Nowadays, there are several options to replace missing teeth giving you the options of choosing what would work best given your available resources, like amount and quality of bone, and also financial choices. Each treatment can be used in conjunction with implants and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Our team at Artiste Studios will be able to guide you with best suitable option for your missing teeth, but let’s have a look at what the options could be..
Implants are the most conservative option, in terms of preserving natural tooth structure, and also preserving alveolar bone height, and most other options can be used in conjunction with implants, and that’s what we will discuss here.
What are Bridges and Crowns?
Bridges are used to replace more than one tooth at a time. Several teeth can be mounted on a bridge to achieve a natural look. They are usually supported on the remaining teeth but can also be held in place using dental implants. Impressions are taken of the supporting teeth, either teeth or implants, to craft a crown which is like a cover that sits on top. These are permanent, fixed on to the teeth or implants, and not removed for cleaning or while sleeping.
Both bridges and crowns can be used just like normal teeth for eating and other activities once they are fitted. All that is required to take care of them is a diligent dental hygiene routine.
What are Dentures?
They are an excellent budget option. They can be full or partial denture. Full dentures are used to replace an entire arch while a partial denture fills the gaps in between your teeth. The new teeth are mounted on a plate. This then rests on your remaining teeth which support the denture. This means that the supporting teeth need to be sufficiently healthy in terms of having no gum disease.
How can they be used with Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant itself is a titanium screw, which is placed directly into your jawbone, replacing your missing tooth root. The implant surgeon places them directly into your jawbone, where they provide an artificial replacement for the root of your missing tooth or teeth. They can support crowns bridges, or dentures, in a similar way that roots support natural teeth.
Single missing tooth
If you have a single missing tooth, then a single crown is placed on top, and this is an almost direct replacement for your natural tooth and root.
Short span of missing teeth
If you have a short span of adjacent missing teeth, then a bridge can be fitted on top. This is similar to a normal bridge on natural teeth, in that the two ends are supported by teeth roots or implants directly in the jaw bone, supporting the missing tooth or teeth.
Full arch of missing teeth
Fixed bridges can also be a solution for long span missing teeth, for example over a whole arch. This is permanent and fixed in the mouth, meaning that you can eat and drink as if you had never lost those teeth. Of course, prior to all this, we would have to investigate your existing bone quality to see if you would be eligible for this.
A denture is also used in conjunction with implants, and this is usually used in the case of a full arch of missing teeth, and also as a more economic choice, as usually fewer implants would be needed as compared to a full arch case supported on bridges. Implant supported dentures offer more support and retention over standard dentures, especially in the case where much alveolar bone has been lost. Having more retention means that dentures are more stable and less likely to fall out when eating or talking and laughing. This also means that one would be able to chew food more effectively, gaining more nutrients from the food choices one would have, over someone who had a loose fitting denture.
Replacing your missing teeth will restore your smile, and improve confidence, by improving the way you eat and speak. You may be missing the steak you used to enjoy, or just laughing out loud.. Whatever your situation, come in for a consultation and we can discuss the available options for you.
Our friendly dentists at Artiste Studios – L’Orthodontiste are experienced in treating a wide range of dental issues. We will help you giving a viable option to replace your missing teeth. Call us at 0208 563 2864 and we will be happy to assist.