Replacement of missing teeth

Basically there are three methods to replace missing teeth,

1.      Denture
2.      Bridge
3.      Implant

Denture

There are 2 types of denture:

• Acrylic denture- a removable appliance with the whole appliance is made of plastic and primarily uses the gums (full denture) or teeth and gums(partial denture) for support

Removable partial denture

Full acrylic denture

  

• Chrome denture- an appliance that is removable, has a metal framework with plastic teeth added to the framework and this uses the other teeth and gums for support.

Removable partial chrome denture

Advantages

1.      Most economic

2.      Simple procedure

3.      Treatment duration: Short 1 – 3 weeks

4.      Easy to take care and maintain (removable)

5.      Easy to adjust, repair

Disadvantages

1.      Feel like not real (fake teeth) – removable

2.      Big and bulky-uncomfortable

3.      Easily worn off & stained-acrylic/plastic teeth

4.      Easy to trap food

5.      Easily break

6.      Chewing food not the same as the natural teeth

Bridge

A fixed bridge uses the adjacent teeth around the space to support a false tooth to replace the missing teeth

Advantages

2.      Highly aesthetic –multiple shade to select                                   

3.      Comfortable – No palate or lower ridge coverage

4.      Strong, durable-made from porcelain

5.      Chewing food almost as real as natural teeth

Disadvantages

1.      Price: Moderate

2.      Complexity: Simple to complex

3.      Treatment duration: Medium 2 – 3 weeks

4.      The adjacent teeth required to be reduced in size for support

5.      Easily trap food under the bridge

6.      Maintenance: Difficult (Required to floss under the bridge)

7.      No suitable for all the case
 

Implant

Dental Implants are replacements for your tooth roots.  A Titanium post is placed in the bone and a crown is attached to the new root to replace the missing teeth.

Advantages

1.      Feel like real teeth – porcelain is sitting on the implant

2.      Highly aesthetic – multiple shade to select

3.      Comfortable – No palate or lower ridge coverage

4.      Strong, durable – teeth is made from porcelain

5.      Does not involve the adjacent teeth

6.      Food trap: very minimal

7.      Maintenance: simple to take care

8.      Can replace missing teeth in edentulous and free end saddle

9.      Chewing food almost as real as natural teeth

Disadvantages

1.      Price: Expensive

2.      Complexity: Complex – required good planning

3.      Duration of treatment: Long 3 – 6 months

4.      Required to undergo minor oral surgery

5.      Required sinus augmentation, bone harvesting if not enough bone height for implant insertion

6.      Higher risk of failure in smoker, diabetic and medically compromised patient

7.      Risk of injuring other structure during implant insertion: ID nerve, antrum (depend location of implant)

Is dental implantation a successful way of replacing missing teeth?

Improved Appearance

Shrinkage jawbone happen continuous after losing teeth and it make us look older. However, dental implants can usually slow or stop ongoing shrinkage of the jawbone process. Since denture sit on the top of jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage of jawbone happen.

Improved Comfort

Dental implants often eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Slipping or rocking of the dentures result from shrinkage of jawbone from time to time. Implant supported replacement teeth are closer to natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone.

  

Eat Better

Dental implants can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. Unlike dentures they do not move when you chew on them. This usually allows you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain. Full coverage of palate in a full upper denture reduced the taste of food while implant can eliminate it. So, we can better taste and enjoy our food. 

Convenience

You will no longer need to cover your mouth when you laugh, for fear that your denture could pop out. They'll allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues

Protect Your Remaining Natural Teeth

Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. A significant long-term benefit to your oral health if more of your tooth left untouched

Reliable

The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement. 

Enjoy life without worrying about your missing teeth.

Eat what you want!

Smile as broadly as you’d like!

Laugh out loud!