What Options Do I Have To Replace Missing Teeth? Your Top 4 Choices

If you’re missing one or more teeth in Mount Pleasant, you may be wondering how you can replace your teeth, restore your bite, and smile proudly once again. Let’s take a look at the top 4 options in this guide from Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant.

1. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can be used to replace one or multiple missing teeth. Typically, they use a metal-and-plastic framework. This framework holds one or more false teeth, and uses metal clips to attach to your healthy teeth. This secures the partial dentures in place, keeping them from moving when you chew and bite.

Partial dentures usually require no dental surgery, are affordable, and allow you to restore your smile in just a few weeks, so they may be a good option if you’re not interested in alternatives like dental bridges or dental implants.

2. Dental Bridges

There are a few different kinds of dental bridges, but the most common bridge for replacing missing teeth is called a “fixed bridge” or “traditional bridge.” In this treatment, a prosthetic is made that consists of two crowns and one or more false teeth, which are suspended between the crowns. 

These crowns attach to two healthy teeth in your mouth, while the false teeth rest in the gap where you’ve lost one or more teeth. This restores your smile. 

Bridges last longer than partial dentures and also won’t move when you chew or bite. However, they are more expensive than partial dentures, and they don’t last quite as long as dental implants.

3. Full Dentures

Full dentures, also called “complete dentures” replace all of your upper teeth, lower teeth, or both sets of teeth. They are usually only recommended if most or all of your teeth are severely damaged or missing.

This is because this treatment requires all of your remaining teeth to be pulled from your mouth before you can be fitted for your dentures. Full dentures are affordable and allow you to restore your smile quickly, but they definitely take some time to get used to, and can shift and move in your mouth when you eat or chew. 

4. Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small piece of metal that’s surgically implanted into the area where you’ve lost a tooth. Over time, the implant permanently bonds with your jaw bone. Once it heals, it functions as an artificial tooth root.

Dental implants are a very versatile treatment. One implant can be used to restore just one tooth with a crown, or two implants can be used for an implant-supported dental bridge. 

A series of 4-6 implants can also be used for a set of implant-supported dentures, which are a great alternative to traditional full dentures, since they last longer, do not move when you eat, and look and feel more natural.

Overall, dental implants are the best option for restoring your missing teeth and restoring your oral health due to their natural appearance and 30+ year lifespan. However, implants are significantly more expensive than bridges, full dentures, or partial dentures. 

Explore Your Options For Replacing Missing Teeth In Mount Pleasant

At Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant, Dr. Candice Vinson is a prosthodontist. That means her specialty is replacing and restoring missing teeth. If you’re missing one or more teeth and you’re wondering what treatment might be right for you, Dr. Vinson is here to help.

Just contact us online or give us a call at (843) 936-1690. Dr. Vinson can discuss your oral health, your budget, and your personal preferences with you, and help you choose the treatment that’s right for your specific needs.