What Are The Best Options For Replacing Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth can do more than give you a gap in your smile—they can impact the way you chew, speak, and even feel about yourself. Those gaps can eventually result in shifting teeth, jawbone loss, and changes to the facial structure. But don’t worry—the good news is that dentistry today has some great options for filling in missing teeth, whether you’ve lost one or multiple.

From permanent, natural-looking implants to affordable, removable dentures, there’s a solution for everyone. If you’ve been wondering which option is right for you, keep reading!

Dental Implants: A Permanent, Natural-Looking Solution

Dental implants Elgin are one of the top choices for filling gaps in teeth long-term and are stable.

How do they work?

• A titanium post is surgically implanted into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root.
• Once healed, a custom crown is fitted for a natural appearance.
• Replaces the function and sensation of a natural tooth.

Why Choose Implants?

• Long-lasting: Will last for decades if properly cared for.
• Prevents Bone Loss: Forces the jawbone to prevent it from becoming weak.
• No Effect on Other Teeth: Unlike bridges, no other teeth have to be altered.

Best for:

• Those who lost one or more teeth with adequate bone density.
• Individuals seeking a long-term, fixed answer without requiring future replacements.

2. Dental Bridges: Closing the Gap with Support

A dental bridge is an excellent solution to replace one or several missing teeth in an arch without requiring surgery. It actually “bridges” the gap by suspending adjacent teeth.

Bridge Types:

• Traditional Bridge: It is attached by bonding crowns on the supporting adjacent teeth to support the replacement tooth.
• Cantilever Bridge: Held by a single neighbor tooth, most suitable for less supported areas.
• Maryland Bridge: Uses a metal or porcelain framework rather than crowns to bond.

Why Bridges?

• Non-surgical and usually finished in a series of appointments.
• Restores chewing and speech function.
• Improves natural teeth.

Most suitable for:

• Individuals with one or several consecutive missing teeth with healthy teeth around to support.
• Patients who want a fixed tooth solution but are not yet ready for implants.

3. Dentures: A Time-Proven and Cost-Effective Solution

For individuals who have lost a few or all of their teeth, dentures provide a tried-and-true and cost-effective means of restoring function and aesthetics.

Types of Dentures:

• Full Dentures: Replace all teeth in one arch (top or bottom).
• Partial Dentures: These fill gaps when some of the natural teeth remain.

Why Dentures?

• Affordable compared to other replacement options.
• It can be formed for comfort and aesthetics.

Best for:

• Those with few missing teeth but desire something that can be taken out.
• Those seeking a cheaper alternative to a bridge or implant.

4. Implant-Supported Dentures: The Best of Both Worlds

For patients who have difficulties with traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures provide additional comfort and stability.

How They Work:

• Rather than sitting on the gums, dentures are attached by dental implants.
• One whole arch of teeth can be anchored with fewer implants (usually four to six).

Why Implant-Supported Dentures?

• No movement or slipping like traditional dentures.
• More force to chew a greater variety of foods.
• Prevents bone loss and retains facial contours.

Ideal for

• Patients who desire a more stable denture experience.
• Denture patients wishing for a removable or fixed full-arch appliance.

Choosing the Right Tooth Replacement Solution

Every smile is distinctive, and the optimal solution rests on a few considerations:

• Missing teeth count: One tooth vs. a few replacements.
• Bone condition: Implants need sufficient bone density.
• Financial resources: Dentures are less expensive, with implants costing more in the long run.
• Personal life choice: Removable or fixed.

Missing teeth need not stand in your way. Dental implants, bridges, dentures, or implant-supported ones each provide a solution to regain function, enhance appearance, and boost confidence.

Ready to see what can be done for you? Book an appointment today to start on the path toward a healthier, renewed smile!