Is your smile less than picture-perfect? Are you self-conscious about missing or damaged teeth?
Over 40 million Americans are missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or simple wear and tear. That’s a lot of discolored, chipped, and missing teeth!
The good news is that modern dentistry offers several excellent options for tooth replacement. Keep reading to learn about the most common teeth replacement options available today.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. They’re durable, look natural, and function like real teeth.
Implants involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over several months. An artificial tooth is then attached to the implant post.
The result? A strong, durable new tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Dental implants’ main draws are their natural look and feel. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, providing a realistic and comfortable solution. Dental implants also allow you to eat and speak as you usually would, without the discomfort or issues associated with other forms of tooth replacement.
Another significant benefit of dental implants is their ability to preserve your jawbone and facial structure, preventing the sagging appearance that can occur with missing teeth.
But implants do have some downsides. The process takes several months and several dental visits. It also requires minor surgery and excellent oral health.
Finally, implants are one of the more expensive options. Still, for many people, the benefits make implants worth the investment.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite material. Veneers are great for fixing chipped, stained, crooked, or worn-down teeth. They’re an excellent option for a smile upgrade without major surgery.
Veneers have a lot going for them. They can transform your smile with minimal shaving down of your natural teeth. The covers mask chips, stains, gaps, and unevenness so your teeth look perfect.
Since they’re customized, you can get the exact shape, size, and color you want. Veneers reflect light like natural enamel for that “wow” look.
A few things to remember: veneers may need replacing after 5-10 years as the glue bond weakens. They don’t make your teeth stronger or fix bite issues. And you can choose between the cheaper composite veneers or porcelain.
Quick Fixes
Need to restore some of your teeth but don’t want major surgery? Crowns and bridges to the rescue! These quick fixes use the teeth you still have to give you back your beautiful smile.
Crowns
A crown is a little cap over a broken, worn down, or damaged tooth. It protects what’s left and makes the tooth look as good as new! A bridge fills in the gap where one or more teeth are missing. It uses nearby teeth for support and “bridges” the space with false teeth.
Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and custom-make the crowns or bridge to blend in seamlessly. They’ll cement them in place in a few visits for a natural, comfortable fit. The process is much less invasive than implants since it doesn’t need surgery.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges are similar to crowns but replace more than one tooth. Instead of capping a single damaged tooth, the bridge is anchored to healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
The downside of fixed bridges is that they require the reshaping of adjacent teeth for support. This can weaken those teeth and leave them more vulnerable to decay or other issues in the
Affordable Options
Crowns and bridges also tend to cost less than other options. The downside is that they rely on healthy teeth for support. If those teeth aren’t strong enough, you could run into problems down the road. And unlike implants, they don’t stimulate your jawbone, which could lead to some bone loss over time.
But crowns and bridges are an excellent choice for many who need a fast, affordable smile upgrade! They can restore function and aesthetics without a long, painful process.
Partial Dentures
Finding an affordable and effective solution can be tough for people coping with losing several teeth. Removable partial dentures have emerged as a popular choice among the available options.
This dental device has fake teeth on a pink plastic base resembling gums. The partial dentures have metal clasps designed to encircle and latch onto the existing teeth for support.
Advantages
Many people like partial dentures for their affordability. With costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,500, they are cheaper than other tooth replacement solutions.
Another advantage of partial dentures is their adaptability. Dentures are good for people who have lost several teeth in different parts of their mouth. Dentures can be made to fit any arrangement of remaining teeth.
Disadvantages
One notable downside is their instability. Unlike fixed replacements such as bridges or implants, partial dentures may not provide the same comfort or secure fit. They can affect chewing efficiency and comfort while speaking.
They also need a strict daily maintenance routine. You must brush them, soak them overnight, and clean the mouth before reinserting them. This routine can be time-consuming and inconvenient for some patients.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are removable appliances that replace all your teeth. They restore the appearance of a full set of teeth, improving confidence and self-esteem. They fit snugly on your gums; you can remove them for cleaning or sleeping.
Complete dentures are an affordable option for those with several missing teeth. However, full dentures may not be as stable as other options, making eating and speaking more challenging.
They also need replacing every 5-10 years. But if you’re missing multiple teeth, complete dentures may be your best and easiest option.
Vancouver Teeth Replacement Options
Missing or damaged teeth don’t have to hold you back. Whether you choose implants, bridges, veneers, or partial dentures, today’s solutions offer natural-looking, functional teeth replacement.
Schedule a consultation with the experts at Vista Dentistry to discuss which teeth replacement options are right for you. We provide personalized care backed by advanced training in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Call 360-858-2080 or contact us online to request an appointment.