If you are interested in missing teeth replacement solutions, you have certainly come to the right place. If you have a missing tooth, it can be easy to feel self-conscious and like you’re the only person experiencing this problem. However, it is much more common than you may realize. Did you know that the average adult aged between 35 and 49-years-old in the United States is missing seven teeth? While it is possible that four are wisdom teeth, yet this still indicates that the average adult is living without three of their natural teeth.
If you are missing a tooth, you will be pleased to know that there are a lot of different treatment options that are available to you. Read more below for available treatment options.
Dental Implants
There is no denying that dental implants are one of the most popular solutions for anyone who is dealing with missing teeth. A dental implant has been designed so that the natural tooth root is replaced artificially, which means it will be inserted into the jawbone. This procedure will support a replacement or restorative denture, bridge, or crown. Dental implants can be the best solution for anyone who has lost one tooth or several teeth because of periodontal disease, injury, or any other oral health issue. There are lots of different benefits associated with going down this route. This includes the following:
- Dental implants can be more cost-efficient in the long run because of the lifespan of the treatment
- Teeth that are adjacent to the gap will not need to be modified
- This is the only tooth loss solution that will prevent jawbone loss
- Feel comfortable and natural, providing the best aesthetics
- Minimal maintenance is needed, aside from professional dental checkups and cleanings, and of course, good oral hygiene
- They are permanent and durable
- Success rates for this treatment are more than 95 percent
All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures
With this treatment option, four implants are used to support a full-arch lower denture. For an upper denture, six implants may be required for support. This treatment involves two implants being inserted right at the front of the arch in the positions that your front teeth would have previously occupied. The remaining two implants will then be placed at either side. They will be placed at a 45-degree angle, with the tilt towards the back of your mouth. Special attachments will be used so that the overdenture clips onto the implants.
Again, there are a number of different advantages that are linked to this including:
- They can be removed easily for cleaning
- They can be constructed without a palate, which means they provide a more enjoyable experience and feel less bulky
- You can enjoy a much broader assortment of food when compared with standard dentures
- More strong and stable than dentures
- More cost-efficient because of the lower number of implants that are needed to support a complete arch of teeth
Resin Bonded Bridge
Another option when it comes to missing teeth replacement is to have a resin-bonded bridge. This is sometimes referred to as a Rochette bridge or a Maryland bridge. It is important to note that this treatment only tends to be suitable when the front teeth are being replaced. This is because the resin-bonded bridge tends to be quite fragile, which means it cannot withstand the back teeth’s chewing forces.
The resin-bonded bridge has two wings, which are attached to the abutment teeth. These teeth need to be strong and healthy. Holes will be drilled into the wrings so that retention is increased. When compared with removable dentures, a lot of people prefer this solution. At the same time, though, it is not as permanent or as strong as a fixed bridge and it will not perform as well as dental implants do. Because of this, a consultation with an experienced dentist is always needed to determine whether this is, indeed, the best option for you, or whether there are some other solutions available that will be more suitable.
So, what are the benefits associated with this sort of treatment?
- It will prevent your remaining teeth from drifting out of place
- It provides the right amount of support for your lips
- It restores your ability to eat, speak, and smile
- It is less invasive and cheaper than a fixed bridge that is supported by your natural teeth
Other missing teeth replacement options
The three examples that have been mentioned simply scratch the surface when it comes to the missing teeth replacement options that are available to you today. There are plenty of other options too. This includes removable complete dentures, removable partial dentures, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, and an implant-supported fixed bridge. The right solution for you will depend on a number of different factors. This is why we will always carefully examine your mouth to determine the best approach. We will also take your budget into consideration too. The consultation is a great chance for you to ask any questions you have and to discuss what you want to achieve from the treatment and your preferences.
Call us today to schedule a consultation
If you would like more information about the different missing teeth replacement options that are available, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Our team has many years of experience and we can advise you on the best dental treatment solution for your situation. When you schedule a consultation with us, you are under no obligation to receive treatment, so you don’t need to feel worried about being pressured into proceeding. We will simply give you all of the information that you need so that you can make the best decision for you.
