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Replacement Teeth Solutions for Missing Teeth
Removable Appliances: Partial Dentures, Full Dentures and Overdentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues, often made from acrylic resin and sometimes combined with various metals. Dentures can work in conjunction with dental implants for improved stability and support.
Types of dentures include complete dentures, which replace all the teeth, and partial dentures that fill in the gaps created by missing teeth, helping to prevent other teeth from shifting. To enhance the fit of a removable partial denture, crowns on your natural teeth may be beneficial, especially when attachments are used. Additionally, an overdenture is a type of removable denture that typically fits over a small number of dental implants, providing a secure and comfortable fit. The process of fabricating a custom denture generally takes about one month and involves five appointments. When you receive a new removable appliance, you might need to practice pronouncing certain words. Reading aloud and repeating difficult words can be helpful.
Fixed Appliance: Bridge
A bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth and is known as a fixed bridge because it is not removable. This dental structure is supported by teeth on either side of the gap, spanning the space between teeth much like a bridge spans a river. The steps and procedures involved in fabricating a bridge are similar to those for restoring a single tooth with a crown. In essence, a bridge consists of a couple of connected crowns. For those considering alternatives like dental implants or dentures, more information can be found on our 'Restoration of Teeth' web page.
Fixed Appliance: Implant Supported Crowns and Bridges
Dental implants serve as anchors into the bone, much like a screw into a wooden stud. Typically crafted from durable bio-compatible metals such as Titanium, these implants are stronger than a natural tooth root and, since they lack tooth structure, they are not susceptible to decay. Depending on the number of dental implants placed, a crown or bridge is cemented on top of the implant screw.
When considering how to replace a single tooth with a fixed appliance, patients often weigh the options between a bridge and dental implants. If the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth do not require new crowns, opting for an implant is frequently the superior choice.