Restoring Missing Teeth
Tooth loss is a dental common issue that occurs due to trauma, severe decay and damage, severe infection, or destruction of large portions of the tooth and its supporting bone structure.
It's important to replace missing teeth for a variety of reasons, such as appearance, function, and prevention of teeth shifting.
Improve Appearance
Having a nice smile is one of the main reasons to replace missing teeth. Tooth loss can leave a person feeling incomplete and self-conscious of their appearance. Replacing a missing tooth can help restore confidence in your appearance.
Restore Function
Replacing a missing tooth is also important for restoring function. Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat and speak normally. By replacing a missing tooth, eating and speaking can become easier and more comfortable.
Prevent Shifting
When a tooth is lost, the teeth on either side will shift/tilt into the missing area. This shifting can cause issues with the bite, spacing, crowding or crooked teeth. It can also cause additional stress on other teeth, leading to broken teeth and more extractions.
Bridges
Dental bridges are fixed (non-removable) prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They're typically made of full gold, porcelain fused to metal (PFM) or all-ceramic, and are anchored in place via your natural teeth on either side of the gap.
Natural Tooth-Supported Bridge
Natural tooth-supported bridges are the most common type of dental bridges. Also known as traditional bridges, they're attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap left by your missing tooth.
These bridges typically consist of a false tooth (called a pontic) which is suspended between two crowns and placed over your natural teeth. The crowns and pontics are attached together, and the entire bridge is cemented into place.
Dental Implant-Supported Bridge
Dental implant-supported bridges are supported by two or more dental implants. Instead of being anchored to the remaining teeth (like a traditional bridge), a dental implant-supported bridge is anchored to your jawbone via two or more dental implants. This provides a secure and stable base for the bridge, which can improve fit and function, and also help preserve the health of the jawbone.
Common FAQs
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The best option is an implant because it doesn't compromise the teeth on either side. However, a bridge is also an option when the missing tooth is located between two existing natural teeth.
A dental implant-supported bridge is a better option when you need to replace a few missing teeth in a row. Both ends of the bridge will need to be supported by implants. It isn’t possible to have a natural tooth on one end of the bridge and an implant on other.
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Restoration of biting and chewing function: Dental bridges can help restore your ability to bite and chew properly, which can improve your overall health and nutrition.
Preservation of natural teeth: Dental bridges can help preserve your natural teeth by distributing the force of biting and chewing more evenly.
Aesthetics: Dental bridges give the appearance of natural teeth and can help improve the appearance of your smile by replacing missing teeth and filling in gaps.
Improved speech: Dental bridges can help improve your speech by restoring the natural alignment of the teeth and jaw.
Cost-effective: Bridges don't take as long as dental implants, and are often more cost-effective when replacing multiple teeth.
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Adjacent teeth need to be prepared: In order to place a dental bridge, the adjacent teeth need to be prepared for crowns, which in some cases means drilling on a tooth that would otherwise not need dental work.
May not be suitable for all patients: Dental bridges may not be suitable for all patients, particularly those with advanced periodontal disease or a lack of adequate jawbone structure.
More difficult to clean: Since the teeth are fused together, it can be more difficult to clean underneath. If any of the abutment teeth (the natural teeth that are being used as anchors) get cavities, the entire bridge will need to be replaced.
More expensive: A dental bridge requires crowns on your natural teeth, sometimes teeth without any dental restorations. Because of this, bridges can be more expensive in the long-term than dental implants.
Missing root: A dental bridge doesn’t replace the missing root of the tooth, so you may experience bone loss in that area over time.
Implants
A dental implant is a small, artificial tooth root made of titanium that's placed into the jawbone. It's designed to fuse with the bone over time, providing the same stability and support as the roots of natural teeth. Implants are considered the best option for replacing missing teeth, particularly when only a single tooth is missing.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is made up of three components: the implant, the abutment and the crown. The implant is a small screw made of titanium that's inserted into the jawbone and fuses with it over time. The abutment is a small connector piece made to fit the implant and held in place by a screw. This abutment connects the crown to the implant. The crown is a tooth-shaped cap that's cemented onto the abutment and provides a natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth.
