Options for Replacing Missing Teeth - Dentures, Bridgework, Implant Dentistry

Nobody wants to live with missing teeth, and when teeth need replacing it is important for the replacements to be strong and functional. However, many people want the replacements for their missing teeth to look natural as well. Before you get missing teeth replaced, learn more about the common options including dentures, dental bridgework, and dental implants.

Dentures

Dentures are called dental appliances. They are removable and can be taken out to clean. They are used to replace multiple missing teeth. There are different kinds of dentures available. The most inexpensive dentures are made from plastic and have plastic teeth. More expensive dentures are made of porcelain and look more natural. Dentures can be made as a partial to replace a series of missing teeth, or they can be made as a full set to replace all your teeth.

Dental Bridgework

Dental bridgework is commonly used to fill in a gap that result from a missing tooth or teeth. A dental bridge is made up of two dental crowns that are placed on either side of a missing tooth. The false tooth on the dental bridgework would go in that gap between the two crowns. Bridgework can be made to look for natural, but often bridgework is apparent. More expensive dental bridgework options are available for a more natural appearance.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are perhaps the most natural of all the options for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are permanent and they cannot be removed like dentures. They consist of a titanium post that is implanted in the jaw and a false tooth (dental restoration) screwed on the post. They have to be surgically placed and may require multiple dental procedures for placement. However, some cosmetic dentists utilize Teeth-in-an-Hour to place the restorations in one visit. Once placed, dental restorations function identically to a natural tooth and look more natural than any of the alternatives.