If you’re one of the estimated 178 million Americans missing at least one adult tooth, or the nearly 40 million Americans missing all of their adult teeth, you may also be considering a tooth replacement solution. If you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth but aren’t sure which tooth replacement option is best for you, don’t despair. We asked Dr. Alexandra George of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to help explain the pros and cons of each tooth replacement option to help you make the most informed decision."There are three basic categories of tooth replacement prosthetics: dentures, bridges and implants." George said. "Within each category, there are many variations, but each variety follows the same general structure, varying slightly by materials and design."Each main category of dental device varies in both permanence and cost, but which one you choose depends on many factors, which vary by individual patient. So while you may not know which solution is best for your mouth without speaking to your dentist, knowing as much as you can about each appliance can help you make an informed decision when it’s time to decide.DenturesThe least permanent of the three dental appliances, dentures are fake teeth which are secured to a flesh colored acrylic base that sits on your gums."Today’s dentures look extremely natural," George said. "In fact, most people cannot tell you are wearing them."Dentures have gotten a bad name in the the past for being uncomfortable, but technology has improved in recent years, and modern dentures are more durable and comfortable than ever before. Within the denture category, there are two main types of dentures: full or partial. Full dentures are used when the wearer has no natural teeth on either the upper, lower or both jaws. Full dentures fit over the gums and can be secured in-place with denture adhesive.On the other hand, partial dentures can be used to replace anywhere from one or two to several teeth, and stay in place by hooking on to existing teeth, via a metal frame. Because dentures are not permanent, they can be taken out at any time and should be taken out daily to be cleaned after each meal. Dentures should also be removed each night and soaked in a denture soak when not in use, because according to George, the acrylic base can that attaches to your gums can easily dry out, causing your dentures to warp and no longer fit properly. Dentures and partials are usually the most affordable tooth replacement solution, but even despite their lower price point, they can still look just as beautiful and natural as their more expensive counterparts.BridgesThe next option for tooth replacement is a bridge. A bridge is a permanent device that "bridges" across the space that is missing the tooth. The bridge is secured to the mouth by creating two crowns on the teeth, flanking the space created by the missing tooth. The crowns then fit onto the two shaved down teeth, with a third, center tooth that is attached to the abutting crowns. This creates the appearance of successive, natural teeth. Because the bridge is permanently secured to the two crowned teeth, it is considered a permanent device, which cannot be removed for cleaning. A bridge is treated just as you would natural teeth, taking care to floss between crowned teeth to avoid gum infection. A bridge is a great solution for patients with a healthy mouth who are only missing a few teeth. Bridges are more expensive than dentures, but many patients prefer them because they are permanent.Dental ImplantsDental Implants are the Cadillac of the cosmetic dentistry world. These permanent tooth replacements consist of a metal post that is secured to the jawbone beneath the gums, and an artificial crown tooth that screws on top. After the post sets in the bone and heals, your dentist can then attach the artificial tooth or crown directly onto the post. Because the post is set into your jawbone, the implant is considered permanent. The tooth looks natural and sits on the gum the same way a regular crown does. According to George, the downside to implants is that they cost more than bridges and dentures and require the patient to have healthy gums and jaw bones to be a good candidate."Even under the best conditions, there is still a chance that dental implants may not ‘take’ and the post may not stay secured to the jawbone," George said.If this happens the post must be removed, and depending on the situation, may never be able to be reattached.So, which solution is best? According to Dr. George, that’s between the patient and his or her dentist."When deciding which tooth replacement to use, you need to consider many factors," George said. "Your dentist is trained to assist in identifying these factors, and helping you make an educated decision that takes into account your health, budget, and lifestyle."