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Dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth, unlike other prosthetics which only replace the visible crowns. The roots of teeth play an important role in maintaining healthy bone mass and once a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone can deteriorate.
Dental implants are made of strong, bio-compatible titanium, which allows the bone to integrate with the implant. Once the implant is stabilized, a permanent prosthetic such as a crown or bridge can be attached to an abutment that protrudes through the gums. This results in a natural-looking and functioning tooth replacement.
The process from implant to placement of the crown typically takes six months, but this can vary depending on the individual's treatment needs.
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Dental implants offer unique advantages when compared to other tooth replacement options. First, stabilized implants are very durable and long-lasting. Unlike dentures, a dental implant can hold prosthetics firmly for decades, if not the rest of a person’s life. This durability is important for restoring oral function, too, because implants allow patients to eat a full diet of even difficult-to-chew foods.
Dental implants are low maintenance. Unlike dentures, which require removal for cleaning, or bridges that might need water irrigation underneath their crowns, dental implants are cleaned by brushing and flossing, just like your natural teeth.
Here are some other advantages to consider:
They function and feel like natural teeth
They don’t get cavities
They help preserve the natural jawbone and prevent bone loss
They’re low maintenance and easy to clean like natural teeth
They’re a durable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth
They provide a permanent solution for missing teeth
They enable normal eating and speaking capabilities
They improve overall oral health and appearance.
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Although dental implants offer many advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider. Implants can be more expensive than removable options and more time-consuming, especially when teeth need to be extracted first.
Additionally, there is a time frame to allow for the implant to fuse to the bone, which is typically 3-6 months. Finally, dental implants can suffer from bone loss, just like natural teeth, and still require cleaning and care.
Here are some other drawbacks to consider:
The upfront cost can be higher than other replacement options
Some insurances don’t cover certain procedures related to implants
The procedure can be invasive and may require multiple appointments
Healing time can be longer than other tooth replacement options
They require a healthy jawbone, so you may need a bone graft before implantation
They may not be suitable for all patients, depending on their overall health and oral health conditions
The implant may fail due to infection, rejection or improper placement
Dentures
Dentures can be used to replace a small number of missing teeth (partial dentures) or a full set of teeth (complete dentures). They're custom-made to match your unique oral anatomy, can help improve oral function and restore the appearance of a natural smile.
Common FAQs
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Dentures are a popular method for replacing lost teeth and can address both minor tooth loss and total tooth loss in a cost-effective manner. There are two main types: partial dentures and full (complete) dentures. Partial dentures are used when only a few teeth are missing, and full dentures are used when all the teeth are missing.
Dentures are custom-made to fit your unique oral anatomy. They're made from high-quality materials such as porcelain and acrylic to mimic natural tooth structure and gum tissue. We often recommend them for patients who have certain oral conditions or health problems that make them unsuitable candidates for dental implants.
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First, pictures, X-rays, and impressions of the jaws and remaining teeth are taken to determine the unique measurements for the denture.
These measurements are then sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians will use high-quality materials such as porcelain and acrylic to create the denture.
While you wait for your dentures to be made, you may be given temporary prosthetics to wear.
Once they're ready, you'll return to the dentist for a final fitting where any necessary adjustments can be made.
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Improved aesthetics: Dentures can improve the appearance of your smile by providing support for cheeks and lips, which can prevent a "collapsed" appearance often caused by missing teeth. Additionally, the loss of a tooth or teeth can weaken the jaw bone and cause a misshapen or irregular facial structure.
Improved chewing: It's no secret that missing teeth can make it hard to chew, but with a custom denture solution, your chewing ability will improve. Proper chewing is crucial for good digestion and overall health.
