There are various methods by which missing teeth can be replaced. The best option for one can vary based on different factors such as condition of the oral cavity, number of teeth missing, age of the person, general health, cost of the treatment and so on.
Listed below are some of the most common ways to replace missing teeth:
- Dental Implant
- Fixed Partial Denture
- Removable Partial Denture
- Temporary Denture/Flipper
- Complete Denture
- Orthodontic Treatment
- Dental Implant
An implant is a great permanent option for a missing tooth. It utilizes a crown and an artificial root to create a real looking tooth. Essentially, a dental implant replaces the root of your tooth with a metal post, and on top there will be a crown to make it look and function like a natural tooth.
- Fixed Partial Denture (FPD)
FPD or bridge is an economical option instead of implants. Before the invention of implants, dental bridges were a go to prostheses for replacement of missing teeth. However, because we need to cut the adjacent teeth to take support, they have reduced in popularity in the recent years.
- Removable Partial Denture
As the name suggests, it is not fixed permanently in the oral cavity-so it can be easily removed by the patient itself. It usually has the missing teeth attached to a metal or acrylic (plastic) base that matches the color of one’s gum, and sometimes with metal clasps to help it stay in the mouth.
- Temporary Denture
Also called a flipper is a short term solution for a missing tooth, when the tooth will be restored in future with a bridge or an implant after the site is healed. Flipper is more like a removable partial denture, but usually less sturdy and less bulky. They are often used for front tooth replacement.
- Complete Denture
It is a removable appliance typically made of acrylic that is designed to replace an entire arch of teeth with natural looking prosthetic teeth. Complete denture utilizes a snug fit, suction and sometimes a dental adhesive to stay in place in the oral cavity.
- Orthodontic Treatment
In certain cases, where one or more teeth are missing, orthodontics can partially or completely close the spaces left by these teeth. For example, in existing crowding case, when overall oral health is good, braces alone might be enough to fix this, by shifting the rest of your teeth into place of the missing teeth and closing the gap. This can potentially reduce the number of dental implants or bridges needed. However, in other cases, your orthodontist may recommend other possible methods to replace the missing teeth.
If you have a missing tooth, at Zen Dental and Health Care, we have a team of experienced specialists to restore your smile back in whatever way you choose!!!
For appointments, call us at 9108918009
