There are many reasons why we need to replace a teeth, with that comes different replacement options which could be fixed or removable depending on the patients mouth condition, choice of the patient, affordability and the available technologies for the replacement of the missing teeth.
We need teeth to chew, eat all kinds of good foods, for aesthetics, self confidence or for the better future of the remaining teeth and above all for a better quality of life. Here we discuss some of the replacement options for missing teeth.
Dental implants:
These are the latest innovation in dentistry for the replacement of missing teeth though has already been more than decades in practice. Dental implants are the replacement options which are closest to the natural teeth; they are durable, long lasting and are capable to withstand more masticatory forces than any other replacement option. Here the implant fuses with the bone (Osseointegration) which performs and gives a feeling of natural teeth.
There are many benefits to dental implants, as we don’t have to damage the natural teeth for teeth preparation as we do for the tooth supported bridge. It is fixed in the mouth so no risk of falling down as of removable dentures. But the maintenance of the oral hygiene has to be at the committed level for the long future of the implants.
Bridge:
Bridge is exactly what it means by its simple meaning that we understand. If a tooth is missing then we replace a new tooth in support of the remaining adjacent teeth to the missing tooth space. For this replacement option, in general there has to be remaining healthy natural teeth ahead and behind of the missing tooth or teeth. Here the supporting teeth could be natural teeth but sometimes it can also be implants which is supporting and replacing teeth as a bridge. Bridges are highly functional, allowing you to chew normally. They look quite like natural teeth. And the best thing is that, they are fixed in the mouth and it needs not to be removed from the mouth.
Complete dentures:
These are the dentures which replaces the whole missing teeth in the mouth. They are known as conventional dentures as is in practice since decades which replaces the entire missing upper and lower teeth .they can be removed from mouth during night when not in function to give rest to the oral tissues. There are few other types of complete denture such as over denture which is placed on the remaining natural teeth or implant supported over denture which is supported by an implant placed in the bone.
Removable partial denture:
These dentures are removable denture not fixed in the mouth which has to be removed during nights. These are still very popular for its simplicity in construction or its reasonable price. There has to be a proper care taken for dentures and the masticatory force bearing capacity is lesser than the implants or the bridge. It has a plastic base which supports the teeth on it.
No matter what replacement option we choose but it is for sure that we have to replace the missing teeth to regain function or for aesthetics. the best option should be always discussed with the dentist available for effective treatment planning and better teeth replacement option.
