There are several effective options for replacing missing teeth. Dental Implants are a popular, long lasting solution that look and function like natural teeth. Bridges are fixed restorations supported by neighbouring teeth, offering a quicker, non surgical option. Partial Dentures are removable and affordable, ideal for replacing a few missing teeth. Full dentures are used when all the teeth are missing. Each option has it’s pros and cons.
Importance of having teeth-
A healthy set of teeth not only helps you show off a fantastic smile, but it also helps you maintain good overall Dental and general health. Missing teeth can result due to gum disease, injury, severe tooth decay, or a genetic condition. Missing teeth will affect your speech, ability to chew your food, the integrity of your jawbone, and cause the slow shifting of your teeth into some of the empty spaces.
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reports that 92 percent of adults between the ages of 20-64 suffer from tooth decay. Similarly, the amount of individuals who suffer from missing teeth is a rather large number as well.
To help you regain your lovely smile, there are several great choices for replacing your missing tooth or teeth. these are-
1. Dental implants
One of the most popular tooth replacement techniques is dental implants, which offer a long-term way to replace one or more teeth. In addition to being a long-term fix, they have the same appearance and function as natural teeth. Dental implants have a lifetime lifespan if you take good care of them. On the other hand, the procedure for placing your dental implant may take some time. Titanium Metal screw like implant body will be used as an anchor by your dentist to replace the root of your tooth.This will be followed by the placement of the crown. In most cases, the implant will require few months to get integrated with the bone before the crown can be placed.
Pros of Dental Implants
1.They are among the greatest and most efficient ways to replace lost teeth.
2.No neighboring teeth are affected, and your neighboring teeth are still whole.
3.They feel and look natural.
4.They can serve as a replacement for the rest of your life and are essentially permanent.
Cons of Dental Implants
1.They are an expensive tooth replacement option.
2.This is an invasive surgical procedure. It requires significant healing time and there could also be the possibility of infection
2. Implant-Supported Bridge:
If you have several missing teeth in a row, this is the best choice. Only the teeth on either end of this kind of bridge are fixed with implants. There is no need for screws to hold the teeth in the middle of the two ends in place.
PROS Of Implant-supported bridges
1.This is a cost-effective way to replace multiple consecutive lost teeth.
2.This works just as well as an implant.
3.It creates a natural appearance.
C0NS Of Implant Supported bridges
1.Only when multiple teeth are gone in a row can they be used.
2.The process of placing this bridge is complex and will necessitate multiple dental appointments.
3. Tooth-Supported Bridge:
Instead of using dental implants, this method uses your natural teeth to support the placement of your bridge. The teeth that are next to the lost teeth are covered with crowns, sometimes needing a Root canal.
PROS Of Tooth-Supported Bridge
1.The appearance and feel of a dental implant are replicated by this.
2.Since there is no need for surgery, the process is less invasive.
3.This is a more cost-effective choice, particularly in comparison to other operations like dental implants.
Cons of Bridges Supported by Teeth
1.In order for the crown to fit properly on the neighboring teeth, the teeth must be filed down to the create space for the crown, which could result in tooth pain and infection in future.
2.The adjacent teeth may sustain harm if the bridge is not fitted properly.
3.Food particles may build up beneath the bridge if you don’t thoroughly clean both your teeth and the bridge. Infection and eventual bone loss may result from this.
4. Removable Partial Dentures:
They are ideal for people who have a few missing teeth. They are a more simple and easy alternative to replacing your lost teeth. The prosthetic teeth are attached in their proper locations to the denture base.
Pros of Removable Partial Dental Implants
1.Additional teeth can be inserted to the denture to save time and money if you lose more teeth after the partial denture is placed.
2.These are among the most affordable tooth replacement choices.
3.They are simple to replace and fix.
4. All that is needed to place removable partial dentures is the addition of metal clasps
Cons of Removable Partial Dentures
1.You may have discomfort with these dentures until you adjust to them.
2.These must be taken out and thoroughly cleaned every day.
3.Additionally, in order ensure consistent brushing and flossing, they should be taken off before bed.
4.Unlike dental implants, these dentures don’t look as natural because the metal clasps holding them in place are visible.
5. Flipper:
This partial denture is temporary. It is capable of flipping in and out of place. It is light weight, made of acrylic resin and snugly fits on the gums. it is used as a temporary before getting permanent dental implants , bridges or dentures.
Pros of Flipping
1.It is a somewhat less expensive alternative to replacing lost teeth.
2.significantly lighter than a partial denture.
3.It doesn’t hurt too much.
4.can serve as a stopgap measure for missing teeth until a more permanent solution is found.
Cons of Flippers
1. It might be uncomfortable
2.Due to the fact that this is a temporary solution, it is constructed in a way that makes it easily breakable.