There are several excellent options for replacing missing teeth. Depending on your preferences, jaw health, overall oral health, and budget, you and your Arlington dentist will discuss all viable dental restorations so you can have a complete smile that looks, feels, and functions naturally.
1. Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most powerful tooth replacement option available. Patients who are good candidates for implants – meaning, their jawbone is strong enough to handle the implants – experience the sheer joy of having a complete, stable smile once again.
Implants replace missing teeth, which is aesthetically pleasing, but they also restore function, allowing you to bite and chew confidently. Plus, implants maintain jawbone health, stimulating the bone with the replacement tooth root, which helps maintain a youthful appearance and minimizes any compression or shrinking face shape.
Dental implants look natural, feel natural, and function flawlessly to give you a strong, beautiful smile once again.
2. Dental Bridge
A dental bridge does just what its name implies – acts as a bridge between two teeth to replace the tooth that’s missing. The bridge is typically made of metal clasps that are attached to the healthy teeth on either side of your missing tooth. These are then anchored in place using porcelain crowns, creating that permanent, secure connection you need. The prosthetic tooth is attached to the bridge, filling the gap.
Just like all other tooth restorations, the dental bridge is customized to match the rest of your teeth in size, shape, and color so it blends in seamlessly and looks natural.
3. Dentures
Do not despair when you hear the word “dentures” from your Arlington family dentist. Modern dentures are nothing like your grandparents’ dentures. Combining dentures and dental implants, you can have the best of both solutions at about half the cost of implants alone.
Sometimes referred to as snap-on dentures, this option involves the placement of two implants. Once the jawbone and tissue have healed and accepted the implant, the dentures can be snapped on. No adhesives, no slipping, no worrying about the stability of your smile.
4. Partial Dentures
Similar to an orthodontic appliance in framework, partial dentures also consist of prosthetic teeth and gums to replace missing teeth. A removal partial denture is a cost-friendly dental restoration that allows you to replace several teeth with one appliance. Metal clasps or precision attachments are used to hold the partial denture in place, no adhesives necessary
There is also the option of an implant-support partial denture, where a dental implant is placed in the back of the jaw to give the partial denture the support it needs to stay in place.
Get a Smile Makeover
There is a tooth replacement solution to fit your needs, no matter what kind of budget, anxiety, or oral health complications you’re dealing with. Dr. Alana Macalik is an experienced Arlington, Texas, dentist who is determined to find the restorative dentistry solution that is best for replacing your missing teeth. Contact us to schedule your appointment and talk about what’s possible for your new smile.