Missing one or more teeth can impact your confidence, as well as your ability to chew and speak properly. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available—from quick, budget-friendly fixes to durable, long-lasting solutions. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at each option to help you find the best fit for your needs.

Dentures

Dentures are custom-made false teeth crafted from natural-looking acrylic designed to fit comfortably over the gums where teeth are missing. They are removable and offer an affordable, non-invasive option for replacing missing teeth.

Types of Dentures:

• Partial dentures replace one or several missing teeth.
• Complete dentures replace all the teeth on the upper and/or lower jaw.

There are two main types of dentures: immediate and conventional.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are temporary and made in advance to be placed right after a tooth extraction. Before your tooth is removed, impressions of your mouth are taken and sent to the lab, so the denture is ready to fit on the day of extraction. These serve as a temporary solution to cover gaps while you wait for a longer-term option.

Conventional Dentures

Conventional dentures are made after the gums have fully healed, offering a more comfortable and better-fitting option designed to last longer. This process typically takes 8–12 weeks.

The Process:

1. Consultation with your dentist to discuss treatment options.
2. Impressions of your jaw are taken and sent to the laboratory.
3. A model denture is created and fitted during a “try-in” appointment to check comfort and fit.
4. The final denture is made and fitted once you’re satisfied.
5. Adjustments are made as needed to ensure comfort.

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Maryland Bridge

A Maryland bridge is an affordable tooth replacement option that functions like a traditional bridge but doesn’t require any alteration to the adjacent healthy teeth. Instead, the prosthetic tooth is supported by thin metal “wings” that are bonded to the back of the neighboring teeth, effectively bridging the gap.

The procedure is minimally invasive and quick. The bridge is custom-made in a laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth, then fitted and bonded to your teeth during a follow-up appointment.

The Maryland Bridge Process:

1. Book a consultation with your dentist to discuss your treatment options.
2. Impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to the laboratory.
3. Once the Maryland bridge is ready, it will be fitted and bonded to your teeth by the dentist.

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Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a durable, long-term solution for replacing missing teeth without surgery.

It consists of an artificial tooth anchored between two dental crowns that fit over the natural teeth adjacent to the gap. The crowns are crafted from strong, high-quality materials like porcelain or zirconia, ensuring a natural look and lasting durability.

The Dental Bridge Process:

1. Book a consultation to discuss your treatment options.
2. During your first appointment, impressions of your jaw will be taken and sent to a laboratory where the bridge is custom-made.
3. At your second appointment, the adjacent teeth will be prepared (shaped) to fit the crowns, and a temporary bridge will be placed.
4. In your final appointment, the permanent bridge will be fitted and secured.

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Dental Implant

A dental implant is a long-term, secure solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike other treatments, implants provide a stable and natural-feeling fit by replacing the tooth root. Made from titanium, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. Over a healing period, the implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a solid base for attaching a crown, bridge, or denture (this healing typically takes around three months after surgery).

The Dental Implant Process:

1. Begin with a consultation to discuss your treatment options with the implant dentist.
2. A CT scan will be performed to evaluate your jawbone’s density and determine if you have enough bone to support the implant. If not, a bone graft may be necessary.
3. The implant placement surgery is done under local anaesthetic, either a few weeks after consultation or at least three months after a bone graft procedure.
4. The implant is left to heal and integrate with the bone for a minimum of three months.
5. Once healing is complete, a custom-made crown, bridge, or fixed denture is attached to the implant’s abutment.

Single Implants vs. Multiple Implants

• Single-tooth implant: Used to replace one missing tooth with a single implant and crown.
• Multiple-tooth implant: For several missing teeth, multiple implants can support a custom bridge or multiple crowns.
• Full-mouth implant: For patients missing all teeth, full-arch implants can replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth.

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