There are many ways that can be used in order to replace a missing tooth or missing teeth and at the same time your dentist can suggest the best option for you, whether it is a partial or total denture, bridge or implant.
When someone loses one or even more teeth, then he or she starts feeling self-conscious and at the same time this might affect someone’s ability to eat or speak. As luck would have it, there exist a number of tooth replacement options.
Below you will find a brief description of tooth replacement options as well as their characteristics along with further information for every option.
- Dental Implants
- Implant Crowns and Bridges
- Implant-Supported Dentures
- Partial Dentures
- Complete Dentures
We are going to analyze each option in order for you to determine the most appropriate one for your tooth replacement type.
1. Dental Implant
Dental implants are an option when the patient needs to replace a single tooth or even all his or her teeth in different areas of his or her mouth.
This treatment involves the surgical placement of a metal “root” in the patient’s upper or lower jaw. A crown (case) is then placed in the dental implant, which allows the tooth or teeth to remain in its appropriate place.
Basically, a dental implant provides a permanent base to replace one or more teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The main advantages of dental implants are:
- Flawless aesthetics
- Safe solution
- The lifespan of adjacent teeth is not limited
- Get rid of annoying squeaks or distortion of the voice
- Comfortable and stable restoration of teeth
- Success rate statistically high
- An excellent alternative for tooth replacement
- From a scientific point of view, a longer and more reliable solution
- It is not necessary to grind healthy teeth to place a bridge
- Harmless to the general health of the patient
- They are made of titanium, an anti-allergic material and biocompatible with the body
- Avoid placement of removable dentures (teeth)
- Documented scientific studies show that dental implants remain successful even after 30 years of use with a survival rate of prosthetics that support over 95% at 15 years.
Considerations for Dental Implants
Some important information that the patient must be aware of before placing dental implants, include:
- The implant placement is a slight surgical procedure which requires a rigorous medical history.
- Some slight adjustments to the patient’s activity level might be required, from 24 to 48 hours following surgery. The patient should avoid any strenuous physical activity for the upcoming two days – such as going to the gym.
- A dental implant is not a replacement option on its own, but it is considered to be a supporting structure for an implant crown, implant bridge or even an implant denture.
You are the Most Appropriate Candidate for a Dental Implant
There are generally no restrictions except in some cases of illness and heavy smoking. If there is a case where there is no bone where to place the dental implant immediately, then the dentist can perform some regenerative techniques in which the dentist can create the bone and then place the dental implant. The final result, through the right cooperation of dentist and patient, leads to the desired achievement, offering an immediate and final solution to the loss of natural teeth with Dental Implants.
2. Implant Crown and Bridges
The dental crown is a dental micro prosthesis which mimics the top part of a tooth. It is established, as a rule:
- In order to eliminate defects that cannot be corrected by sealing or inserting.
- In order to correct the shape, position or color of the teeth.
Generally, dentists recommend implant crowns, if:
- the tooth is more than 60% damaged.
- it is necessary to supplement the prosthesis performed while using bridges.
The placement of the crown is required for aesthetic reasons.
There are 2 stages of making wreaths:
- clinically.
- laboratory.
A dental implant is a prosthetic device which is used in order to replace the root of a real tooth. It is thus implanted by the dentist in the patient’s jaw.
Implants are divided into folding and non-folding. The first denture elements are presented:
- from the actual implant.
- with support.
This implant is usually installed in 2 stages. First, it is implanted in the jaw tissue by immersion under the mucosa. After some time – about 4-6 months – a support is placed in the implant.
Benefits of Implant Crowns and Bridges
Some of the advantages of implant bridges and crowns, include:
- It is not needed to grind any of your healthy teeth down, in order to create a new bridge for replacing your missing tooth.
- Their functioning is similar to natural teeth and this allows you to eat confidently in front of everyone.
- Their results are aesthetically pleasing.
- They look as well as feel natural, which makes speaking and smiling an easy process.
- They are easy for the patient to maintain – the brushing and flossing process is similar to your regular tooth.
- Their lifespan is long, so you will not need to replace them for a long period of time.
Who are the Best Candidates for Implant Crowns?
The most suitable candidates for implant crowns, are:
- Those who are looking for a stable as well as strong non-removable teeth.
- Those who are missing one or even a number of teeth.
- Those who are looking for charming aesthetics, considerable function as well as improved speech and confidence.
