Different Ways of Teeth Replacement

Different Ways of Teeth Replacement

29th March 2022

No one likes to have missing teeth. Not only is there a gap that makes it impossible to sport a broad smile, but also the lack of mastication which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

But losing teeth is a fact of life. By age 50, most have lost at least a couple of cavities. In case of an accident, the loss might be more.

What can you do about tooth replacement? We take a look at the options available.

Best options for tooth replacement

1. Dental Implants

This is the best option if you have a missing tooth or two. The treatment produces results that are closest to natural teeth.

A dental implant has several parts. The most important is the actual implant which acts as an anchor. What is necessary is sufficient jaw bone density.

If that is available, the dentist drills into it and fixes a screw made of titanium. It is non-corrosive and does not cause allergies.

The bone is allowed to heal. As it repairs, the bone tissue firmly attaches itself to the anchor.

The process can take a long while and some dentists allow up to six months, though the normal duration is half that.

When the anchor implant is firmly in place, an abutment is screwed on top of it. The last part is the crown which is placed on the abutment.

Any of the 28 teeth (apart from third molar or wisdom teeth) can be replaced with an implant. It is the best solution because the anchoring is from within the jaw, just as in normal teeth.

Advantages

• They act normal, look normal, feel normal
• No need to remove the prosthesis repeatedly and wash
• No hooks attach to adjacent teeth
• Permanent replacement requiring no aftercare

Disadvantages

• It is expensive and priced between £1400-2000 in the UK
• For some, the process is painful as a small surgery is needed to drill a hole

2. Bridge

A dental bridge is an affordable alternative to tooth implants. Instead of drilling a hole in the jaw and attaching an implant, a bridge is held in place by adjacent teeth.

There are many variations of dental bridge and which is used depends entirely on the dentist.

The principle behind them is the same. A false tooth is attached to a structure that is fixed on both sides by a crown or some other means (even an implant in some cases).

Each artificial tooth is known as a pontic and resembles the original exactly.

The traditional bridge holds the pontic between two crowns. These two crowns attach to the tooth on either side and hold the pontic in place.

A dental bridge does not require surgery, and there is no pain. The dentist would study the gap and the surrounding teeth. Thereafter, measurements would be made.

It takes a few days to create the bridge. On the next visit, the dentist would carefully place the crowns on either side and secure the pontic.

Advantages

• No surgery is needed, and relief is almost instant
• It is quite cheap and costs between £300-£900 per tooth
• It is permanent and does not have to be taken out time and again

Disadvantages

• The crowns on either side can become loose and cause the pontic to tilt
• There is some discomfort at the beginning for a few weeks
• After some years, it might need replacement

3. Dentures

Most people don’t like dentures. They are seen as a sign of ageing, much like a cane.

But the fact remains that it is the cheapest way to replace teeth.

Dentures are an almost exact replica of your teeth and gums. A partial denture is attached with hooks to the remaining teeth and does not move.

Every night, a denture has to be taken out, washed carefully, and placed in a glass of water.

The process of getting one is very simple. The dentist takes measurements with a mold on a soft soap-like substance.

The shape of the mold is accurately reproduced. The denture is attached to teeth with fasteners on either end.

Most dentures have a palate. It is this part that patients find uncomfortable.

A partial denture does now reproduce an entire jaw but a few missing teeth.

Advantages

• It is very cheap and full dentures can cost £400-£900 depending on the material
• It is painless once you get used
• A denture can be easily replaced and repaired
• Most health insurance schemes cover the cost of dentures

Disadvantages

• Many patients find it unappealing
• Traditional dentures are thick and do not feel natural
• Some patients find the hooks painful

Which is the best solution?

The human bite force is 160 PSI. Compare it to normal water pressure in your home of about 40 PSI.

According to some estimates, the jaws can shut with a force of 30,000 pounds. That is indeed enormous pressure.

Artificial teeth have to cope with the structure undergoing tremendous pressure several hundred times a day for years. It is not easy, and therefore the latest techniques are better.

If cost is not a problem, then you must always opt for a dental implant. But dental implants are impossible if the patient is too old, has a low bone density or too many teeth are missing.

In the last case, there is not enough space inside the jaw for so many implants. Therefore, the ideal choice would depend on the affordability and the number of replacements.

For 1-2 teeth implants work fine. Between 3-6 bridges do better. Above, that might be a case for dentures.

We offer service with a smile

You must never neglect your teeth. But in case there is a problem, get it treated at the earliest. At the very least, you save other teeth from damage.

At Natural Smiles we offer dental implants, bridges, and dentures of every type at very reasonable rates.

Our prices are highly competitive and the team will go out of their way to ensure that you are fully satisfied.

Visit us or give us a call. Let us explain our services in greater detail and you will return home with a smile. We assure you of that.