Five Options Available for Replacing Missing Teeth
A person may be missing teeth for a variety of reasons, ranging from injury to tooth decay. Replacement options exist, with these five being the most commonly recommended by dentists.
Natural-Looking Teeth Implants
Whether replacing one tooth or several, implants are stable, long-lasting and natural-looking. They typically consist of strong, lightweight titanium posts that serve as anchors, combined with crowns designed to mimic the look and function of natural teeth. Implants offer the advantage of stimulating the adjacent bone, thus helping maintain bone structure and integrity.
Removable Partial Dentures
This type of denture provides replacement teeth that are adhered to a plastic base that has the appearance of gums. They are removable, as the name indicates, and can be taken out of the mouth for cleaning. Removable partial dentures stay in place by clasping onto the surrounding teeth. They can be worn during the day and removed while sleeping.
Complete Set of Dentures
A dentist may recommend this option when many teeth are missing. This appliance sits on top of the gums and can also be removed for cleaning purposes and during sleep.
Restorative Bridgework
A bridge is a type of restoration that fills in the gaps created by missing teeth. It is fixed in place and attached to neighbouring teeth. The bridge that spans healthy teeth supports a dental crown that fits in the gap. Variations may use metal or porcelain wings for support.
There are pros and cons to each solution. Our dentists at Roy & Kali Family Dental Centre in Grande Prairie will do a thorough consultation before recommending one of these options. Call 780-539-6883 to schedule an appointment with us to learn more about viable options for restoring missing teeth, improving bite alignment and bringing back a confident smile.