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If you are missing a tooth or several teeth, you know it impacts more than just your smile.
It affects your confidence, your ability to chew comfortably, and even your speech. But you do not have to live with that gap!
In this blog post, we go over three popular tooth replacement solutions: dental implants, a dental bridge and dentures.
Table of Contents
- Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth
- Option 1: Dental Implants – The Permanent Solution
- Option 2: Dental Bridges – Filling in the Gaps
- Option 3: Dentures – Versatile and Cost-Effective
- Reclaim Your Smile and Your Confidence
The three most popular tooth replacement options are: Dental implant, dental bridge and traditional dentures. Dental implants can replace one more missing teeth and are a permanent solution. A dental bridge can replace one or more teeth in a row. There are removable and implant-supported options. Dentures can replace a complete arch of teeth. There are removable and implant-retained options.
Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth
We have 32 teeth for a reason! Losing just one of them can affect all the other teeth and the jaw bone that supports them.
Here is why replacing a missing tooth is important:
- Preserve your jawbone – Without a tooth root to stimulate it, your jawbone can start to shrink, changing your facial shape.
- Protect your other teeth – Nearby teeth may shift, which can affect your bite and make teeth harder to clean. This will increase the risk of decay and gum disease.
- Improve your oral function – It is easier to chew and speak with a complete set of teeth.
Option 1: Dental Implants – The Permanent Solution
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement.
A titanium post is placed in the jawbone to act as a tooth root. A custom dental crown is then attached, resulting in a replacement that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Implants are ideal for you if:
- you want a permanent solution that lasts a lifetime with proper care
- you want to be able to eat food without restrictions
- you want a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and acts like a real tooth
The Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural look and feel – Implants match your natural tooth color and are nearly indistinguishable from real teeth.
- Long-term reliability – Implants have a success rate of around 95%, making them an excellent investment in your smile.
- Protects against bone loss – By stimulating the bone, implants prevent bone resorption, which helps maintain your facial structure.
Dental implants are a great option if you want the closest thing to a real tooth that modern dentistry can offer.
Option 2: Dental Bridges – Filling in the Gaps
Dental bridges are an effective, popular choice for filling spaces created by missing teeth.
A bridge uses your adjacent teeth (or even implants) as anchors to support the new, artificial tooth in the gap. This solution is secure, fast, and restores your ability to chew comfortably.
When Dental Bridges Work Best
Consider a bridge if:
- you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth in one area
- your nearby teeth are healthy and can provide support for the bridge
- you need a quicker, more affordable solution than implants
Key Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Quick completion – Unlike implants, bridges do not require surgery, so they can be ready within a few dental visits.
- Stability and aesthetics – Bridges are fixed, so they look natural and do not shift when you eat or speak.
- Protection for adjacent teeth – A bridge can prevent nearby teeth from drifting, keeping your bite stable.
Dental bridges are a great option when you want a secure, natural-looking tooth replacement without a long recovery process.
Option 3: Dentures – Versatile and Cost-Effective
Dentures offer flexible solutions, whether you need to replace several teeth or an entire arch.
Available as complete dentures (for all teeth) or partial dentures (for some missing teeth), they are custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth.
Types of Dentures
- Removable dentures – A simple, cost-effective option that is removable for cleaning and comfort.
- Implant-supported dentures – These combine the benefits of dentures with the stability of implants, creating a more permanent and comfortable fit.
Why Choose Dentures?
Dentures may be right for you if:
- you prefer a removable solution that is easier to clean and care for
- you are looking for an affordable replacement for multiple missing teeth
- you want the option to replace all teeth in an arch without surgery
Advantages of Dentures
- Affordability – Traditional dentures are typically a more budget-friendly choice.
- Flexibility – Implant-supported dentures are also available.
- Easy maintenance – Traditional dentures are removable and easy to clean.
Reclaim Your Smile and Your Confidence
Imagine eating, speaking, and smiling confidently again – It’s not just a dream!
At Foley & Le Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, we provide a variety of tooth replacement solutions.
Our experienced oral surgeons Dr. Thao Le and Dr. Benjamin Foley can help you find the right option for your smile and budget.
Ready to explore your options? To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, call (303) 444-2255 or complete the online booking form. Our office is located at 1420 28th St, Boulder, CO.
