What Are The Options To Replace A Missing Tooth?

By Akshay Sharma February 25, 2020 Health

A full set of healthy teeth is good for you is many different ways. Not only do they boost your confidence when you smile a dazzling smile, but a complete set of teeth is essential for other important tasks.

When you are missing a tooth or a few teeth, eating regular foods can become difficult. Speaking clearly can also become a task when you do not have a healthy, full set of teeth in your mouth. This is why it is crucial to find the best solution to missing teeth as soon as possible.

Here is a look at the many options available to you to deal with this situation.

Options For Missing Teeth

1. Removable Complete Denture

This is a full plate of false teeth that are used to replace all the teeth in either your upper and/or lower jaw. The plates are identified as uppers or lowers and are typically made of acrylic resin and metal. They are not intended to be worn all day and all night, and generally taken out at night so that your mouth can rest. Soaking overnight in a solution will keep these from drying out which could otherwise lead to damage from warping or cracking. They are designed to fit snugly in your mouth sitting on the gum line.

2. Removable Partial Denture

This is very similar to the removable complete denture with one exception… removable partial dentures do not replace a full set of teeth. They are specifically designed to replace a single missing tooth or a small section of missing teeth. These false teeth are fitted so that they attach securely to neighboring teeth to hold them in place.

3. Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge is used to replace a few or a complete row of missing teeth. It is much like a removable complete or partial denture with the exception that it is not removable. A fixed bridge comes in several different types but requires an implant surgically installed in your jawbone that the bridge is attached to. This particular procedure requires multiple trips to the dentist’s office which means a great deal of time is needed for this to be a successful solution.

4. Resin-Retained Bridge

This is the option usually used to replace missing front teeth. The same basic mechanics apply as for a fixed bridge only instead of an implant going into your jawbone, resin-retained bridges often attach to neighboring teeth for support. However, these false teeth are not normally as durable as a fixed bridge.

5. Dental Implant

A dental implant is just as it sounds. A replacement tooth root is surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once healed, a false tooth is attached to the implanted root. This is a good solution to replace a single missing tooth but is not the best way to address multiple missing teeth. A fixed bridge or complete denture would address that better. Plus, due to the nature of the surgery required to install a dental implant, this procedure will typically cost more than bridges or dentures. There also has to be a sufficient amount of bone tissue in the jaw to properly install the replacement tooth root which makes this procedure not the best option for everyone.

In Conclusion

There are several ways to remedy a missing tooth or many missing teeth with false teeth. False teeth are available in dentures (full or partial), bridges and implants. Depending on where in your mouth you are missing teeth and how many, a suitable solution exists that will restore your ability to speak clearly, eat healthily and smile broadly.

For more information on which of these false teeth options are best suited for your needs, consult your local dental professional. It doesn’t matter if you have lost teeth through an accident, illness or poor oral hygiene. You owe it to yourself to have those empty spaces in your mouth properly repaired to prevent further damage. Your local dentist can best advise you.

AUTHOR BIO:

Jade Roberts grew up with stained teeth and was very self-conscious. Because it was affecting her life, she became obsessed with finding a solution. After major dental work to improve her teeth and appearance, Jade wants to help others who are also unsure of their dental options. Now she owns and operates False Teeth Options which provides valuable information and resources regarding false teeth, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry to people of all ages.