People who have several missing teeth in one area of their mouth or who are missing an entire arch of teeth often choose to live with these absences so they can avoid full dentures. Unfortunately, dentures have gotten a bad reputation as unreliable and embarrassing. But that isn’t the only answer for replacing missing teeth.
How Can You Get Dentures Without Getting Dentures?
You don’t want to cover your palate with a fake-looking gum tissue. You don’t want to soak dentures every night. You don’t want to deal with troublesome adhesives. No problem – there are three ways to get the best of dentures without any annoying side effects.
- Removable partial dentures: When you have gaps in your smile because of missing teeth, a customized partial denture will snap right into that space and complete your smile. The removable partial denture is made of a metal framework with plastic teeth and gum areas and metal clasps hold the denture in place. A patient may opt for this solution to affordably replace several teeth in one place.
- Implant-supported partial denture: When you are missing all the molars on one side of your mouth or even on both sides, dental implants can be surgically implanted in the back of the jaw to create support for the partial denture and keep it in place permanently. This solution can be done using all implants or implants and clasps, the latter version saving tremendously on the cost and both versions delivering a stunning smile makeover.
- Snap-on dentures: Snap-on dentures require only two dental implants (instead of the typical four to six implants) and deliver a greater stability when speaking and chewing. For even more secure dentures, more dental implants are recommended, but even just two implants make the jawbone healthier right around the implants and help prevent facial collapse. They look and feel like natural teeth, and eliminate the need for messy adhesives while eliminating embarrassing situations.
Avoid Dentures Entirely with a Dental Bridge
Ideal for replacing a few missing teeth, a dental bridge is customized to blend into the rest of your smile. Secured on both sides by metal clasps, the bridge is bonded firmly in place so you don’t have to worry about it coming out or needing to be removed for cleaning. The prosthetic tooth (or teeth) in the middle of the bridge serve as the substitute for the lost teeth.
The bridge is secured over both clasps by porcelain crowns that serve as anchors. They are bonded permanently in place too. Most bridges are made from porcelain fused to ceramic or porcelain fused to metal so they are incredibly strong and durable.
What Is the Best Way to Replace Missing Teeth?
Every patient is different. But if you have missing teeth, they absolutely need to be replaced to preserve your oral health. If all you know for sure is that you don’t want dentures, that’s a great place to start. Dr. Alana Macalik, Arlington, TX, restorative dentist, can discuss the options that are best for your oral health. Schedule a consultation to learn more and get on the route to a brand new smile.