Losing your teeth, especially as an adult, can be a frustrating experience. Not only is your smile not quite the same, but you might not even be able to eat or pronounce words as well as you used to. But it’s important to know you are not alone. An estimated 2.2% of adults 20 to 64 years old in the U.S. have no remaining teeth. 

Whether you have lost one tooth or more, you want to know your tooth replacement options. Dental bridges are one of the best choices, but it’s important to have options when it comes to dental restoration. In this article, we’ll walk you through your options for missing teeth.

Four alternative treatments to a dental bridge.

Before we get into the tooth replacement options for you, let’s be clear that a dental bridge is an excellent choice. A dental bridge is a common solution for replacing one or multiple missing teeth. It includes one or more artificial teeth—called pontics—that are anchored by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth or implants. 

Dental bridges are a great option because they are a cost-effective option that only requires a couple of appointments to complete. They also prevent bite issues by keeping your teeth aligned and stopping the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place. Plus, a dental bridge can help maintain your facial structure, preventing the sunken look that sometimes occurs with missing teeth.

But, this doesn’t mean it’s your only option. Consider these tooth replacement options from the best implant dentist in Highland Park, Texas.

1. Dental Implants

We’ll cut to the chase. If you want to replace your missing teeth with something that appears, feels, and works just like your natural tooth, then dental implants are often the best choice. More and more patients are turning to dental implants because they offer unmatched stability and durability. 

Implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone, providing a strong foundation for the artificial tooth. They help preserve your jawbone, prevent bone loss, and maintain your facial structure. Additionally, dental implants don’t require altering adjacent teeth, making them a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for tooth replacement.

2. Partial Dentures

Another popular restorative dentistry treatment and solution to tooth loss is dentures. While full dentures are used when all teeth are missing in an arch, your dentist near Highland Park, Texas may recommend partial dentures when you have some remaining natural teeth. 

Partial dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to a plastic base that matches the color of your gums, and they are connected by a metal framework that holds them in place. When you lose teeth, gaps are left behind. Partial dentures help fill those gaps, keeping your other teeth from shifting in your mouth. 

They are a cost-effective and less invasive option compared to implants or bridges.

3. Resin-Bonded Bridge (Maryland Bridge)

But wait, there’s more! If dental implants don’t quite fit into your budget and if you want something more permanent than dentures, the Maryland Bridge might be a great choice for you. This version of a dental bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework with wings on each side that are bonded to the back of your adjacent teeth. It’s less invasive because it doesn’t require crowns on the adjacent teeth, making it a good option for those looking for a cost-effective and conservative solution.

4. Implant-Supported Bridges

Last, but certainly not least, you may benefit from implant-supported bridges. This option is ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth without relying on adjacent natural teeth for support. Instead, dental implants are placed in the jawbone to anchor the bridge, providing a secure and stable foundation. 

Implant-supported bridges help preserve the jawbone, prevent shifting of surrounding teeth, and maintain facial structure. They offer a long-lasting and natural-looking solution that many patients prefer. It’s like combining the benefits of implants and bridges to treat multiple missing teeth.

What to consider when choosing a tooth replacement option.

Deciding on the best tooth replacement option is often a personal decision made in partnership with your dentist. Some patients are better candidates for certain treatments than others. And, you need to consider your budget, the current state of your oral health, and long-term smile goals. Plus, you want to think about your ability to maintain the solution you choose so that it will last as long as possible.

Failing to replace missing teeth, on the other hand, can lead to other issues. Your remaining natural teeth may start to shift in your mouth, making your oral hygiene routine more challenging. You may even find it harder to eat or enunciate certain words. And, perhaps worst of all, you may no longer feel like smiling and experience a dip in your self-confidence.

That’s why finding the best tooth replacement option is so important. 

Visit Dallas Cosmetic Dental to see if a dental bridge is the best option for you.

Don’t suffer from the negative effects of missing teeth. Whether it’s a dental bridge, dentures, dental implants, or a full mouth restoration, the team at Dallas Cosmetic Dental is here to help. Request an appointment today so that we can help you start smiling again.