Best Options for Missing Teeth Replacement
Missing teeth are an all-too-common problem. In fact, statistics show that less than 50% of adults in the United States have their full set of natural teeth. While this can make a person self-conscious about their appearances, having one or more missing teeth can inhibit their ability to speak and eat. Fortunately, several options are available to replace missing teeth which will be detailed in this article.
Dental Implants
Surgically embedded directly into the patient’s jawbone, dental implants are a sturdy, permanent restoration option for people missing one or more teeth. The small metal posts that are placed in the jawbone mimic natural tooth roots and once they fuse with the bone, provide a sturdy foundation for mounting replacement crowns.
Some of the advantages that dental implants offer include:
- Long-term success rates as high as 98%
- Durable and permanent
- Better comfort and more natural feel
- Improved aesthetics
- Cleaning and maintenance mimics natural teeth
- Minimizes loss of jawbone
- Can last for life
Implant Crowns and Bridges
Both implant bridges and crowns rely on dental implants to support them. Often, an implant crown is ideal when a single tooth in either the front or back require replacement whereas an implant-supported bridge is typically used to replace a span of three to 12 missing teeth.
The benefits of implant bridges and crowns include:
- No modification of existing teeth is necessary
- Function like natural teeth
- Aesthetically pleasing results
- Have natural feel and look
- Can be cleaned like natural teeth
Implant-Supported Dentures
Unlike conventional dentures that sit on the gums, an implant-supported denture attaches to dental implants that are placed in the jawbone. Like other implant-based options, an initial surgical procedure is needed to place the implants followed by a second procedure to fit the custom prosthesis. The denture can be fixed or removable and comes in several forms. The form that is selected is generally dependent on the patient’s budget, preference, and health of their jawbone.
Partial Dentures
Having missing teeth can be embarrassing. Fortunately, a removable partial denture provides patients with a quick solution for replacing lost teeth that does not require their remaining natural teeth to be modified. A partial denture is custom made based on molds taken of the patient’s mouth. For some cases, a clasp may be needed to hold the denture in place and depending on its position, may be noticeable when speaking or smiling. When compared with implants or fixed bridges, a partial denture tends to be less expensive, relatively quick to obtain, and non-invasive.
Full Dentures
A complete or full denture is useful for replacing an entire set of missing lower or upper teeth. Since they are replacing decayed or missing teeth, dentures can greatly improve the wearer’s appearance while providing a boost to their self-confidence. Compared with other types of restoration, dentures are often the most affordable and fast option. Available in several shapes, colors, and sizes, dentures can closely match the patient’s natural teeth and gums.
One potential drawback of full dentures is that they may become ill-fitting as the jawbone changes shape. This can lead to the dentures shifting out of position when speaking or eating and could necessitate multiple adjustments to fit comfortably.