Tooth Replacement Options: Top Options for Missing Teeth

Losing teeth may have a significant negative influence on your oral health and quality of life, but thankfully, there are now advanced tooth replacement options to replace lost teeth and satisfy a range of requirements. Every situation can be accommodated by a fixed bridge to replace gaps, removable dentures, or dental implants as a permanent solution. To restore your smile and increase your self-confidence, learn the finest tooth replacement techniques available.

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Dental Dentures:

As a removable tooth replacement option dentures are used to replace lost teeth and surrounding tissues. They may be partial (replacing some teeth) or complete (replacing all teeth). Although dentures are the least expensive tooth replacement option, they may need to be adjusted for fit and may feel less secure. 

Complete Dentures

A complete denture is a full set of removable artificial teeth designed to replace all missing natural teeth. The complete denture rests directly on the gums and is usually made from acrylic or porcelain, created in such a way that it resembles natural teeth.

• Advantaged: 

They are an economical option for achieving a complete smile, in particular for those persons who have lost all teeth in one or both jaws. The complete denture also highly resembles natural teeth.

Dentures can be easily removed for cleaning, and they are simple to care for. This makes them a convenient option for restoring missing teeth, making it easier for patients to manage their oral health.

• Disadvantages:

They often take a bit of getting used to, and the feeling that they are heavy or not very stable is bound to occur while you speak or eat. patients may sometimes feel like they might slip or slide out of place because they are held in by suction or adhesive, but it is a matter of getting the practice going. Readjustments may be made after some time.

• Ideal candidate: 

Complete dentures offer an excellent solution for people who have had all their teeth lost, either on the top or bottom or both jaws. Candidates for dentures should have healthy gum tissue and a willingness to accept daily care and minor adjustments needed to keep the device fitting well.

• Cost: $1,000 - $3,000 per set

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Partial Dentures: Removable Partial Dentures

These dentures replace only a few of the missing teeth in a mouthful. They are supportive devices that have a base fitting over the gums and clasps which attach themselves to the surrounding natural teeth. While providing gaps and functionality, they solve the problem without having to resort to surgery. 

• Advantages: 

Inexpensive tooth replacement option that permits people to keep their remaining teeth in position. These devices can be removable for the sake of cleaning, and can also be custom-designed to fit around natural teeth and provide a secure hold.

• Disadvantages: 

While functional, they can feel less secure than other alternatives. The metal clasps, while effective, can sometimes show when you smile,  an undesirable scenario for some. 

A partial denture needs to be relined regularly because its fit will change over time.

• Ideal candidate: 

They work best for people who have lost several teeth but have still viable remaining teeth to support their clasps. 

They are good for someone wanting an affordable, removable solution to avoid the long-standing implant options.

• cost: $500 - $1,500

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Flexible Partial Dentures

A flexible partial denture is a modern twist on traditional partial dentures. Since they are made from flexible and durable materials like nylon rather than rigid acrylic, they have a lighter and more adaptive fit. Unlike their metal-clasp counterparts, flexible dentures securely mold to the gums giving them an appreciable natural appearance.

• Advantages: 

Comfortable, these dentures are extremely durable and tend to break less. Without metal parts, they look more natural and feel less bulky in the mouth; in fact, many patients find it easier to get used to them because they do permit "give" as you move.

• Disadvantages: 

Flexibility and comfort come at a higher price than traditional partials. They will wear out more quickly than other options available and need more frequent replacements, so they are not as long-term as other tooth replacement options like dental implants.

• Ideal candidate: 

This is a great option for patients who are looking for a comfortable, natural-looking denture that is gentle on the gums. Also they work well for people who find conventional partials uncomfortable or who want an option that blends better with their remaining teeth.

• cost: $600 - $1,800

Dental Bridges:

Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that bridge the space between the remaining teeth to replace one or more lost teeth. They are made up of one or more prosthetic teeth held up by dental crowns that are bonded to the neighboring natural teeth.

Traditional Dental Bridges

This is the most traditional type of bridge. It consists of one or more artificial teeth attached with crowns cemented on one or both sides of the gap between one or two natural teeth.

• Advantages: 

Traditional bridges are very durable and will last many years. 

Traditional bridges are fixed and can withstand biting and chewing force, thus helping restore both function and aesthetics.

• Disadvantages: 

The adjacent teeth need to be filed down to fit the crowns, which may be undesirable if these teeth are not diseased. 

The procedure cannot be reversed and represents a commitment to a more permanent altercation.

• Ideal candidate: 

Suitable for individuals who have strong, healthy teeth on either side of the gap, acting as strong anchors. 

Works well for patients missing one or two glued teeth.

• cost: $1,500 - $5,000 per bridge (depends on materials and number of teeth replaced)

Cantilever Bridges

A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but only requires one natural tooth next to the gap. The artificial tooth is anchored on just one side, which means it’s a single-sided bridge.

• Advantages: 

Cantilever bridges can be a good option for areas where only one adjacent tooth is available, such as the back of the mouth. They’re relatively easy to place and can be a practical solution for missing molars.

• Disadvantages: 

Due to the single anchor, cantilever bridges can create a load-bearing effect, which places extra stress on the supporting tooth and may lead to complications over time. 

They are generally not recommended for high-stress areas like the back molars.

• Ideal candidate: 

Ideal for patients who are missing a tooth in an area where only one adjacent tooth is available, typically less stressed parts of the mouth.

• cost: $1,500 - $4,000