Guide
Options for replacing missing teeth
One tooth or many, there's more than one way to fill the gap. Here's how the options compare, so you can come to your consultation with the right questions.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rodolfo Rodriguez, DMD · Updated
Why replace a missing tooth
Beyond the look of the gap, the neighboring teeth drift into the space, the opposite tooth can grow down into it, chewing shifts onto other teeth, and the bone where the tooth was slowly shrinks.
For one or a few teeth
- A dental implant. A post in the bone with a crown on top. It stands on its own and helps preserve the bone. See dental implants.
- A bridge. A false tooth held by crowns on the neighboring teeth. Fixed and quicker, but it means crowning those teeth. See crowns and bridges.
- A partial denture. A removable plate with replacement teeth that clasps onto your natural teeth. It costs the least up front, but it comes out, it can rub and rock, and it puts stress on the teeth it holds. See dentures.
For all the teeth in an arch
- Fixed teeth on implants (a hybrid denture). A full arch on four to six implants that doesn't come out. See All-on-X.
- A snap-in denture on implants. Removable, but held firmly. See implant-supported dentures.
- A full denture. It rests on the gums and needs no surgery, but it can move, an upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, and the bone underneath keeps shrinking. See dentures.
How to choose
What matters is the health of the neighboring teeth, how much bone you have, your general health, your budget, and how you feel about something removable. When your health and bone allow it, we recommend implants. An exam and a 3D CBCT scan make the choice clearer. For full-arch treatment, the consultation and scan are free.
Questions to ask
- How long can each option last with good care?
- What does each involve, and how many visits?
- Will I be without teeth at any point?
- What maintenance will I need?
- What will the total be, in writing?
FAQs
Which option lasts longest?
Which is the most affordable?
Related
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