Teeth Replacement Options – A missing tooth or teeth can not only change the appearance of your smile but can also change your overall appearance in a way that you may not like. Missing teeth can result due to gum disease, injury, severe tooth decay, or a genetic condition. They can negatively impact the alignment of your teeth and can cause several problems if not replaced quickly. Fortunately, there are several teeth replacement options for your missing teeth, which is what we’ll discuss in this article…
1) Dental Implants:
This is one of the most common methods of tooth replacement and provides a permanent solution to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. They are not only a permanent solution, but also look and feel like real teeth. If you take proper care of your dental implants, they can last you for a lifetime. However, the process of placing your dental implant can be somewhat lengthy. Your dentist will replace your tooth’s root with metal screws, which will be used as an anchor. On top of this, will be placed the false tooth. After the screws have been placed, you will need to wait a few months for the implant to heal. During this time, the implant gets fused into the jawbone. After your implant has healed completely, your dentist will place a dental crown on top and secure it.
Pros of Dental Implants
- They are one of the best and most effective teeth replacement options for missing teeth.
- There is no involvement of neighbouring teeth and your adjacent teeth remain intact.
- They look and feel natural.
- They are more or less permanent and can be a lifelong replacement.
Cons of Dental Implants
- They are an expensive tooth replacement option.
- This is an invasive surgical procedure. It requires significant healing time and there could also be the possibility of infection.
2) Implant-Supported Bridge:
This is an ideal solution if you have multiple missing teeth in a row. With this type of bridge, only the teeth at both ends are secured with implants. The teeth in the middle of the two ends remain in place without needing any screws to keep them there.
Pros of Implant-Supported Bridges
- This is an economical choice for replacing several missing teeth in a row.
- This is as effective as a dental implant.
- This provides a natural look.
Cons of Implant-Supported Bridges
- They can only be used when there are several missing teeth in a row.
- These are not a permanent solution and will need to be replaced after some time.
- The placement of this bridge is an involved procedure and will require several visits to your dentist.
3) Tooth-Supported Bridge:
This uses your existing teeth to support the placement of your bridge and not dental implants to do so. A crown is placed on the teeth that are located next to the missing teeth. This is then cemented into place. This procedure requires a few visits to your dentist.
Pros of Tooth-Supported Bridges
- This provides the same realistic look and feels as that of a dental implant.
- The procedure is less invasive as no surgery is required.
- This is a more economical option, especially when compared to other procedures, such as dental implants.
Cons of Tooth-Supported Bridges
- The crown that is placed on the adjacent teeth will need to be filed to the appropriate size for the crown to fit well, thereby possibly leading to infection in the future.
- If the bridge is poorly fitted, it can result in damage to the adjoining teeth.
- If you do not clean your bridge and your teeth properly, food particles may accumulate under the bridge. This may lead to infection and ultimate bone loss.
4) Removable Partial Dentures:
These are best for individuals with a few missing teeth. They are a comparatively simpler and easier option to replace your missing teeth. The false teeth are held in their right places. This is due to the fact that these dentures are clasped into their correct place.
Pros of Removable Partial Dentures
- If you lose additional teeth after the placement of the partial denture, Additional teeth can be added to the denture, thereby saving both money and time.
- These are one of the least expensive options for tooth replacement.
- They are easy to both repair and replace.
- The placement of removable partial dentures is simple, only requiring the addition of metal clasps.
Cons of Removable Partial Dentures
- These dentures can be uncomfortable till you get used to them.
- These need to be removed and cleaned well on a daily basis.
- They should also be removed before sleeping to ensure regular brushing and flossing.
- The metal clasps that hold these dentures in place are visible and so, they do not appear as natural as dental implants.
5) Flipper:
This is a temporary partial denture. It has the ability to flip in and out of its position. It is not dependent on any surrounding teeth and does not have metal clasps.
Pros of a Flipper
- It is a relatively cheaper option to replace missing teeth.
- Much lighter when compared to a partial denture.
- It is relatively painless.
- Can work as a temporary tooth replacement option until a more permanent one is available.
Cons of a Flipper
- It can be uncomfortable.
- This is a temporary option, so it is built in such a way that its bulky design can lead to its breaking quite easily.
While there are several teeth replacement options for missing teeth, it is most important that you consult your dentist to determine the option that is best for you. At Vistadent, the Orthodontic Speciality Clinic, located in Hyderabad, India, we are experts in replacing missing teeth.
We will work closely with you to understand your particular dental problem and will then come up with the right solution. If you have missing teeth, we understand how difficult that is for you and will prescribe the right appliance to replace your missing teeth. Our dentists are not only well-trained and experts in their fields but also highly empathetic. At Vistadent, you will never be treated as just another case.
So, if you have missing teeth and need to replace them, do consider consulting with Vistadent for the best solution and the best dental care available!
For more information about replacing missing teeth or any other dental procedures, as well as other dental problems, contact Vistadent, the Orthodontic Speciality Clinic, at 040-23388111 or +91 9866572482 or at info@vistadent.net or visit our website at http://vistadent.net/.