Improved confidence: Don't let a flawed smile hold you back from living life to the fullest. Dentures are so realistic that most people won't even be able to tell your teeth are not real. Partner with us to design your ideal smile with dentures, so you can confidently show off your grin to everyone.
Improved speech: Missing teeth can affect your speech, causing unwanted sounds when pronouncing certain words. Dentures, when made correctly, can help alleviate this issue and enable you to speak confidently and without a lisp.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a dental prosthetic option for individuals who have missing teeth in an arch but still have healthy natural teeth. These dentures are composed of a framework that attaches to existing natural teeth for retention and prosthetic teeth attached to the framework.
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Different materials can be used to make partial dentures, such as cast metal, resin and flexible valplast. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, and your dentist can help determine the best material for your specific needs and mouth.
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Partial dentures are a type of dental prosthesis used to replace a limited number of missing teeth. Partials are designed to fit between healthy existing teeth and are secured through clasps. Just like full dentures, they need to be removed at night for cleaning and soaking.
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When a partial denture replaces a single missing front tooth, the partial denture is typically referred to as "a flipper." These are used as a temporary aesthetic solution until something more permanent can be made to replace the missing tooth, such as an implant.
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Consultation: You’ll have an initial consultation with your dentist to determine if partial dentures are the right solution for your dental needs.
Impression: The dentist will take an impression of your mouth to create a mold of your teeth.
Design: The mold will be used to design the partial denture, which is custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably and securely.
Try-in: You’ll be given a try-in of the partial denture to ensure it fits comfortably.
Final Fitting: Once you’re satisfied with the fit and comfort of the partial denture, the final fitting will be performed and any necessary adjustments will be made.
Follow-up visits: You’ll likely have follow-up visits with your dentist to ensure the partial dentures are still fitting securely.
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To take care of partial dentures, it's important to clean them regularly to remove any food particles and plaque. Soak them in a denture cleaning solution overnight, and brush them gently with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap or denture cleaner during the day. Avoid using toothpaste or household cleaners as they can be abrasive and damage the surface.
It's also important to keep your dentures moist to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape, so store them in water or a denture-soaking solution when not in use. Regular visits to the dentist can also ensure a proper fit and detect any potential issues early on.
Complete Dentures
Tooth enamel is composed of minerals and can be weakened when exposed to acid. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel by restoring its mineral content and making it more resistant to cavities.
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Complete dentures are usually made of acrylic resin, which can be tinted to match the color of your gums and surrounding teeth. The base of the denture is typically a flesh-colored plastic material that resembles your gum tissue, while the teeth are made of various materials like acrylic resin, porcelain or a combination of both.
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Getting complete dentures can take several weeks to months, depending on your individual needs and the type of denture chosen. However, it typically involves the following steps:
Consultation: Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, take measurements and impressions of your mouth, and discuss your denture options and preferences.
Tooth extraction: If necessary, any remaining teeth will be extracted to prepare for the denture.
Denture fabrication: Your dentist will use the impressions and measurements to create a model of your mouth, which will be used to fabricate the denture. This process typically takes a couple weeks.
Try-in and fitting: The denture will be fitted to your mouth for a trial period to ensure a proper fit and comfort. The denture may need to be adjusted several times before it’s considered final.
Delivery: Once the final fitting is completed, the denture is ready to be delivered and used.
Follow-up care: Regular dental check-ups and adjustments may be necessary to ensure the denture continues to fit properly and provide optimal comfort.
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To ensure your dentures remain in good condition, it's important to clean them daily using mild soap and water or a denture cleaner. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or toothpaste, as they can scratch the surface of the complete denture. After cleaning, rinse the denture thoroughly and let it air dry.
We also recommend removing the denture at night and letting it soak in water or a special denture cleaning solution. This will help keep the denture moisturized and prevent it from drying out or losing its shape.
Regular check-ups with your dentist are also helpful to ensure your dentures continue to fit correctly and address any issues that may arise.
