What Is The Best Option for Replacing Missing Teeth?

Losing a tooth can feel more than just a cosmetic concern, it can impact your ability to eat, speak, and, most importantly, feel confident. Whether due to age, injury, or other factors, the gap left behind can affect both your appearance and your everyday life. The good news is, cosmetic dentistry provides several highly effective solutions to restore your smile and regain your confidence. With each option offering unique benefits and considerations, it’s essential to choose the one that suits your needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

In this blog post, we’ll explore three popular choices for replacing missing teeth: dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are often considered the gold standard due to their durability and natural appearance. This solution involves placing a small titanium post into the jawbone, which serves as a replacement root. Once the post fuses with the bone, a custom-made crown is placed on top.

Pros:

• Natural Look and Feel: Implants mimic your natural teeth, allowing you to chew and speak with confidence.
• Long-Lasting: With proper care, implants can last 15 years or more, making them a great long-term investment.
• Bone Preservation: Implants help prevent bone loss and maintain your facial structure.

Cons:

• Surgical Procedure: Implants require surgery, which may not be suitable for everyone.
• Time-Consuming: The process takes several months, including healing time.
• Higher Initial Cost: Implants come with a higher upfront cost compared to other options.

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. They’re custom-made to fit your mouth and can restore a few or all of your teeth. Dentures offer a quick and non-invasive solution.

Pros:

• Non-Surgical: No surgery is required, making them suitable for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
• Quick Solution: Dentures can be fitted relatively quickly, providing fast results.
• Affordable: They are more budget-friendly than implants, making them an accessible option.

Cons:

• Less Stable: Dentures may slip or shift, especially while eating or speaking, affecting comfort.
• Bone Loss: Over time, dentures don’t stimulate bone growth, potentially contributing to bone loss.
• Maintenance: Dentures require regular cleaning and adjustments for a good fit.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are used to fill gaps left by missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth anchored by crowns placed on the adjacent teeth.

Pros:

• Restores Function: Bridges help you chew and speak with ease.
• Natural Appearance: Bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
• Prevents Teeth Shifting: They prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap.

Cons:

• Alteration of Adjacent Teeth: The neighbouring teeth need reshaping to support the bridge.
• Risk of Decay: The supporting teeth are at risk of decay under the crowns.
• Not Suitable for All Cases: Bridges may not work if there are no healthy adjacent teeth.

Book a Dentist Appointment in Bolton

At Sharples Dental Practice, we offer personalised care to help you achieve the best outcome for your smile. Whether you’re considering dental implants, dentures, or dental bridges, our expert team will guide you through each option, ensuring you make an informed choice that suits your needs.

If you’re dealing with missing teeth, contact us to schedule a dental appointment. Our team will assess your oral health, discuss your options, and help you find the best solution for replacing missing teeth.