We all want a beautiful set of teeth.
What makes things difficult is when we suffer from a dental emergency or have to have a tooth removed. As a result, this makes us feel as if we have a distorted smile if our permanent teeth are no longer complete.
Thankfully, it’s not the end of the world.
There are several options for tooth replacement:
Dental Implants
- Dental implants are ideal for those with one or a couple of missing teeth. These are surgically placed into the gum tissue and slightly through the jaw. A crown is placed on top of the implant, appearing identical to a natural tooth. Brushing and flossing the implant is still vital as they should be treated as any other tooth in the mouth. The two main type of implants include removable and permanent.
- Removable: As the name implies, this dental implant is removable. (Well, the crown portion of the implant is.) This makes cleaning the tooth easier for some. Applicable patients are those who don’t have the healthiest gum tissue or strongest jaw bone.
- Permanent: Those who want a more permanent option can opt for a permanent implant. However, this requires the patient to have a stronger jaw bone and healthier gum tissue. The crown cannot be removed and looks slightly more realistic than a removable implant.
Dentures
- Those missing all or many of their teeth may find dentures to be a better option and investment. There are implanted (permanent) and removable options. However, removable are the most common. Denture are usually divided into two categories: partial and full.
- Partial: These dentures replace a section of missing teeth in the mouth rather than an entire set of top or bottom teeth. One may find a partial denture cheaper to replace several teeth rather than receiving several dental implants. However, your dentist can explain your best and most affordable option.
- Full: Full dentures are great for replacing full top or bottom (or both) missing teeth. Dentures can take a while to get used to, especially full dentures. But after a while, they feel as if they’re apart of your mouth.
Bridges
- Dental bridges replace one or a set of a few consecutive missing teeth. These are either implanted into the mouth or are bonded to the back of pre-existing teeth. Traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bonded bridges are three options.
- Traditional: These are the most common type of dental bridge. For a set of missing teeth, dental implants on each side of the center missing tooth will keep a traditional bridge in place, replacing multiple teeth. Otherwise, if there is one tooth missing, the crown to replace this missing tooth will be connected to other crowns which will be placed on adjacent, pre-existing teeth to keep the bridge in place.
- Cantilever: Great to replace front teeth but not ideal for back teeth. Not as common of a dental bridge method. The fake tooth is only supported on one end and fit over two adjacent teeth (“abutment teeth”).
- Maryland bonded (AKA resin-bonded): This option is ideal for one missing tooth. The dental crown has wings that are bonded to the back of pre-existing teeth to keep the crown in place.