Tooth Replacement Options – Which is Right for You?

Most adults are missing at least one permanent tooth, and many are missing several or even all of their teeth. Whether you are completely edentulous or still hanging on to most of your natural teeth, your options for tooth replacement are many. Some require more upkeep than others, and some could affect your surrounding teeth and the way you talk and eat more than others. Here at Briter Dental, we can help you navigate tooth replacement solutions to determine which one is right for you.

Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures and partial dentures are removable prosthetics that include artificial tooth crowns attached to a pink base that is designed to mimic the natural appearance of the gums. Partial dentures are used to replace only some of your teeth and are sometimes attached to other healthy, surrounding teeth, or they may have a metal framework that is attached to other connectors instead. A full denture is often fit to the upper and lower arch and secured in place by suction. These are typically used in patients who are completely edentulous in one or both arches (have no remaining natural teeth).

While dentures are personally fit to the patient, tooth loss can eventually lead to bone erosion that changes the shape of the jaw and arches. If the dentures are no longer capable of holding their suction, it may become necessary to visit the dentist for a replacement.

Bridges

Bridges can restore your toothy smile when you are missing one or more teeth in succession. They bridge the gap between your healthy, natural teeth and can either be removable or fixed. With removable dentures, you can take them out and clean them. Fixed dentures, however, are secured and anchored in place by your natural teeth or dental implants. Only your dentist can remove a fixed bridge.

Dental Implants

Dental implants mimic the function of a real tooth root, replacing its spot in the jaw bone and creating an anchor from which to secure a crown or other prosthetics, such as fixed bridges. When an implant is placed into the jaw where a natural tooth once stood, it helps prevent bone erosion and deterioration that can otherwise alter the shape and appearance of the face over time.

Furthermore, dental implants integrate into the bone itself, making it possible eat and speak the way you normally would with natural teeth. They can be used to replace a single tooth or all of your missing teeth. In most cases, dental implants are completely permanent and will remain in place for the life of the patient.

Which Tooth Replacement Solution is Right for You?

Choosing a tooth replacement options is an important decision – one that can ultimately affect your quality of life. Here at Briter Dental, we can help you decide based on a wide range of factors, including:

• Longevity
• Treatment time
• Cost
• Functionality
• Aesthetics
• The number of teeth missing
• And more

If you are missing one or more teeth, we here at Briter Dental are happy to help. Contact our office to schedule a tooth replacement consultation and find out more about dentures, dental implants, and more.