Teeth Replacement Options: Implants, Bridges, and Dentures

Strong and healthy teeth are essential for confident smiles, easy eating, and clear speech. Losing one or more teeth can impact these basic functions, affecting not only oral health but overall well-being. With 178 million people in the U.S. missing teeth, exploring teeth replacement options becomes crucial. Here’s a guide to three common methods: dental implants, bridges, and dentures.

Dental Implants

Dental implants have emerged as a popular solution for replacing missing teeth. This procedure involves replacing natural tooth roots with metal posts, anchoring artificial teeth securely.

 

Permanent Solution: Unlike removable options, dental implants provide a permanent fix. Once the titanium in the implant fuses with the jawbone, it ensures stability without slippage or bone damage.

 

Types of Implants: Endosteal implants are the most common, involving screws, blades, or cylinders placed into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants, less common, rest on top of the jaw using a metal framework.

 

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges consist of artificial teeth filling the gap, supported by crowns on natural teeth on either side. Various types include:

 

Traditional Bridge: Common, with dental crowns on each end securing artificial teeth in between.

 

Maryland Bridge: Uses metal wings adhered to surrounding teeth, often for front teeth replacement.

 

Cantilever Bridge: Similar to traditional, but with one crown on one end, extending across the gap.

 

Implant-Supported Bridge: Rests on dental implants rather than natural teeth, requiring prior fusion to the jawbone.

 

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth, coming in partial and complete types.

 

Partial Denture: Replacement teeth on a plastic base, suitable when natural teeth remain on an arch.

 

Complete Denture: Immediate or conventional, used after teeth extraction and gum healing.

 

While dentures are an affordable option, adjusting to them takes time. Eating and speaking with dentures require practice but improve with familiarity.

 

Contact Our Clermont Dental Office

If you’re considering teeth replacement, advancements in dentistry offer multiple choices. From dental implants to bridges and dentures, these options cater to diverse needs. To explore further or schedule an appointment with our dentist in Clermont, FL, contact Hancock Village Dental at 352-989-5815 or send us a message. Restore your smile and oral function with personalized dental solutions.