If you’ve recently experienced the loss of a tooth, you’re likely aware of its impact on your daily life and oral health. While dental implants are typically used as the gold standard for missing teeth replacement, there are other alternatives worth exploring. Understanding these options can enable you to make a more informed decision, whether opting for a more affordable choice or selecting something better suited to your specific requirements. Let’s explore some of the best options to replace missing teeth that offer different benefits to match your needs.
What are the Best Alternatives to Replace Missing Teeth?
When you visit a dentist for a fake tooth replacement, you will likely be presented with the following options:
1 Dental Implants
Dental implants mimic real teeth, offering a natural look, feel, and function. They rank among the most favored options for tooth replacement in the United States. Implants are surgically placed in your jaw to provide a strong foundation for artificial teeth, like crowns or dentures. They are usually made of titanium, which resembles the natural structure of your teeth. Oral surgeons can use these implants to replace a tooth, several teeth, or dentures.
Using dental implants is an ideal way to replace missing teeth, especially if you have sufficient bone to support them or can undergo surgery to create an area for the implant. However, since the procedure requires surgery, using dentures as replacement teeth may not be best suited for patients with chronic illnesses, including diabetes, as it may slow down the healing.
Pros of Implants:
- Very similar to natural teeth.
- Adjacent teeth are not involved in the procedure.
- Longer life and may last for years or even decades.
- Depending on your case, an implant can be placed in even one or two visits.
Cons of Implants:
- Implants may not be the choice for you due to the surgery.
- Depending on your case, you may require more visits for implant placement.
- It is expensive as compared to other alternatives.
2. Dental Bridges
Dental bridges consist of artificial teeth, called pontics, that are attached to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants for support. As the name suggests, they bridge the gap left by missing teeth, restoring the appearance and function of the smile.
When you visit a dentist for a missing tooth replacement, they will first analyze and measure either side of the gap. This is called a dental impression. Based on this impression, a metal, glass, or ceramic bridge will be prepared. Fitting and cementing the bridge may take 2-3 visits.
Pros of Dental Bridges:
- Look and feel like natural teeth.
- Do not need to be removed for cleaning.
- It is less expensive than implants.
Cons of Dental Bridges:
- It may not last as long as dental implants.
- It might affect the adjacent teeth.
- It might require extra effort for cleaning.
3. Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are dental structures designed to replace one or more missing teeth. These dentures are fixed to a plastic base resembling the color of your gums. At times, the plastic base may also cover a metal body. Partial dentures come in two types:
- Removable, which can be taken out for cleaning, typically called snap-on dentures
- Fixed, which are permanently attached to adjacent teeth or dental implants.
Unlike other artificial teeth options, removable dentures should not be worn throughout the day. You may be asked to take them out during bed and return them after waking up.
It is also important to note that partial dentures are not a permanent solution. As you age, the denture may not fit well or break, or the teeth could loosen due to constant removal. This may call for a repair or a new denture.
Pros of Partial Dentures:
- It is less expensive than implants and fixed bridges.
- Involves a more straightforward process as compared to fixed bridges.
Cons of Partial Dentures:
- Less stable than dental implants
- It can be easily broken or lost.
- It may be uncomfortable.
- It may require more frequent dentist visits.
4. Full Dentures
Full or complete dentures are a classic solution if all of your teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing. They are also removable and consist of a complete set of teeth placed on an acrylic or metal base. The dentures are custom-designed to fit your gum contours snugly, ensuring comfortable wear and a lifelike appearance.
5. All-On-Four Dentures
All-on-four dentures are a special kind that helps people who have lost all their teeth in one or both jaws. These dentures are fixed in place using just four dental implants. They feel more natural and secure, just like having real teeth. This makes eating, talking, and smiling much easier and more comfortable.
Pros of All-On-Four Dentures:
- Better chewing function compared to traditional dentures.
- Improves speech and confidence with a natural-looking smile.
- Requires fewer dental implants and less surgery than others.
Cons of All-On-Four Dentures:
- Higher cost compared to removable dentures.
- Requires sufficient jawbone density for successful implant placement.
- May require adjustments or repairs over time.
To Sum it Up
There are different processes available to replace missing teeth, like dental implants, bridges, and removable dentures. It’s important to consider what’s best for you, considering things like cost and how long they’ll last. It’s also important to speak to a professional to figure out the right choice for your smile and oral health.
Visit Osseo Family Dental for a personalized analysis and dental implant fixtures for missing teeth. Our team is ready to assist you if you prefer to schedule an appointment. Contact us today at +1 763-425-2626.