Best Ways to Replace Missing Teeth
The best way to replace a missing tooth is permanent, pretty, and done with careful placement. Below we’ve compiled some of the best ways to return your smile to its former glory.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are a quick solution to missing teeth. It works especially well for missing back teeth. If periodontal disease worsens, it can call for the removal of multiple teeth at a time. It can be difficult to chew if more than one molar is missing. Removable partial dentures are a quick fix. Only one office visit is required to create the removable partials. First a dentist takes a mold of your bite. Then they create a removable set of partial teeth. These fit on the gum and under the tongue; they also fit onto the palate for upper teeth.
This solution is temporary. Eventually, the bone under the missing teeth will resorb into itself and change the shape of the face. Bone resorption will not be noticeable if the teeth are missing from inconspicuous areas, like the back of the mouth.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges are another way to replace missing teeth quickly. A bridge refers to one or two replacement teeth. They are affixed to existing teeth and “bridge” the gap left by the missing tooth.
Bridges are an excellent replacement for missing front teeth. They are created to match the teeth around them in size and color. Experienced lab technicians create crowns out of porcelain, plastic, metal, and cement.
Bridges will not prevent bone resorption. Usually, bridges are used to replace only one or two teeth. The bridge will hold the other teeth in place and prevent movement, but the bone underneath will be weakened over time.
Implants
Dental implants are the permanent solution for missing teeth. The implant itself is a surrogate tooth root. That keeps the crown anchored safely to the jaw. It also prevents bone resorption.
Some patients may have been missing teeth for a long time. In that case, the bone left behind will have resorbed. Implants need adequate bone mass, so patients may need a bone graft in a case of progressed resorption.
If you’d like to explore your teeth replacement options with a friendly and patient staff, contact the office of Dr. Alan Rubin, DDS.