Non-Implant Missing Tooth Replacement Options
Non-implant tooth replacements for missing tooth offer a variety of methods for restoring function and aesthetics to restore your smile. These many alternatives are designed to accommodate several dental conditions along with multiple aesthetic goals, allowing you to choose the option that truly best aligns with your individual needs. Understanding each option allows you to know why one dental treatment is a better fit for your over another while avoiding the surgery associated with dental implants.
The most common option is a permanent bridge. This method creates a special restoration that actually completely closes the gap left by a missing tooth. Your dentist carefully prepares adjacent teeth for support, affixing crowns which firmly keep the new replacement tooth, referred to as a pontic, secured. The process is well-defined, using precise casts, plus it may take a few visits to ensure the best fit and long term success of the dental bridge. Immovable dental bridges can provide meaningful stability, along with a natural appearance, as they ensure that chewing and speaking functions are fully maintained. The general overall durability of this option is quite well regarded. Nevertheless, success largely depends, even still, on the individual health of all of the teeth supporting the bridge.
Removable partial dentures offer another alternative. These appliances are convenient to remove for cleaning. They are useful should teeth be absent or if your tooth replacement needs to be adjusted in order to fit properly in the case of shifting teeth or bone deterioration. Removable partial dentures are very often fabricated from metal or acrylic components, which are custom-shaped specifically to fit well within your mouth. Partial dentures offer someone the option of going without wearing the appliance; so it may be helpful to people with sensitive gums or who need more time to adjust to the tooth replacement. Proper care and application are important to ensure that each denture stays comfortable and functional.
A more conservative approach is a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridges. This treatment includes a frame attached to the teeth near the gap from the missing tooth, reducing the amount of tooth enamel removed. Resin-retained bridges work particularly well to replace a single lost tooth and when the bridge will not be exposed to strong bite forces. The streamlined preparation process makes this now even a much less intrusive alternative, while still offering aesthetic and functional improvements.
Your dentist may also discuss the possibility of partial dentures during the full-mouth rehabilitation, depending on your specific oral health condition. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth and can be designed so as to then fit securely and comfortably. The improvements in the general quality of life after missing teeth are replaced are undeniable from the patients after treatment. These repairs prove exceptionally useful if vital teeth are lost as they give support to keep your dental arch's structure. The modern style of partial dentures are more solid and a normal style, ensuring daily tasks such as eating and then talking aren't negatively affected.
If you have more questions about dental bridges or how they could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if dental bridges can help you.