Replacing Missing Teeth: Your Options Explained

Core Dentistry • April 16, 2024

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. 


By Core Dentistry February 26, 2025
It's an unfortunate fact that all kinds of factors can lead to unsightly yellow teeth . Are you wondering what can be done to quickly upgrade your smile? Teeth whitening services can be the perfect solution. Whether it's for a wedding, graduation, or an important work event, a bright smile can leave a great impression. With the right teeth whitening solutions, you can achieve a stunning smile makeover just in time for your special occasion. Read on to learn more about it. The Vital Importance of a Bright Smile A whiter smile can make a vast difference in how people perceive you. White teeth are often associated with the following: Good health Confidence Success When you feel good about your smile, you naturally exude more self-confidence. This can help in social settings, professional environments, and even during photographs that capture your special moments. Cosmetic dental services , such as dental whitening treatments, can give you the smile you have always wanted. A white smile is more than just a surface-level improvement; it can also have great psychological benefits. Many people feel more outgoing and sociable when they aren't self-conscious about their teeth. Smiling more often can: Improve mood Reduce stress Make you appear more approachable A great smile can positively impact personal relationships , career opportunities, and first impressions, making it a valuable asset in various aspects of life. How Teeth Whitening Works Teeth whitening is a simple yet amazing way to get rid of stains and discoloration. Over time, certain foods, drinks, and habits can cause teeth to lose their brightness. Common culprits include: Coffee Tea Red wine Tobacco use Teeth whitening solutions help to lift these stains, leaving your teeth several shades whiter. While over-the-counter products may provide some improvement, they often take weeks to show any effect. Professional dental whitening treatments, like those offered at Core Dentistry , use stronger whitening agents that deliver faster and longer-lasting results. There are several kinds of teeth whitening treatments to choose from, including: In-office whitening Take-home whitening kits Over-the-counter products In-office treatments are done by dental experts and often provide the most dramatic results in the shortest amount of time. Take-home kits, on the other hand, involve using custom-made trays and professional-grade whitening gel, allowing patients to whiten their teeth at their own pace. Over-the-counter products like whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels can offer mild improvements but are generally not as effective as professional treatments. Undeniable Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening One of the most phenomenal benefits of professional teeth whitening is the speed of results. In-office whitening treatments can make your teeth several shades lighter in just one visit. Another advantage is the long-lasting effects. Professional whitening lasts much longer compared to at-home kits, especially when you maintain good oral hygiene. Safety is another major benefit, as a trained dentist ensures that your gums and teeth are protected during the procedure. Plus, professional whitening allows for a customized treatment plan . Your dentist can fine-tune the strength of the whitening agent to suit your needs. Remember, a whiter smile can elevate your confidence like nothing else. It makes you feel more attractive and self-assured in social and professional settings. Beyond aesthetics, professional whitening can also encourage better oral hygiene. When people invest in their smiles, they tend to take better care of their teeth by brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups. This can lead to improved overarching dental health, reducing the risk of: Cavities Gum disease Other oral issues Additionally, professional whitening can remove stubborn stains that regular brushing and over-the-counter products may not be able to tackle. When to Whiten Your Teeth Before a Special Occasion Timing is important when planning your smile makeover. If you have an upcoming event, it is best to schedule your teeth whitening treatment at least one to two weeks in advance. This allows any minor sensitivity to subside and ensures you get the best results. If you opt for at-home whitening, you need to give yourself more time as it takes longer to see noticeable changes. Planning ahead ensures your smile looks its best for your special day. It is also important to consider any dental work you may need before whitening your teeth. Do you have cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues? If so, these should be addressed before undergoing a whitening treatment. Your dentist can help assess your teeth and provide the best course of action to ensure that you achieve optimal results. Also, if you have dental restorations like crowns or fillings, it's important to note that these materials respond differently to the treatment. Maintaining Your White Smile for the Long Haul After your teeth whitening treatment, you have to take care of your teeth if you want them to retain their brightness. Avoiding foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sauces can help preserve your results. Maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing, and using a dependable toothpaste . Consistent dental check-ups and cleanings also help support your white smile. Using a straw when drinking dark beverages can reduce contact with your teeth, thereby shrinking the chances of staining. Another tip for maintaining your white smile is to rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods or beverages. This helps prevent pigments from settling into the enamel. You may also consider using a whitening mouthwash to enhance your results. If you notice that your teeth are beginning to stain again over time, touch-up treatments may be recommended by your dentist to keep your smile bright. Keeping up with professional cleanings and avoiding habits like smoking can also contribute to long-lasting results. It's Time to Take Advantage of Dependable Teeth Whitening Services With proper teeth whitening services , you can have an amazing smile in no time. Core Dentistry provides high-quality cosmetic dental services to help you get the smile you've always wanted. Their dental whitening treatments are safe, effective, and customized. Our team members not only have medical degrees, but they're also members of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Clear Aligners, and more. Don't wait to schedule a teeth whitening appointment with Core Dentistry today.
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