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Implant treatment options?

There are several treatment options available when you want to restore a missing tooth or teeth. It’s important that you are aware of all the solutions – as well as the benefits and limitations of each – in order to make the right decision for you. These options include:

 

Dental bridges

These are false teeth that attach onto the remaining natural teeth. A fixed bridge requires the natural teeth either side of the gap to be trimmed down before attaching the false teeth in the middle. A Maryland Bridge uses small ‘wings’ that stick a false tooth onto the neighbouring teeth (or tooth).

Benefits:

  • Cost effective
  • Aesthetic

Limitations/Risks

  • May require removal of natural tooth structure to attach the bridge

 

 

A partial or complete removable denture

This option that can replace several missing teeth or the entire arch. The denture contains false teeth attached to a plastic (acrylic) or metal (Cobalt Chrome) palate or connector. This denture needs to be removed for cleaning and at night.

Benefits

  • Highly cost-effective
  • Can be delivered quickly

Limitations/Risks

  • Must be removed for cleaning and at night
  • An ill-fitting denture can be uncomfortable and affect eating, speaking and self-confidence

 

 

Dental implants

Dental implants can replace one or several missing teeth. They are small metal screws that are placed into the jaw bone to act like false tooth roots. False teeth (crowns) are attached on the top.

Benefits

  • Fixed solution
  • Looks and functions like a natural tooth
  • Long lasting and functions almost like a natural tooth

Limitations/Risks

  • Requires an investment of time, oral health maintenance and money

 

 

Do nothing

There is always an option to choose no treatment. However, leaving a gap when teeth have been lost can cause the jaw bone to become thinner in that area over time. The natural teeth either side of the gap may also move into the space, which can affect how the teeth bite together, how you chew and how you speak.

Benefits

  • No cost

Limitations/Risks

  • Jaw bone can thin and weaken over time
  • Existing teeth may move into the space, affecting eating and speaking