Have you started hiding the gap in your smile? You're not the only one. About three in five people hate their smiles (prompting 75% to stop smiling in photos).

Don't let a missing tooth affect your appearance or self-esteem. Instead, consider these options for missing teeth. Read on to restore your smile with the top missing tooth solutions today!

Dental Implants

Dental implants involve restoring your smile from the jawbone up. Dental implants look like small titanium screws. They're surgically placed into your jawbone to provide the bone with stimulation.

Otherwise, the lack of stimulation due to a missing tooth root can cause your jawbone to deteriorate. Your cheeks may sink inward, causing wrinkles. You could experience bone loss and other complications without treatment.

The dental implant will mimic a natural tooth root. Once the area heals, your dentist can place an abutment.

The abutment connects the implant with the dental crown. Your dentist can adjust the color of the crown so it blends in with your existing teeth. 

This restoration option is designed to look and function like a natural tooth. Unlike other tooth replacement treatments, it can provide lasting stability.

Between 2020 and 2026, the total number of dental implants could increase by 23%. Implants have a 97% success rate. They're the most advanced dental solution for replacing lost teeth. 

 The benefits of dental implants include:

• Improved self-esteem
• Easy to chew and eat with
• Improved comfort
• Improved oral health
• Convenience
• Durability
• Natural-looking appearance
• Reduced speech issues
• Longevity

The success rate for dental implants over 10 years is as high as 95%. Proper oral hygiene techniques can help you maintain your newly restored smile.

The Process

To determine if you're an ideal candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist. They'll assess your jawbone and teeth. You need enough jawbone volume and healthy gums to sustain a dental implant

.

Your dentist will review your medical history. They may request x-rays to examine your teeth and jawbone better.

If you're an ideal candidate, your dentist will create molds of your teeth. They'll determine how many implants you'll need and what kind. Some implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, while others sit atop the jawbone.

During the surgery, your dentist will make a small incision to reveal your jawbone. They'll surgically place the implant into the bone. After stitching up the treatment site, they'll give you time to heal.

You may need three to six months to heal before your next procedure. This allows osseointegration to occur.

Osseointegration allows the jawbone to grow around the implant. This process ensures the implant's stability. It won't shift when you eat or speak. 

Once osseointegration is complete, you'll receive your dental crown. Your dentist can color-match the crown to match your existing teeth. 

Removable Partial Dentures

If a dental implant isn't right for you, your dentist may recommend dentures. There are different denture options available, including removable partial dentures. This option is ideal if you're missing multiple teeth within an arch.

Your dentist can create your dentures using an acrylic base enforced with a metal substructure. Other types include cast metal partial dentures and flexible partial dentures, the latter of which is considered a temporary option.

The most common types are fixed bridge and implant-supported fixed bridge partial dentures. Fixed bridge dentures are ideal if you're missing one or two teeth. They'll remain in your mouth at all times. 

Implant-supported fixed bridge dentures use small posts that are permanently placed in your mouth. It's a more expensive option that can reduce durability issues. 

The dentures may involve a clasp to increase stability. The clasp will fit around your teeth to keep the dentures in place.

This can make it easier for you to eat and talk without the dentures shifting too often.

Before choosing between denture options, review the pros and cons. Removable dentures are less expensive than dental implants and bridges for teeth. They can decrease the appearance of gaps in your smile due to lost teeth.

Wearing dentures can restore your functionality. You'll feel more confident after restoring your smile.

The Process

During your consultation appointment, your dentist will assess your remaining teeth. They'll confirm your teeth are free of tooth decay and gum disease. 

After making impressions of your teeth, your dentist will design your partial dentures. They'll ensure it fits your bite to increase comfort. 

Removable Complete Dentures

These dentures can restore an arch of lost teeth. They're a non-invasive tooth replacement treatment option. 

You'll wear an acrylic base over your gums and jawbone. False teeth adhere to the base to restore your smile.

This option lets you choose between different sizes, shapes, and colors. Such customization allows you to ensure the dentures look and feel natural. 

The Process

During your consultation appointment, your dentist will make impressions of your mouth, examining your bite, gums, and bony ridges.

Before creating your dentures, they'll create anatomic models and mock-ups. This allows them to refine the dentures. 

Once the dentures are fabricated, your dentist can make minor adjustments to ensure they fit without moving often. 

All-on-Four Implant-Supported Dentures

If you've lost a few teeth, your dentist may recommend all-on-four implant-supported dentures. This option is ideal if you've already experienced bone loss. 

This option can ensure better support. It's more affordable than multiple dental implants. 

The stability can make eating, chewing, and speaking easier. This option is also more comfortable than dentures. 

The Process

Your dentist will secure your dentures in place using four dental implants. Two will go near the front of the arch to replace canine teeth, and the other two will go further back. 

Review Your Options for Missing Teeth

Don't let missing teeth affect your oral health or keep you from having a beautiful smile. Instead, discuss these options for missing teeth with a specialist. After a consultation appointment, you can start grinning with renewed self-confidence. 

Our team at Core Dentistry believes in treating patients like family. We hope to improve our patient's health and quality of life by improving their smiles. 



Trust our personal approach, professional and qualified team, and range of dentistry services. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.