More than 120 million people in the US are missing more than one tooth. With many citizens assuming dental work is costly and expensive, huge swathes of the population opt to avoid dental treatment. But if you have lost a tooth, what are your options?
Luckily there are a number of choices for all budgets. Read on as we discuss how to replace missing teeth and what choices are available.
Dental Implants
This is one of the most common methods of tooth replacement. They work best when you need to replace one missing tooth or several in various areas. Dental implants offer a permanent solution to missing teeth.
Having dental implants installed is a long process. A titanium post gets mounted into the upper or lower jaw where the tooth needs to go. If you need multiple teeth replaced, then more posts will get installed.
A replacement tooth is then added to the top of this post, holding it in place. It will look like you have a standard tooth. Screws hold it and it will take a few months for the implant to heal.
Dental Implant Pros
One of the main advantages of choosing this as an option for a missing tooth is its natural look. It will act as a tooth, meaning you don’t need regular checkups. As they are solitary replacements, they won’t impact neighboring teeth.
Dental Implant Cons
This is one of the most expensive ways to fix missing teeth, with the average tooth starting at around $3000. As a frame needs to be fused to the jawbone, then it does involve an invasive surgical procedure that has healing time added on top.
Tooth Supported Bridge
A tooth-supported bridge is one that secures itself on the existing teeth. It works by placing a crown on the teeth next to the missing one, then cements them in place. This bridge does not require surgery.
Tooth Supported Bridge Pros
As it does not need surgery the process is pain-free. It can cost less money than other options and retains the look and feel of a natural tooth.
Tooth Supported Bridge Cons
The teeth next to the missing one need filing and shaping. This can increase the chance of infection and decay later down the line, as bridges can also be harder to clean. When the bridge is not fitted correctly it can also damage the other teeth over time.
Implant-Supported Bridge
This is one of the best ways to replace missing teeth that are in a row. Should you do this with dental implants, you would need separate surgery for each one and the price would soon mount up. In this procedure, only the teeth at the end have implants to hold them in place and the others are held in place with dental cement.
The price of bridges varies depending on where you get it done and the materials used. Starting prices are around $3000 per bridge, though this is for multiple teeth making it cheaper than dental implants.
Implant-Supported Bridge Pros
Implant-supported bridges have a natural finish and aesthetic. They are just as good as dental implants but work out cheaper as they can cover several teeth in a row.
Implant-Supported Bridge Cons
Getting them fitted does require multiple visits to the dentist. It is also only suitable if you have teeth missing in a row. Over time, the bridge will need to be replaced.
Partial Dentures
Complete dentures are for when you need to replace all your teeth, but when only a few need replacing a partial denture may be an option. These clasp in place, but can still come out easily if needed.
Created on a plastic base, your other teeth, and the shape of your gums will stabilize them. Different colorations can be used to make sure they match the look of your teeth and gums. Higher grade overdentures are also available.
Partial Denture Advantages
These teeth are very easy to repair and replace at a low cost. They are one of the cheapest options and are held in place with clasps, meaning you don’t need surgical procedures. Should teeth go missing in the future they can be added to the denture.
Partial Denture Cons
Even though colors can be matched, it is not always exact and they may look less natural. As they are removable, they are also not the most comfortable option. You will need to remove them every night and clean them thoroughly.
Flipper Tooth
A flipper tooth is a removable partial denture. Based on a palate, this sits on the roof of your mouth or your lower jaw. It is created by making an impression of the mouth and the temporary flip-out tooth and palate are made.
Flipper Tooth Pros
These solutions are very affordable and easy to make, so you don’t need large surgical procedures or lots of visits. Appearance-wise they look relatively natural. The more stable your other teeth are, the more stable your flipper will become.
Flipper Tooth Cons
As you need to wear a palate on your mouth, it can be uncomfortable. These are also only temporary solutions so you will need to think of a more permanent fix.
Replace Missing Teeth
Now you know your options to replace missing teeth, set out a budget. Think about your own personal needs and what is important. For example, do you want a natural look or are you trying to avoid surgery?
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