Replacing Missing Teeth

How do missing teeth affect your body?

A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and dietary choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chances that they will wear out prematurely, be damaged or lost. Within the first year after tooth loss, people will lose about 25% of their supporting jawbone structure. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time increases.

Why choose dental implants?

Dental implants act as natural teeth and safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance.

What are my tooth replacement options?

There are a number of different options to replace missing teeth, from temporary to long lasting solutions.

• Fixed Bridge: A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth that are cemented into a position on top of the teeth, adjacent to the empty space. Prior to attaching the bridge, the protective outer layer of the teeth is usually removed or ground down.
• Flipper: A flipper is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer. It is a temporary and inexpensive solution.
• Metal Partial: A metal partial is a removable partial denture cast in plastic and metal. It is held in place by wire clips and can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.
• Dentures: Dentures are the most common solution for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws.
• Dental Implants: Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution and form a strong foundation for teeth, while keeping the jaw healthy and strong. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged and implants can last a lifetime.