How to Choose the Best Tooth Replacement Technique

When you have severely damaged or missing teeth, you are more likely to experience additional oral health problems, not to mention it can deal a major blow to your self-esteem! When you’re unable to smile with confidence, it makes it harder to form relationships with your peers, especially if you’re always worried about how your teeth look when you’re laughing or smiling.

Even having just a couple of missing teeth is enough to weaken your jawbone and compromise the alignment of your remaining teeth. Oh, and did we mention that you’ll also be more susceptible to gum disease and decay? Yikes!

The good news is that advancements in dental technology have given us plenty of tooth replacement options. This means that your dentist will be able to customize a treatment plan to fit your specific dental care needs.

Some of the most popular tooth replacement options for patients include:

• Dental implants (including implant-supported dentures)
• Fixed bridges
• Resin-retained bridges
• Removable partial dentures

At Beck Family Dental, LLC, we can help to address all of these options and more!

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a type of surgical procedure that replaces a missing tooth or teeth with artificial tooth roots. Your dentist will place an artificial tooth root and then fuse it with your jawbone.

Dental implants used in restorative dentistry procedures work best when a patient needs to replace a single missing tooth. If you need to replace multiple teeth, then a dental implant may not be the right option.

Tooth loss can create irregularities in your mouth that negatively impact your eating habits, and in some cases, may even lead to malnutrition.

Dental implants provide additional strength and stability to support chewing and can also help to stop or prevent the loss of bone in the jaw.

Benefits of a Tooth Replacement with Implants

Here are some of the key benefits of performing a tooth replacement with an implant:

Get Immediate Results

Dental implants will significantly improve your ability to chew the foods you love and enhance your overall comfort.

Restore Your Mouth to Its Most Natural Feel and Function

Dental implants look very similar to your natural teeth. When you get your tooth completely replaced, no one will be able to tell that you have a dental implant.

Get a Renewed Sense of Self-Confidence

Dental implants can help you to feel better about yourself since you will no longer have to feel embarrassed by the way your mouth looks.

What is Denture?

If you’re missing teeth, your dentist may recommend a removable replacement known as a denture. Dentures are custom artificial teeth and gums that your dentist will specifically design to fit your mouth.

Dentures can be used to either replace a few missing teeth or to replace all of the teeth at the top or bottom gum line.

There are three different types of dentures:

Partial Dentures

This prosthetic is usually attached to a piece of metal or an acrylic (plastic) base. Partial dentures are removable and are designed to match the natural color of your teeth and gums. They typically feature a clasp that the wearer attaches to their own teeth that can be taken out for easy cleaning and storage.

Your dentist may also suggest getting caps or crowns over your other teeth to help your removable dentures fit better.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures also referred to as full dentures, are artificial teeth that replace all of your natural teeth. Your dentist can design them to fit either your top or bottom gum line, and just like partial dentures, the prosthetic is removable. Complete dentures are secured using suction and/or an oral adhesive.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are a combination of both denture and implant prosthetics. The oral surgeon will implant between four to six titanium screws to attach the dentures to the patient’s jawbone.

Benefits of a Tooth Replacement with Dentures

For some patients, a tooth replacement using dentures may be the best option. Here are some of the key benefits of this tooth-replacement technique:

Dentures are Made from Lightweight Materials

Unlike older models, modern dentures are made from lightweight materials, which make them more comfortable to wear and give your mouth a more natural appearance.

Dentures are Removable

Dentures can be easily removed for your convenience and comfort while sleeping or during cleaning.

A Cost-Effective Solution

Dentures are much more affordable than surgical implants, making them a solid choice for many patients.

What is a Fixed Bridge?

A fixed (non-removable) dental bridge can be used to replace missing teeth. There are several different types of bridges, so your dentist will review your specific case and make a recommendation accordingly.

The most popular is a traditional bridge, which is typically made from porcelain that is fused with a metal material. This bridge, in particular, features two crowns that are fitted over two anchoring teeth and are then attached to artificial teeth.

What is the Resin-Retained Bridge?

Resin-retained bridges are attached to the adjacent teeth. They are typically made from porcelain, porcelain fused metal, or porcelain or metal framework that provides support for plastic teeth and gums.

This type of bridge is best for filling in missing front teeth, whereas fixed bridges work well for teeth that are relied upon for chewing (like teeth located at the back of your mouth).

Benefits of Tooth Replacement with Bridges

For some patients, a tooth replacement with a bridge will be the best fit. Here are some of the core benefits that patients with bridges experience:

ImprovedSpeech

If you have several teeth missing, you may have difficulty pronouncing certain words. Some people may even speak with a lisp. The way you form words within your mouth is largely impacted by your teeth. Dental bridges can help to fix issues with your speaking that are related to tooth loss.

Teeth Won’t Shift

If you have multiple teeth missing, the remaining teeth may begin to shift and tilt toward the open space. Dental bridges can help to prevent this from happening.

Improved Ability to Chew

Tooth loss can make it difficult and painful for you to chew your favorite foods. Food particles can also get into the open pockets of your gums and cause gum damage. A dental bridge can help resolve these issues and alleviate pain while eating.

Tips for Choosing a Tooth Replacement Treatment Option
Before you make your final decision with your dental team, here are some questions that you should ask:

Is the Tooth Missing from the Front or Back of the Mouth?
Dental implants are often the best option for teeth missing from the front of your mouth. They have a very natural appearance and are quite durable. If you need to replace teeth at the back of the mouth, fixed bridges might be most appropriate.

Do You Need One Tooth Replaced or Multiple Teeth?
Dental implants are a permanent solution that can be used in either of these cases. Partial dentures are also an effective option and blend well with surrounding teeth.

Contact Us Today

You can trust Beck Family Dental, LLC to reconstruct your smile using custom implants and dentures. If you’re ready to get your confidence back, and to restore your beautiful, vibrant smile, give us a call today to request a consultation!