Losing a tooth can send your life into a spiral in more ways than one, especially if your dental problem makes you feel self-conscious about your smile. Rest assured though, it’s a common issue that almost everyone will face in their lifetime, and you’re not alone. Dentists offer a wide range of tooth replacement options to help rebuild your smile to its full health and function. Read on to learn more about the different options for replacing missing teeth in Frisco.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are made to restore between one and three missing teeth in a row. They include anchoring dental crowns that are located on either side of free-standing replacement teeth, called pontics. The crowns are attached to your existing teeth, holding the restoration firmly in place.
Pros:
- Don’t require surgery
- Can be completed in just a couple of visits.
- Looks natural and is durable.
Cons:
- Requires alteration of healthy teeth.
- Might not be a good candidate if adjacent teeth are failing.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are made to restore several missing teeth throughout an arch. They’re designed to fit like a puzzle piece between your existing teeth, holding the denture securely in place to make it easier to eat and speak. It also helps prevent dental drift as a result of gaps in your smile, which is when surrounding teeth gradually move to fill in the spaces between teeth.
Pros:
- Affordable option for replacing multiple missing teeth.
- Simple to maintain and clean.
- Can restore multiple missing teeth in different areas of the arch.
Cons:
- Can feel bulky and unnatural at first.
- Less stable than dental implants.
- Needs to be removed and cleaned after each meal and at night.
Removable Full Dentures
To replace an entire row of missing teeth, removable full dentures are a great option for many patients. These are designed to harness the power of natural suction that forms when they’re placed atop the gumline, holding them in place.
Pros:
- Cost-effective way to replace an entire row of teeth at once.
- Enhanced speaking and eating abilities.
- Can dramatically boost confidence.
Cons:
- Can shift and slip while eating or speaking.
- Needs to be adjusted frequently for fit.
- Requires replacement every five years on average.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the golden standard for replacing any number of missing teeth. Instead of relying on other teeth or natural suction to support your replacement teeth, your dentist will embed small metal posts within the bone to replace your missing tooth roots. This allows them to function nearly identically to your natural teeth!
Pros:
- Lifespan of 25+ years with good oral hygiene.
- No slipping or shifting restorations.
- No need to alter existing teeth.
- Regain up to 80 percent of your natural bite power.
- Prevent jawbone erosion.
- Natural looking and feeling results.
- Can restore any number of missing teeth.
Cons:
- Process takes at least six months to complete.
- Higher up-front cost than other tooth replacement treatments.
- May require preparatory procedures, like a sinus lift.
How to Choose the One That’s Best for You
Now that you have an idea of what tooth replacement options your dentist will discuss with you, you can schedule a consultation with them knowing what options you would prefer. While you may not always be a good candidate for certain procedures right now, like dental implants, your dentist in Frisco can work with you to make your dream smile a reality!
About the Practice
Dr. Ali and Dr. Kraipak have extensive training in cosmetic dentistry, allowing them to help you achieve stunning results while replacing missing teeth. They partner with leading oral surgeons in the area for treatments like dental implants to always ensure that you enjoy the best outcomes possible. To learn more about replacing missing teeth, schedule a consultation with the team at Plush Dentistry today by visiting our website or calling 469-850-0786.