Missing Teeth Replacements
Teeth may be one of the first things people notice when they look at you. Which is why if you have unfortunately lost any teeth, you should be educated about all the possible missing teeth replacements available out there. To help you out, your experienced downtown Vancouver dentist has written down and discussed the three options: dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable partial dentures.
Dental Implants
What is it?
Dental implants comprise of two parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the tooth-shaped cap which is placed over the implanted tooth and is the outside part which we see and use to chew. The root is the inside of the bone, which imbeds the tooth in the jawbone.
Advantages:
- Out of all the replacement options, an implant is the closest to a natural tooth.
- Dental implants last a long time, for decades even.
- The nearby teeth are not affected during the placement procedure.
Disadvantages:
- Implants may cost more as compared to the other missing teeth replacement procedures.
- Since implants require surgery, most people tend to not opt for it.
Fixed Bridges
What is it?
Bridges, as the name implies, are used to quite literally bridge the gap created by a missing tooth. How this works is that the teeth on both sides of the missing one are prepared to receive crowns. These two teeth are actually what the bridge is placed on; they are the support of the bridge. Then a false tooth is placed between them, in place of the missing tooth.
Advantages:
- Bridges cost less as compared to dental implants.
- Aesthetically, they look like normal teeth.They even feel and function like natural teeth.
- Since bridges are cemented in, so you don’t need to go through the hassle of removing them to clean them.
Disadvantages:
- Unlike dental implants, bridges affect both the teeth on either side of the missing one.This means more procedures to go through with.
- Thepontic is the fake tooth in place of the missing one. It needs to be cleaned from underneath, which requires extra effort.
Removable Partial Dentures
What is it?
Dentures are plates which hold one or more missing teeth. Removable dentures are ones which can be taken out easily; for cleaning or simply when not in use. Partial dentures have fake teeth placed on a plastic base, which has a metal framework underneath it. The plastic base is the same color as your gum, so it seems natural. Some removable partial dentures even come with clasps to attach to your teeth for a firm grip.
Advantages:
- These are cheaper as compared to both the other forms of missing teeth replacement.
- Since they are easily removable, they are automatically easier to repair than fixed dentures.
Disadvantages:
- Removable dentures are less stable than all the other options available.
- Since you can remove them at ease, chances of them getting lost or broken are higher.
- Due to the metal framework and clasps, they may be uncomfortable to wear.
