less invasive A tooth-supported bridge is a more economical option compared to dental implants.

Removable partial dentures Removable partial dentures are a comparatively simpler option to replace missing teeth, similar to dental implants.