What are your options for tooth replacement?
Whether you lost a tooth some time ago or you’ve recently knocked one out in a sporting accident, there are four main options for filling the gap.
Dentures
The first option is a denture. A denture is a removable plate that can be made of either plastic, metal or flexible rubbery plastic. The good thing about dentures is they’re quick and easy to make, and are fairly inexpensive. You can also take them out to clean them. The disadvantage is that they’re not very comfortable and may not look as attractive as some of the other options. Certainly among our patients this is the least popular option.
Bridge
Option number two is a bridge. A bridge is a dental prosthesis that attaches an artificial tooth to the existing tooth alongside the gap. The positives of this option are bridges are fairly long-lasting, and they look good. The downside is they can be slightly more difficult to clean, as you have to get underneath it to clean it properly. Also, you can’t floss them the normal way. The other disadvantage is it will require some drilling into the neighbouring teeth, which can be painful.
Orthodontics
The third option is to close the space orthodontically. It’s most suited for back teeth replacement. If you have had a back tooth removed in the past, or if you’ve got crowded teeth and one has to be removed, you’ll be left with an uncomfortable gap. However, using braces or Invisalign, it’s simple for your dentist to spread all those teeth out and fill the space in. This option will straighten all the teeth as well as close the space where the missing tooth was.
Implants
The fourth option for teeth replacement is the dental implant. Not every patient can be treated with implants, but so long as there is enough bone, we can place an implant in the space. It is a fairly simple surgery and the level of pain involved is similar to having an extraction.
One of the great positives of dental implants is this method doesn’t involve any other teeth. Also, dental implants have a high success rate (around 95 per cent are still present after 5 years). However, the disadvantage is it is also an expensive option, with the cost being generally around $5000 for a single tooth. The advantage over orthodontics is primarily in the time involved.
Orthodontics is in a similar ballpark in terms of cost, however it takes (in most cases) at least a year to see any change because you’re moving a lot of teeth around.
If you’re just moving a single tooth, it may take six to eight months depending on whether it’s a big tooth or a little tooth replacement. Generally speaking, with orthodontics your teeth move one millimetre a month maximum.
It’s important to note that every tooth replacement case is different, so if you have lost a tooth it’s best to come in to see us at Power Dental for a consultation.