Many Americans lose their teeth over the course of their lifetime due to tooth decay, injuries, or gum diseases. A missing tooth can dramatically change the appearance of your smile besides causing other general problems. There are several alternatives available for replacing missing teeth that restore the full functionality and aesthetics of your smile. At Marine Hills Dentistry in Federal Way, Washington, we offer various tooth replacement options customized to meet our patients’ needs and preferences.
request an appointmentCommon Tooth Replacement Options
Dental Implants
Dental implants are solid tooth replacement options that feel and function like a natural tooth. They provide a permanent solution if you need to replace single or multiple teeth located in different areas of the mouth. With efficient care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The dental implant process can be lengthy, but the result can be very satisfactory.
Fixed Dental Bridge
A fixed bridge is a standard tooth replacement option, especially if only one or two teeth are missing in a row. The adjacent teeth on either side of the missing tooth are crowned and hold the prosthetic tooth that fills the missing gap.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is an ideal solution for patients with several missing teeth. The need for replacing each tooth with a dental implant can be avoided. In an implant-supported bridge, the prosthetic teeth in the middle are secured in position using dental implants on both ends.
Full Dentures
Dentures are the most economical tooth replacement solution. They do not require surgery or placement of other restorations. Dentures can replace all the teeth or only the upper or lower arch of the mouth. They are constructed by taking impressions of the mouth along with other measurements and sending them to a dental lab. This process may take a few weeks. Once the denture set is ready, you can wear them after ensuring their fit and bite.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a tooth replacement option that allows a complete denture to be secured by four or six dental implants. The implants will support the denture teeth. Patients looking for a more stable alternative to traditional dentures can opt for implant-supported dentures.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures restore one or more missing teeth in the same arch. Most partials have an acrylic base which is reinforced with a metal framework. They may also have clasps that fit around your existing teeth to help secure the partial denture in place while talking and eating.