3. Implant-Supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture is attached to and supported by dental implants. Dissimilar to regular dentures that rest on your teeth gums, implant dentures that are attached to dental implants provide a much better support. You can find implant-supported dentures, with numerous and different names – such as:
- Implant Dentures
- Implant-Supported Dentures
- Denture Implants
- Full Denture Implants
- Snap-In Dentures
Nevertheless, every designation has the same meaning – those dental implants provide complete denture support.
Types of Implant Dentures
You can find two available types of implant dentures:
- Implant and abutment supported removable dentures.
- Implant and abutment supported fixed denture, also known as a hybrid fixed denture.
Removable Implant Denture Vs. Fixed Implant Denture Vs. Implant Bridge
You should consider the following factors in order to choose the most suitable replacement option for you.
The Health of your Bone
If you have enough bone in your jaw, then each one of the three options can be suitable for you. If you have severe bone loss – not having enough bone – either fixed or removable dentures can be an exceptional option for you. Implant dentures give the opportunity to your dentist to replicate bone while building it out with acrylic material. With this kind of restoration, the patient is going to get an instant facelift. It is difficult to achieve a similar result with the placement of an implant bridge.
Budget
Removable implant dentures require at least two to four implants. While, on the other hand, fixed implant dentures or implant bridges require a maximum number of six implants. This relies on your bone health, which might increase the cost of your treatment.
Aesthetics and Maintenance
Implant bridges have a more similar look with natural teeth and many patients think that this replacement option is more comfortable than other ones. On the other hand, when you start brushing your fixed implant dentures, then you should use additional care, especially when you start brushing in the middle part of the non-removable denture and the attachments. Maintaining good oral hygiene is an easier procedure with removable implant dentures, but you should not forget to remove them before sleeping.
4. Partial Dentures
It is usually optional when a large number of teeth have been lost. It is a good alternative when it is not possible for the patient to place dental implants. The restraint of the structure has to do to a significant degree with the condition of the teeth that are in the patient’s mouth.
Moreover, it is a far more affordable solution. It takes time to adjust in order to be completely functional in terms of chewing, speaking. It is also necessary to remove them from the mouth during the night. Last but not least, it is essential to replace them over time.
What are the Benefits of a Partial Denture?
Several benefits of partial dentures, include:
- They are more affordable than implants or fixed bridges.
- They fill in the gaps that have been created in the middle of your teeth, and as a result they restore your smile.
- A relatively quick and non-invasive procedure.
- Partial dentures can improve the patient’s ability to eat and speak.
- Depending on the denture that the patient decides to use, then the dentist may be able to add additional teeth to his or her mouth. You should not forget to clarify that part with your dentist, before you start the process of your dental treatment. To give an example – teeth cannot be added to a flexible partial denture.
5. Complete Dentures
Dissimilar to partial dentures which can replace only some teeth, complete dentures, on the other hand, are known as completely upper or lower dentures which replace a complete arch of missing teeth.
What are the Benefits of Complete Dentures?
Some of the advantages that complete dentures include, are:
- As complete dentures replace decayed as well as missing teeth, that means that they greatly ameliorate the patient’s appearance and may also boost his or her self-confidence.
- Complete dentures come up with adequate lip and cheek muscle support, as well as restore the patient’s facial dimensions and also create a younger appearance for the person.
- More or less the same with the partial dentures, relying on the health and volume of the patient’s bone, then complete dentures might give up the opportunity of eating more comfortably, as on the other hand, they can also improve speech.
- Complete dentures are an approximately fast and affordable dental treatment solution.
- Complete dentures can come in numerous colors, shapes and sizes, and at the same time they also look natural as well as they can match the patient’s natural gums similarly.
- Your dentist can adjust or even reline the complete dentures effortlessly in order to accommodate the changing shape of your bone.
Who are the Best Candidates for a Complete Denture Treatment?
Complete dentures can be an affordable solution for someone who needs to replace a complete arch of his or her teeth. Those dentures are an appropriate option for those who do not desire to proceed with an implant surgery or who are not prime candidates for dental implants.
What is the Conclusion?
Even if your teeth are missing as a result of a decay, due to periodontitis or even if this is caused from an injury – then you should contact a dental clinic and schedule an appointment in order to discuss and restore your missing teeth.
The cost of your dental treatment will vary depending on the solution of your tooth replacement, the number of your teeth that need to be restored or even the location in your mouth.
The treatment options that we mentioned above are efficient and in the majority of cases a dental implant, bridge, partial or complete denture will last for years or even decades with the following of regular checkups and the appropriate dental care.