Missing one or more teeth not only affects our physical health and wellbeing – it can also cause a huge drop in self-confidence. Fortunately, teeth replacements have come a long way in recent years and there are several treatment options available. With the right solution you’ll be able to eat more comfortably, speak more clearly, and smile with confidence again.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent, long-term solution for one or more missing teeth. An implant is a post (usually made from titanium) that is surgically implanted into your upper or lower jawbone. The implant fuses with your jawbone and is capped with one or more natural-looking replacement teeth. Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants because they involve a surgical procedure that requires healthy gums. Your dentist at Blyton Dental will be able to tell you whether you meet the criteria for implant surgery.
Advantages of dental implants
- Natural appearance – Dental implants look and feel just like regular teeth.
- Durable – Implants will last for many years, or even decades if they are properly looked after.
- Preventative – Implants can help to prevent shrinkage of the jawbone from tooth loss.
- Bite strength – Implants will give you the same bite strength as your natural teeth.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a prosthesis that, as the name suggests, bridges the gap between two teeth. A typical fixed bridge is made up of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) that are attached to two surrounding anchor teeth using hollow crowns. The anchor teeth need to be filed down for the bridge to be fitted, and your dentist permanently secures the bridge in place using strong dental cement.
Advantages of bridges
- Permanent – Dental bridges are a fixed solution so you do not need to remove them for cleaning.
- Natural-looking – When made from porcelain or other comparable materials, dental bridges look just like natural teeth.
- Cost-effective – Dental bridges are cheaper than implants.
- Comfortable – Dental bridges pass chewing forces to the anchor teeth, rather than the gums underneath, which can make eating more comfortable than chewing with dentures.
Dentures
Dentures are removable false teeth that can either replace a complete set of upper or lower teeth (full dentures) or one or more missing teeth (partial dentures). They require careful maintenance and must be taken out at night and soaked in a denture cleaning solution. With proper care, dentures can last for several years but due to everyday wear and tear and the shrinking of our gums as we age, most dentists recommend replacing them every five to eight years.
Advantages of dentures
- Cost-effective – Dentures are much cheaper than dental implants.
- Non-surgical – Dentures do not require any invasive surgery.
Wondering which treatment option is right for you? To book your free assessment, contact Blyton Dental today.