Options for Missing Teeth

Dental bridges can replace lost teeth easily using the support of adjacent teeth. They bridge the missing tooth gap with false teeth, in the centre, supported by crowns on the two ends. The crowns sit on the natural teeth and provide support to the entire bridge. Dental bridges look quite natural when placed. They are fixed to the teeth using strong cement, so there is no danger of them getting misplaced or lost. 

Pros:

• Replicate the appearance and look of natural teeth 
• Comfortable even while chewing 
• Processing time 1-2 weeks 

Cons:

• Adjacent teeth need to be reshaped 
• Patients need to have good oral hygiene to maintain them for a long time 
• Unsuitable for individuals with poor gum health

Dentures are artificial detachable teeth that fill up the space created by missing teeth. They are fixed on a pink resin base that looks like your gums. Dentures can be designed to match the colour of your teeth and gums. They are an excellent treatment option for those requiring an inexpensive fix for their missing teeth. 

Dentures can restore many teeth at once. They also contribute to the fullness of the lips and cheeks, giving you a younger look. Patients can remove them whenever they want, so it’s easy to clean them and maintain good oral hygiene. 

Pros

• Can replicate gums and teeth both 
• No tooth trimming or surgical steps involved
• Quick and easy removal
• Easier to clean 
• Easier to repair if broken 
• Cheaper than implants and bridges 

Cons

• If dentures do not have a good fit, they can feel loose while speaking, coughing, eating etc
• Higher chance of losing the denture with frequent removal for cleaning or storage 

Conventional dentures can become loose while chatting, biting on hard foods, or just opening the mouth too wide while yawning. Fixed implant-supported dentures were developed to prevent such problems. Not only are implant-supported dentures more stable as they are secured to the bone, but they are also great for people with bony ridge loss. Without adequate bone in the mouth, there is no support for the denture to sit on, so implant-supported dentures are considered the perfect treatment option. 

Implant-supported dentures are durable and last a very long time. They are more comfortable than regular dentures and allow patients to eat comfortably as they would with natural teeth. Implant dentures also improve speech since there is no sliding or rocking of the dentures in the mouth. 

Pros:

• Fixed prosthesis, so no need to take them out and clean them separately 
• No need for adhesives to keep the denture in place
• Improved chewing 
• Improved speech 
• It can last for life if taken good care 

Cons: 

• Costlier than dentures or bridges

Implant-supported dentures are used to restore entire rows of teeth in one go, but to restore a single tooth, you require a single implant. A dental implant is a screw-shaped system that anchors false teeth into your bone, just like a tooth root. Dental implants are a permanent treatment option; it is possible for an implant to last for decades, given your oral hygiene practices are satisfactory. The implant crown sits on top of the screw-like system and mimics a natural tooth . It is screwed or cemented in place, so there is no danger of the implant falling off. 

Pros: 

• Perfect fit 
• More natural-looking
• Long-lasting & Durable 
• Very comfortable 
• Better speech and phonation than bridges or dentures
• Easy to eat food with 
• Easy to maintain oral hygiene 
• Prevent bone loss
• Do not require trimming of adjacent teeth 

Cons: 

• Costlier than dental bridges or dentures
• Involves a surgical procedure