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REPLACING MISSING TEETH

What is better, a bridge or an implant?

They each have advantages and disadvantages. We are not advocates of one treatment over another. Since any cosmetic situation that involves a missing tooth presents its own challenges and circumstances, careful and well thought out plans will give the best outcome.

The advantage of an implant is that it will permanently replace a tooth/teeth since it's anchored in the bone with a crown, series of crowns or custom fit denture placed on top of it. Historically, implants have been associated with a time consuming surgical procedure often taking 6-8 months to complete. Revolutions in dental technology now allows for 80-90% of patients to have beautiful fully functioning teeth the same day the surgical implant procedure is performed. The entire implant procedure still requires 3-6 months to complete but rather then having to wear a temporary denture or remain toothless during the healing period the patient can enjoy the functionality of their new teeth from day one.

Bridges are not anchored into the bone like implants are, but they are anchored to adjacent teeth. This will require preparation of teeth for crowns. If you have teeth that do not have any fillings in them or they are minimally restored you might not want to put crowns on them for a bridge. In this case it would be better to do an implant. But, the advantage of having a bridge as opposed to an implant is that it is fairly quick and can be completed in a few short weeks. Bridges can be done with an all porcelain system so that they can look beautiful. If the adjacent teeth are getting weak from poor bone support or excessively large fillings, having a bridge in place will give the teeth more support. With the all porcelain systems, teeth can be prepared for bridges more conservatively than before. Another disadvantage of having a bridge is that the teeth that are anchoring the bridge can no longer be flossed. An implant supported crown is a separate unit and is flossed like your own teeth.

Dental Implants: Implants are an option for replacement of a missing tooth or teeth and often can be made more aesthetic than conventional techniques such as bridges or partial dentures. Implants can support dentures and prevent the bone loss and facial aging that unsupported dentures can cause. And, implants can simply replace full dentures for a natural appearance and greater comfort. A prosthetic fixture (usually made of titanium) is placed into the bone beneath the gum tissue. The implant serves as a "virtual root" onto which a tooth or teeth can be affixed.

Implants can be used to replace:

Dental Bridges: Dental bridges are one method to fill a gap created by a missing tooth (or teeth).

Picture of dental Bridge A dental bridge is made up of two or more dental crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth in between. Natural teeth, dental implants, or a combination of natural teeth and dental implants can be used to support the bridge.

  • Traditional bridge - this type of dental bridge consists of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth in between. Traditional bridges are the most commonly used type of bridge and are made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal (PFM).

  • Cantilever bridge - this type of dental bridge is used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap in the mouth.

  • Maryland bonded bridge - this type of dental bridge is made up of plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal framework.


    • Dentures: A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. While bridges and implants are more ideal and comfortable restorations sometimes dentures are the only feasible solution. In some cases dentures are used as interim prosthetics during implant treatment.   

    Types of Dentures

    Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.

    Complete or full dentures are made when all of your natural teeth are missing. You can have a full denture on your upper or lower jaw, or both.

    Complete dentures are called "conventional" or "immediate" according to when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient's jaws during a preliminary visit.

    An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues have healed. Healing may take at least 6-8 weeks.

    An overdenture is a removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture.

    Partial dentures are often a solution when several teeth are missing.

    Removable partial denture

    Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than metal clasps and are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments. Dentures with precision attachments generally cost more than those with metal clasps.


    		  

     
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