4 Ways to Replace Missing Teeth: Regain Your Smile and Confidence

 

Looking for ways to replace your missing teeth? Do you feel that having a full smile will give you the confidence to get back out into the world and be yourself again? At The Bristol Dental Practice, we have different options for replacing missing teeth that can fit your specific situation while keeping your budget and lifestyle in mind. Keep reading to find out exactly what we can do to replace your missing teeth and help you regain your smile.

 

 

1) Dental Implants

 

Dental Implants are the leading solution for replacing missing teeth because they provide the same feel, appearance and functionality as natural teeth. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, making them an excellent long-term replacement. That’s why we highly recommend this option for individuals seeking a permanent, durable solution that mirrors the real deal.

 

How do they work? The process involves a few simple steps. First, a biocompatible titanium post is carefully placed into your jawbone to imitate a tooth root. Next, we affix a beautiful porcelain crown to the post using an abutment, which acts like a natural tooth. Although the entire process takes a few months to complete, dental implants are a wonderful investment in enhancing your self-esteem and confidence.

 

We are extremely proud of being one of the leading dental implant providers in the South West. Dr Jonathan Cochrane, our Principal Dentist, is an emerging talent in the field. He achieved a significant milestone in 2018 by becoming the first British dentist to receive a certificate in Implant Dentistry from the German Board of Oral Implantology. So when you choose us for your tooth replacement needs, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of a specialist. This expertise is crucial because dental implants are a surgical procedure that requires precise execution to prevent any potential failures or complications.

 

Pros of dental implants

 

• Durability
• Restored functionality
• Aesthetic appeal
• High success rate
• A permanent solution
• Dietary freedom
• Preserved jawbone health
• Improved oral health and speech

 

Cons of dental implants

 

• Surgical procedure
• Higher cost than other tooth replacement options
• Suitability
• Healthy gum tissue required
• Lengthy treatment timeline

 

 

2) Bridges 

 

Bridges do precisely what they say – they bridge the gap in your smile. They’re a great option whether you’re missing just one tooth or a whole row of teeth, depending on your situation.

 

How do they work? The most common type of bridge involves putting crowns on your natural teeth on either side of the gap. These crowns act as supports, and then we attach a row of fake teeth (called pontics) to the crowns to fill up the space and make your smile complete again.

 

Pros of Bridges

 

• Restored functionality and aesthetics
• Non-invasive procedure
• Cost-effective solution
• Quick treatment
• Fixes multiple missing teeth

 

Cons of Bridges

 

• Requires tooth alterations
• Not as long-lasting as dental implants 
• Potential jawbone loss
• Challenging to clean and care for
• Suitability

 

 

3) Dentures

 

Dentures are the classic removable artificial teeth made of either acrylic or plastic. They are not permanently fixed in your mouth, so you can take them out for cleaning and while you sleep to ensure proper hygiene and comfort.

 

How do they work? During your consultation, we will carefully take an impression of your smile to create dentures that fit snugly and comfortably along the gum line, ensuring a natural appearance. After your consultation, you can take your dentures home with you. You will need to purchase denture adhesive and cleaning products to keep them in place and clean.

 

Dentures serve as an excellent choice for patients who may not be eligible for dental implants or other tooth replacement alternatives due to factors such as a history of gum disease, certain illnesses or being a smoker. Additionally, dentures are more affordable upfront than many other dental treatments.

 

Pros of Dentures

 

• Improved functionality
• Enhanced aesthetics
• Small upfront cost 
• Easy maintenance  
• Adjustable and replaceable
• Non-invasive
• Fixes multiple missing teeth

 

Cons of Dentures

 

• Reduced security and stability
• Potential for irritation if fitted incorrectly
• Regular repairs and replacements
• Accumulative cost over time
• Potential jawbone loss

 

 

4) Implant-Secured Dentures

 

Last but certainly not least, Implant-Secured Dentures fall between dental implants and regular dentures. It’s an excellent option for patients who want to replace multiple missing teeth but may not have the budget for a complete set of implants.

 

How do they work? Implant-secured dentures are an innovative type of denture held securely into place by one or more dental implants. You can still remove the dentures for cleaning and at night, but the implants greatly enhance their reliability as they can be locked into position, eliminating the need for denture adhesive.

 

Pros of Implant-Secured Dentures

 

• Enhanced stability and security
• Improved functionality
• Increased comfort
• Preserved jawbone health
• Improved speech
• Long-term solution
• High success rate
• Cost-effective for multiple teeth

 

Cons of Implant-Secured Dentures

 

• Higher cost compared to traditional dentures
• Surgical procedure
• Lengthy treatment timeline
• Healthy gum tissue required
• Suitability

 

Implants may be an option for patients with insufficient gum tissue following a bone graft. Discover more about this procedure in our blog post on the basics of bone grafting. 

 

 

Final Word:

 

As you can see, there are plenty of options available at our practice to replace missing teeth and restore your smile and confidence. 

If you’re looking to replace your missing teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, reach out to The Bristol Dental Practice today. You can contact us at 0117 910 5929 or through our website. We’re happy to help!