Missing teeth can change the appearance and function of your smile and affect your self-esteem and oral health. Teeth can be lost for a variety of reasons, such as decay, injury, gum disease, or genetic conditions. A missing tooth or teeth can affect speech, your ability to properly chew and bite your food, lead to bone loss, and can cause remaining teeth to shift to fill in the place left by the missing tooth. Luckily, there are many options available to restore your smile.
At Smile Care of Fitchburg, we specialize in helping patients return their smiles to their full function and beauty. We offer a variety of options to replace missing teeth.
Dental implants
Dental implants are one of the most common methods to replace missing teeth. They are durable and made to look and feel like a natural tooth. Dental implants are a small, titanium screw that is affixed directly to the bone. This screw acts as your tooth root, to which a crown can then be affixed.
Implants are one of the most effective solutions for missing teeth. They offer a natural look and feel, and if properly cared for can last a lifetime.
Dental implants Pros:
- One of the most effective solutions for replacing a missing tooth
- Offer a natural look and feel
- Adjacent teeth are not altered in any way
- Permanent replacement
Dental implants Cons:
- One of the most expensive options
- Require a surgical procedure to affix the implant in the jawbone
- Require significant healing time
- Possible risk of infection
Implant Supported Bridges
Implant supported bridges are a great solution if you are missing multiple teeth. They offer a permanent, fixed, and fully functional tooth replacement option. Implant supported bridges typically consist of one or more pontic crowns in the middle, which are surrounded by retainer crowns that are attached to dental implants.
Implant Supported Bridges Pros:
- Can be economical way to replace multiple missing teeth
- Bridge is as effective as a dental implant
- Provides and natural look and feel
Implant Supported Bridges Cons:
- Can only be used in certain circumstances when multiple teeth in a row are missing
- Bridge will need to be replaced over time
- Requires multiple visits
Tooth Supported Bridges
Tooth supported bridges use existing teeth to support a bridge, rather than implants. The teeth surrounding your missing teeth will have crowns placed on them to support the bridge. Unlike implants, however, this type of bridge may not last as long.
Tooth Supported Bridges Pros:
- Offer a realistic look and feel
- Less invasive than implants
- More economical than implants
Tooth Supported Bridges Cons:
- Adjacent teeth are filed to be able to accommodate the crowns
- Poorly fitted bridge can damage adjoining teeth
- Food particles can slip under bridge, making it difficult to properly clean
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. The dentures clasp into place on the surrounding teeth to ensure they are held in their appropriate spots.
Removable Partial Dentures Pros:
- If additional teeth are lost, they can be added in easily
- Most economical solution
- Easy to replace or repair if needed
- Process to get dentures is simple
Removable Partial Dentures Cons:
- May be uncomfortable
- Dentures must be removed and cleaned on daily basis
- Metal clasps are visible, making them harder to blend in as natural teeth
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are used to replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
Complete Dentures Pros:
- Fairly non-invasive, but will require multiple visits to complete
- Functional
Complete Dentures Cons:
- May be uncomfortable
- Not to be worn around the clock
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge, or resin-bonded bridge, can replace one or more missing teeth. They use resin cement to attach a metal or ceramic bridge to the natural teeth. The bridge is supported by metal wings that are bonded directly to the back of the adjacent teeth.
Maryland Bridge Pros
- Less invasive than other bridges because they don’t require grinding down of adjacent teeth
- Less expensive than implants or traditional bridges
- Can provide aesthetically pleasing result
Maryland Bridge Cons:
- Less durable than conventional bridges and may only last 5-10 years
- Risk of debonding, leading to need to be re-cemented or replaced
- Can cause discomfort after being placed
There are many excellent options for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. To determine which option is right for your smile, it is important to schedule an appointment with a dental expert. They will consider factors such as the location of missing teeth, overall oral health, patient budget and personal preference. Working together, you and your dental team can find the solution that is ideal to perfect your smile.
The team at Smile Care Dental of Fitchburg is here to help restore your smile to proper function and aesthetics. Call 978-345-5563 to schedule your appointment.
