Missing teeth in Whitby are more than a cosmetic issue and can cause problems with speaking and eating, and remaining teeth can shift out of position. It also places the rest of your natural teeth under additional strain, increasing wear and tear and the risk of future failure.
Luckily, you can replace missing teeth in Courtice in several ways, including partial dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Potential treatments are outlined below.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are widely used, and modern denture teeth can look very natural. Some people may prefer this option if they do not wish to have further dental treatment as it is minimally invasive and the most cost-effective option. However, partial dentures offer limited stability and comfort. They are removable and must be removed regularly for cleaning. Over time, partial dentures can start to fit less securely due to changes in the jawbone’s shape.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a more permanent solution, relying on natural teeth for support on either side of the gap. These teeth, called abutment teeth, are covered with dental crowns, supporting the replacement teeth between them. The bridge is permanently cemented onto the abutment teeth, so it is non-removable but must be cleaned around thoroughly to keep the abutment teeth strong and free from infection and disease.
A dental bridge can be a great option for replacing missing teeth when the abutment teeth will benefit from being covered with dental crowns in Pickering and are strong enough to support the replacement teeth. Otherwise, it’s worth noting that these abutment teeth need to be substantially reshaped, removing quite a bit of their original structure to create enough room for the crowns to fit without feeling too big and bulky and to ensure they look natural. Removing healthy tooth structure is never ideal as it can only be replaced artificially. Also, as the crowns age, they can begin to leak, so the abutment teeth underneath them are at increased risk of tooth decay. We can help reduce this risk by regularly checking the condition of your dental bridge during dental exams, but eventually, it will need replacing.
Dental Implants
The final, most modern option is to consider dental implants in Oshawa. These are a long-term solution for tooth loss that, with the right care, should last for years or even for life. What makes them special is that the implants are anchored firmly in your jawbone with tiny posts or screws made from titanium or zirconia, a type of ceramic material. These screws become integrated or fused with the bone around them, creating a strong anchorage point for a replacement tooth or teeth that will look and feel very natural. They also provide a biting strength similar to real teeth.
If you are missing several teeth side-by-side, you don’t need to replace each tooth with an implant, as you can have an implant bridge in Newcastle. Dental implants help protect and preserve your remaining natural teeth, preventing bone resorption around the implant posts.
Getting dental implants in Clarington is more involved, requiring a short surgical procedure. However, we use computer-guided surgery to plan and place implants, ensuring excellent and predictable treatment outcomes. In the longer term, it can also be a more cost-effective option as you only need to replace the implant restorations when they age rather than any restorations covering natural teeth such as abutment crowns.
When you visit Durham Dental Solutions, we can conduct a dental exam and discuss all possible options with you in more detail. We realize it is a big decision and will provide all the information you need to make the right choice.
