Losing one or more permanent teeth is never fun. In fact, your tooth loss can have a major negative impact on your oral health. However, if you would like to enjoy a whole smile again then you may benefit from a dental prosthetic. At many practices, you can choose from a wide array of dental prosthetics that replaces missing teeth.

5 Dental Prosthetics That Replace Missing Teeth

1. Dental Bridges: A dental bridge’s name says it all. We create a set of new teeth with crowns on each side, placing them on the remaining teeth on either side of the gap in the smile. The prosthetic then bridges the gap and restores the smile. On average, you can expect a bridge to last between 10 and 15 years before adjustment or replacement is necessary,
2. Partial Dentures: If you have many missing teeth but the doctor feels a full prosthetic isn’t necessary, then we may prescribe a partial. The partial is made of new teeth and a gum-like acrylic base. The prosthetic uses metal clasps to attach to natural teeth and hold the new ones in place.
3. Complete Dentures: Also known as full dentures, these replace all of the teeth one either one or both arches. Composed of a row of replacement teeth and an acrylic base designed to look like gum tissue, the prosthetic restores the smile. Natural suction, and possible an adhesive, will hold the new teeth in place. The dentures will require adjustment every five to ten years as the shape of your mouth changes.
4. Dental Implants: With an implant we can actually replace every part of a lost tooth, not just the visible portion. A titanium post will be surgically placed into the jawbone and topped with a restoration. Over time, the new tooth will bond with the jawbone tissue, holding it place like a natural tooth.
5. Implant Supported Dentures: By placing between six and eight implant posts per arch, the dentist can secure a full set of dentures. Once in place, these will not slip and can provide decades of quality tooth replacement.