Missing teeth: what are your options for replacing them?

Replacing missing teeth comes with many benefits, including boosting your confidence, improving your ability to speak and chew and reducing the risk of developing other oral health problems. If you’ve ever wondered how to replace missing teeth, here are some options your dentist may suggest.

You may have heard of the term “dental implant”, but often people don’t understand what’s involved in the process. So, what are dental implants? Dental implants involve placing a titanium post into your jawbone, which acts as a root for the implanted tooth. Over a few months, the titanium post fuses with the jaw to provide a stable foundation on which a crown or bridge can be attached. Because it’s surgically implanted, a dental implant offers a sturdy, long-term solution for tooth replacement. The process of getting an implant involves three stages that can take place over several months:

• Initial consultation and treatment plan

• Placing the post for your implant

• Fitting the implant itself 

Despite this lengthy time frame, many people choose dental implants because they're the most similar to natural teeth and they can last for many years, or even decades. It’s worth noting that, because of the realistic look and feel of a natural tooth, dental implants are the most expensive treatment for replacing missing teeth.  

Dental implants are a great option when you only have one missing tooth, but if multiple teeth are affected, an alternative solution may be better for you.

Another term you may have heard is “dental bridge”, but what are bridges for teeth? Dental bridges are designed to bridge the gap where your missing teeth or tooth used to be. Unlike dental implants, which typically don't affect your surrounding teeth, bridges are often attached to your adjacent teeth for support. The adjacent teeth are usually filed down in size to allow the bridge and crowns to be mounted over them for a comfortable fit. The bridge is then cemented into position for stability. Usually, the maximum number of teeth that can be bridged is four, but this depends on factors like the position of the missing teeth and the condition of the supporting teeth. Fitting your bridge may require multiple visits to your dentist; however, once fitted, it doesn’t need to be removed for cleaning and will function the same as a natural tooth or teeth. A fixed bridge is one of the more affordable tooth replacement options available and can last between 10 and 25 years before it needs to be repaired or replaced. Here are some of the factors that will determine how long your dental bridge will last: 

• The force of your bite when chewing

• Dietary and lifestyle habits 

• Oral and overall health

• The condition of the teeth and gums supporting the bridge  

• The quality of your daily oral hygiene  

• Whether the bridge is being placed for the first time or being replaced

If you have more than just a few missing teeth, your dentist may recommend dentures, which are removable appliances that consist of numerous artificial teeth. Full dentures mimic the look and function of a full set of teeth, while overdentures will fit over a few remaining teeth. As dentures are removable, they can sometimes slip when you eat or speak, cause irritation or feel less stable than a dental implant or fixed bridge. It can take some time to get used to wearing dentures, as they can also be uncomfortable when worn for a long period of time. But, after an adjustment period, they should begin to feel more natural. While dentures mimic natural teeth well, the disadvantages are a reason they’re the most affordable solution when it comes to tooth replacement options.

Your teeth are designed to be in a specific pattern that’s optimal for eating and speaking. If you have missing teeth, this can be compromised, so it’s important to understand the tooth replacement options available to you. Which option is best for you will depend on several factors:

• The number of missing teeth that need to be replaced – a dental implant is a better option for one missing tooth rather than several. 

• The overall quality of your oral health – dental implants and fixed bridges can’t be removed and need to be cleaned and flossed like natural teeth. Dentures can be removed for cleaning. 

• Whether or not you’ve experienced bone loss – there may not be enough bone left to support a dental implant, meaning you have to opt for a bridge or dentures instead. 

• Your budget – dentures are a much more affordable option than dental implants. The price of a dental bridge lies between the two.  

If you’re looking for tooth replacement options for one or several missing teeth, speak to your dentist about the best solution for you.

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about missing teeth and tooth replacement options: