Best Treatment Options for Missing Teeth

Restoring a gap in your smile is not just about aesthetics and boosting your confidence, there are health reasons to consider too. For example, did you know that a gap in your smile can cause your jaw bone to shrink, leaving the surrounding teeth at risk of becoming looser.

To help restore your smile, your bite, and your confidence, we can offer a number of solutions for all budgets. And with payment plans available to help you to spread the cost of your treatment, you’ll be able to pick a restoration option based on your true preferences, not just the cost.

Dental implants

The most popular option would be a dental implant, which is the treatment that looks, feels and functions the most like a natural tooth. It’s also the longest-lasting solution, as the dental implant portion is designed to last a lifetime with good care.

With dental implant treatment, we place a small titanium screw in the gap in your jaw. This is left to heal and then an artificial crown is attached to the top. The implant acts as an artificial tooth root, offering a second chance following tooth loss.

This treatment is popular as it looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth, without relying on surrounding teeth for support.

Bridges

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth attached to two dental crowns that sit on the teeth on either side of the gap. You can also opt for a bonded bridge, which uses small metal wings which are attached to the rear of the surrounding teeth using dental cement.

This is a popular choice for those who want a fixed solution, but perhaps aren’t keen on the surgical aspect of dental implants. It can also be a stopgap solution that will help to maintain your oral health while you decide if a dental implant could be more effective for you.

A bridge will typically last for around 12-15 years, depending on the materials used, the location of the missing tooth, and how well you are able to care for it. There is a chance that it could become loose and you may need to have it reattached by a dentist if this happens.

Dentures

Another popular choice for missing teeth is a denture. When people think of dentures, they often think of whole mouth dentures, but there is also the option to have a partial denture that can be attached to a base plate, or clip to the surrounding teeth with metal clasps.

Dentures are popular because they are removable, which is something that many people prefer. It will help to close a gap in your smile and will allow you to enjoy a wide range of foods, but you may need to be careful about chewing anything tough or very chewy.

Dentures may need to be repaired and replaced over time, particularly if the shape of your jaw changes as you get older.

Leaving a gap in your smile

A gap in your smile might not be an issue if it’s in a hidden part of your mouth, or right at the back. However, you should be aware of the health risks associated with leaving a gap in your smile.

Surrounding teeth can shift, there is a risk of jaw bone loss, and you might also face uneven wear on your teeth as you favour chewing on the other side. For help and advice relating to your missing teeth, book a consultation today.