Tooth Replacement Options
When teeth are lost or failing, there are many options
There are options to replace individual teeth, multiple teeth, or all the teeth in an arch.
Options to Replace Individual Teeth
When a small number of teeth are lost, removed, or failing, several options are available.
Option 1
Permanent, strong, aesthetic, predictble
Dental implants are generally considered the 'best' option in most cases.
Option 2
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge can replace 1 or 2 missing teeth
Bridges require neighbouring teeth to be 'shaved' down considerably, & they rely on the neighbouring teeth for a lifetime. If either of the neighbouring teeth fail, the entire bridge is lost.
Option 3
Dentures
Removable devices that are removed each night
Dentures can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire set of teeth.
Option 4
Orthodontic
Treatment
Use your own teeth to close spaces
Traditional braces and 'clear aligners' can move posterior teeth forwards to close a space where a tooth has been lost. But this can take 1 -2 years.
Option 4
Nothing
Not all missing teeth need replacing
Many people are able to tolerate a missing posterior tooth with minimal issues. However, missing anterior teeth are a significant cosmetic issue for most patients.
Full-Arch Tooth Replacement Options
When all (or most) of the teeth in a jaw are missing or failing, there are several options
Options include traditional lower dentures, implant-supported dentures, and All-On-4 implant bridges.
Pros
-
Permanent fixed replacement of all teeth
-
Closely replicates natural teeth in function and aesthetics
Cons
-
Time consuming to clean and maintain
-
Expensive
-
Significant surgery required
Traditional Dentures
Pros
-
Can work well in the upper jaw
-
Relatively cheap
-
Easy to maintain
-
No surgery required
-
Very aesthetic
Cons
-
Very poorly tolerated in the lower jaw
-
Can be uncomfortable to chew on
If you want to explore your tooth replacement options
Get in touch via sms, phone, email or book online.
No referrals required
DR ANDREW J CHAN - MD FRACDS BDS
(08) 8808 8793 (fax)