What are Options for Replacing 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 results

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