Missing teeth can happen at any age.
Missing teeth can affect your self confidence, your looks and your dental health.
There are a few solutions to replace missing teeth so lets have a look at the 3 options.
1. Dental Implant
An implant is a post that is surgically screwed into your jaw bone.
The post is an anchor for any dental work that is put on top of it.
If you are missing a single tooth then an implant would have a single ceramic crown placed on top of it.
If you are missing a couple of teeth that are next to each other then a single implant can sometimes support a bridge to replace both missing teeth.
A bridge is still made of strong ceramic and is basically a couple of teeth connected together to mimic what is missing
The post is an anchor for any dental work that is put on top of it.
If you are missing a single tooth then an implant would have a single ceramic crown placed on top of it.
If you are missing a couple of teeth that are next to each other then a single implant can sometimes support a bridge to replace both missing teeth.
A bridge is still made of strong ceramic and is basically a couple of teeth connected together to mimic what is missing
Advantage of an Implant
* An implant acts most like a natural tooth
* An implant will last years if not decades
* Nearby teeth are not affected
* An implant acts most like a natural tooth
* An implant will last years if not decades
* Nearby teeth are not affected
Disadvantage of an Implant
* Not everyone can get implants (it depends on the amount of bone that is available to support the implant)
*Implants are the most expensive option to replace a tooth
* Not everyone can get implants (it depends on the amount of bone that is available to support the implant)
*Implants are the most expensive option to replace a tooth
To assess if implants are appropriate we arrange a referral for a 3D x-ray scan called a CBCT.
This x-ray allows us to assess if there is enough bone to support the implant and to also check that there is enough room for an implant to fit.
If you are interested in find out more about if implants are appropriate for you book an appointment
This x-ray allows us to assess if there is enough bone to support the implant and to also check that there is enough room for an implant to fit.
If you are interested in find out more about if implants are appropriate for you book an appointment
2. Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges are made using the 2 teeth next to the missing tooth.
These teeth are prepared by removing a thin layer on all visible sides of the tooth so that a ceramic cap can be made to fit on these teeth.
The bridge is then made up of a CAP-TOOTH-CAP.
This new tooth is called the Pontic.
The bridge is made of ceramic and is permanently bonded into place.
These teeth are prepared by removing a thin layer on all visible sides of the tooth so that a ceramic cap can be made to fit on these teeth.
The bridge is then made up of a CAP-TOOTH-CAP.
This new tooth is called the Pontic.
The bridge is made of ceramic and is permanently bonded into place.
Advantage of a Dental Bridge
* Dental Bridges act and look like natural teeth
* Dental Bridges cost less than implants
* Dental Bridges act and look like natural teeth
* Dental Bridges cost less than implants
Disadvantage of a Dental Bridge
* Extra care must be taken to clean/floss under the pontic (new tooth)
* Neighbouring teeth need to be maintained as they are holding the bridge in place
* Extra care must be taken to clean/floss under the pontic (new tooth)
* Neighbouring teeth need to be maintained as they are holding the bridge in place
3. Partial Denture
Partial Dentures have replacement teeth attached to a plastic base.
Often these bases have metal clips which attach to your natural teeth to hold it in place.
Partial dentures are easily removed as they are taken out each day for cleaning and should ideally not be worn 24 hours a day.
Often these bases have metal clips which attach to your natural teeth to hold it in place.
Partial dentures are easily removed as they are taken out each day for cleaning and should ideally not be worn 24 hours a day.
Advantage of Partial Denture
* The cheapest option to replace a missing tooth
* Does not require surgery
* The cheapest option to replace a missing tooth
* Does not require surgery
Disadvantage of a Partial Denture
* Are not as stable as an implant or bridge so it can be difficult to eat with them
* Can be easily broken or lost
* Partial Dentures can be uncomfortable
* Are not as stable as an implant or bridge so it can be difficult to eat with them
* Can be easily broken or lost
* Partial Dentures can be uncomfortable
Everyone's mouth is a little different so it is worth arranging an appointment to discuss what options are available or even best for your mouth.
Plans can be made to meet everyone's individual needs and budgets.
Plans can be made to meet everyone's individual needs and budgets.