There are actually several different options that a patient needs to consider once they have lost one or some of their natural teeth. It isn’t ever as easy as just choosing dentures or a bridge. A patient must consider all personal factors and discuss with their dentist what the advantages and any downfalls to a certain treatment may be, before they come up with an informed decision about what is best for their lifestyle, age, medical condition and other factors that need to be considered.
So by going through the varied options, patients are able to have a general understanding of what each treatment is for and whether it is applicable to them. Options range depending on the amount of teeth lost, the overall health and condition of the patient, cost and other considerations.
The following are the most common ways in which a person can replace their teeth.
With dentures
Dentures are one of the most common ways with which people replace either some of their teeth or all of them. ‘Full dentures’ is the term given to a complete set of teeth and a ‘partial denture’ refers to the situation where a patient still has some of their original teeth. They are removable and need to be extracted to be cleaned.
Over time, because of the way people age, dentures can begin to slip and become uncomfortable in the mouth. Glue is used for some people to secure their dentures into their mouths, but it is a quick fix for a more lasting concern.
How about a bridge?
If a person is looking for a fixed solution, so that they do not have to be constantly aware of a denture during everyday life, then perhap a bridge would be a suitable option for them.
Bridges do not suit every person however, as they often require the teeth adjacent to the bridge to be reduced in size to accomodate for the fixture and for it to fit correctly.
Is there another way?
Dental implants is another way in which people can replace a single missing tooth, or an entire set of teeth, in a long lasting fashion. Individuals can choose whether they want to mimic dentures in the way that they can be removed, with denture stabilisation techniques, or have a fixed implant, like a bridge.
There is no chance that teeth will shift around like dentures with this treatment however, because they are secured in the mouth through titanium rods that are placed directly into the jawbone.
Other adjacent teeth do not need to be adjusted or reshaped for this treatment to be successful either, making it a favourite of dentists and patients alike.
The treatment will last for several decades, giving those using them a peace of mind that is unrivalled. Because of this, they are somewhat more expensive than the former options and this may be a factor that needs to be considered, should an individual have multiple options regarding their teeth replacement.
By discussing costs, advantages and other factors personal to their situation, a patient can make the best informed decision on which option is right for them.
