Your teeth play a vital role in your overall health and well-being. When you’re missing teeth, it can impact your ability to eat, speak clearly, and maintain proper bite alignment. Over time, the excessive pressure on remaining teeth increases the risk of premature wear, damage, or even further tooth loss. You may also experience headaches, jaw pain, and an aged appearance as the jawbone deteriorates.
Dental implants, in particular, provide a comfortable, long-lasting, and natural-looking option for replacing missing teeth. Unlike traditional tooth replacements like bridges or dentures, dental implants function just like your natural teeth. By fusing with your jawbone, they help preserve bone structure and prevent the sunken facial appearance that often accompanies tooth loss. Implants also protect your remaining teeth from excessive wear and tear, safeguarding your oral health for years to come. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a wise investment in your smile and confidence.
Treatment Options to Replace Missing Teeth
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, you have several options to choose from, ranging from temporary to permanent solutions. During your consultation with our office, we will review the benefits, limitations and risks of all the potential treatments available for your individual situation.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge replaces missing teeth by creating a set of artificial teeth anchored to adjacent natural teeth. It requires grinding down the neighboring teeth to accommodate the bridge crowns. Although non-removable, fixed bridges are durable but sacrifice healthy tooth structure.
Flipper
A flipper is a fragile, temporary, and inexpensive removable partial denture made of acrylic plastic. It provides a quick interim solution while awaiting a permanent tooth replacement option. However, flippers are not designed for long-term use due to their lack of stability and durability.
Partial Denture
A partial denture uses a plastic base with artificial teeth to fill gaps from missing teeth while fitting around remaining natural teeth. Metal clasps or attachments secure it in place, making it more stable than a flipper but still removable. Regular adjustments are required as the mouth changes over time.
Full Removable Denture
A full denture is an entire arch of artificial teeth set in an acrylic plastic base that rests on the gums to replace all missing teeth. While restoring aesthetics and function, dentures do not prevent jawbone deterioration and often require replacement due to changing mouth shapes.