Top 5 Tooth Replacement Solutions

Did you know that more than 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and that number is expected to increase to over 200 million in the next 15 years. Although tooth loss is a common problem, many do not realize the serious health implications that missing teeth present. Those missing teeth are more likely to suffer from insecurities, depression, chewing problems and further tooth loss! People missing multiple teeth suffer from severe bone loss, malnutrition, obesity, diabetes and even certain types of cancers.

Fortunately, dentistry has advanced greatly over the years and new solutions exist to replace missing teeth. Let’s explore the top 5 tooth replacement options starting from worst to best.

5) Removable Partial Denture

A removable partial denture, also called a flipper in some instances, is a fake tooth connected to a metal or plastic framework that holds the partial denture in place in the mouth. Many times, this prosthesis has metal or plastic clasps that attach to the other remaining teeth for more stability. It is recommended that the partial be removed for eating and when sleeping. Removable partial dentures are rarely comfortable and often irritate the gums. This type of prosthesis will need replacement and/or repairs every few years. This is the lowest cost option, but the least ideal choice for tooth replacement.

4) Maryland Bridge

A Maryland Bridge is a very conservative form of a dental bridge to fill the space of a missing tooth. It is made up of a pontic or fake tooth that is held in place by metal or porcelain, which is bonded to the back side of the adjacent teeth. While a Maryland Bridge may look decent, it has very little strength. It is only as strong as the material that bonds it in place. So, if greater forces are placed on the bridge, it is very possible it could come loose. One could expect bone loss under the area of the pontic tooth. This tooth replacement option is fairly low cost, but not a great solution for replacing a tooth.

3) Conventional Dental Bridge

The conventional dental bridge is very common. The bridge involves the “prepping” or shaving down of the adjacent teeth in the area of the missing tooth. A crown is created for the shaved down teeth and a pontic or fake tooth is in the middle. The crowns are glued to the shaved down teeth and the pontic fills the gap created by the lost tooth. While a dental bridge can look very nice, they can be difficult to clean and decay under the bridge is fairly common. For this reason, bridges only last 7-10 years on average. The dental bridge will cost a few thousand dollars and is considered a decent choice for tooth replacement.

2) Titanium Dental Implant

The titanium dental implant is a highly successful tooth replacement choice, with success rates well above 95%. A dental implant consists of three parts, the implant body, the abutment and the crown. The implant body is the portion of the implant that is inserted into the jawbone and is commonly made from titanium or titanium alloys. The abutment is the portion of the implant above the bone, but under the crown, that is attached to the implant body with a screw. The abutment is made from titanium or zirconia, which is a strong and aesthetic ceramic material. The crown which is made from zirconia or porcelain is the portion of the implant you see above the gum tissue. When the crown is done correctly, it will look like a natural tooth.

1) Ceramic Dental Implant

Where metal dental implants were once considered the gold standard for tooth replacement, technology advancements have allowed for better and more natural materials for dental implants. Ceramic dental implants are made from zirconia. Zirconia has many of the same benefits as titanium, but ceramic implants are even stronger than titanium, naturally white in color, holistic, do not corrode and 100% metal-free. Because zirconia implants contain no metal, they are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they cause no allergic reactions in the body. Ceramic implants can also last a lifetime and have the same success rates as titanium dental implants, but do not have the drawbacks of titanium implants. The cost for a ceramic implant is comparable to a metal implant. Although ceramic implants are the optimal solution for tooth replacement, only the best implant dentists offer them. So, make sure you find a dentist who gives you the option of what material implant you want in your mouth.