Implant-Supported and Retained Dentures
A common complaint among people who dislike full dentures is that they tend to shift or slip, leading to discomfort. The biggest issue with full dentures is their instability, particularly with lower dentures. And, the use of denture adhesive is often ineffective in keeping the dentures in place.
Implant-supported and implant-retained dentures are types of dentures that use dental implants for added support. They provide a more secure and stable fit than traditional complete dentures and can improve oral function and your overall quality of life.
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Implant-supported dentures are full dentures that are anchored to dental implants and completely supported by the implants. They sit just above the gums, providing a highly stable and long-lasting solution for people who have lost multiple teeth.
The implants used in implant-supported dentures not only provide stability, but also take the place of the tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone to remain healthy and strong. These dentures can be fixed or removable, and allow you to eat and speak with confidence.
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Implant-retained dentures (also known as overdentures) are an option for people who have a conventional full denture but are looking for additional stability. These dentures can be converted from a traditional full denture by adding two implants on the lower jaw and four on the upper jaw. The denture attaches to the implants with a mechanism similar to a button, with a housing inside the denture that snaps onto the implant.
Unlike implant-supported dentures, most of the support for implant-retained dentures still comes from the gums, but with added retention from the implants.
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Implant-supported and implant-retained dentures offer several advantages over conventional full dentures. One of the main benefits is increased stability. The denture is anchored to dental implants, which minimizes the risk of movement in the mouth. This leads to improved functionality, allowing for better chewing and speaking.
Another benefit is better oral health. The dental implants used in implant-supported and implant-retained dentures stimulate the jawbone, which helps prevent bone loss and maintain oral health. Additionally, both types of dentures can be designed to match the surrounding teeth for a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Cost-effectiveness is another advantage of implant-supported and implant-retained dentures. In many cases, they can be a cost-effective alternative to single-tooth implants. Furthermore, implant-retained dentures can be retrofitted from an existing denture, making the process more convenient for patients.
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The process for implant-supported and implant-retained dentures typically involves several appointments with a dental professional.
Here's an overview of the steps involved:
Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine whether implant-supported or implant-retained dentures are a good option for you.
Planning: Your dentist will plan the placement of the dental implants, considering factors such as the size and shape of your jaw, the number of missing teeth and your overall oral health.
Implant placement: The next step is placing the implants, which is typically performed by your dentist or an oral surgeon under local anesthesia or sedation. Your dentist will surgically insert the implants into the jawbone.
Healing period: After the implant placement procedure, there'll be a healing period, typically several months, during which the implants integrate with the surrounding bone.
Denture placement: Once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, your dentist will place and attach the denture. For implant-retained dentures, they'll attach the housing inside the denture that will engage with and snap onto the implants.
Follow-up care: After the placement, your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure the denture is fitting properly and to monitor the health of the implants and surrounding tissues.
Keep in mind, the specific steps and timeline for getting implant-supported or implant-retained dentures may vary based on your unique dental needs. For a more accurate view of the process, contact our office to schedule an appointment.
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To take care of fixed implant-supported dentures, it's important to follow a proper oral hygiene regimen. This includes brushing your denture and the surrounding gums, tongue and palate twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and cleaning underneath your denture with floss or a Waterpik®. You should also visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings to ensure your denture is properly maintained.
For removable implant-supported and implant-retained dentures, be sure to remove the denture from the implants at night for cleaning. To ensure your dentures remain in good condition, it's important to clean them daily using mild soap and water or a denture cleaner. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or toothpaste, as they can scratch the surface of the complete denture. After cleaning, rinse the denture thoroughly and let it air dry. We also recommend removing the denture at night and letting it soak in water or a special denture cleaning solution. Not only does this ensure good oral hygiene, but it also maintains the longevity of the implant-denture connection.
Regular check-ups with your dentist are also helpful to ensure your dentures continue to fit correctly and address any issues that may arise.