Missing teeth can cause embarrassment and serious oral discomfort. When you’re missing teeth, speaking and chewing are often painful, and you might worry that your smile is incomplete.
But, there’s good news! You can replace missing teeth with a comfortable, affordable solution. Today’s options range from a dental bridge to partial dentures to full dental implants — each one carefully constructed to complement and strengthen your natural teeth and let you eat and speak as easily as ever.
So, what are the differences between the false teeth options available? Here, we’ll clear up a bit of the confusion to help you decide which one is right for your mouth, your remaining teeth, and your budget.
Temporary dental bridge: A short-term solution
If you’ve lost your teeth very recently, your dentist might recommend a temporary dental bridge. These bridges function exactly as you’d expect — as a temporary solution to missing teeth.
They aren’t recommended for long-term use, because they don’t fit as neatly against the gum and healthy teeth as a permanent bridge. If a temporary bridge is used longer than intended, it can cause a sore mouth and difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing. But when used as prescribed — as a short-term measure until you can get your missing teeth replaced — they work a treat.
When is a temporary dental bridge appropriate?
Your dentist will offer temporary bridges so you can talk, chew, and swallow while you wait for your permanent bridge or dentures to arrive. The permanent solution will need to be fabricated, so you’ll likely need to wait several weeks before it can be fitted. In the meantime, a temporary bridge gives you the functionality you need.
Caring for your temporary bridge
Oral health is crucial when caring for false teeth, even temporary ones. Food can become lodged between the false teeth and the natural ones, causing tooth decay and gum disease if it’s left too long. We recommend a water flosser and electric toothbrush to keep both your temporary bridge and your natural teeth healthy.
Temporary bridges can be either loose or fixed onto the abutment teeth with cement. Loose bridges can be removed from the mouth for cleaning, but the fixed ones will need to be cleaned carefully in situ.
>>>A temporary bridge is ideal as a short-term solution to missing teeth<<<
Dentures: The ideal mid-range option
Dentures are a permanent solution to missing teeth, and they’re usually removable. They can be used to replace just a few teeth or an entire mouthful, and they’re fairly affordable.
Dentures are constructed from acrylic or porcelain, often with metal components added for strength and structure. If they’re well cared-for, you can expect them to last between 5 and 10 years. You’ll need regular trips to the dentist to ensure they’re fitting correctly, as the shape of your mouth changes over time.
When are dentures appropriate?
If you’re wary of a large investment, but you want a solution that offers durability and functionality, dentures might be the right choice. Many patients like the convenience of removing dentures for cleaning, as sparkling clean dentures help keep your remaining teeth in tip-top condition. When you remove them, you can be sure you’ve cleaned every crevice.
But dentures are less stable than other options, so they’ll move and shift a bit while you chew and speak. For some patients, the movement will be minor and worth the smaller price tag. But every mouth is different, and it’s sometimes tricky to find a comfortable fit for dentures. In cases like these, a more durable, stable solution may be a better investment in the long run.
Caring for your dentures
Because dentures are usually removable, you can take them out every evening and clean them fully. Dentists recommend soaking dentures overnight in a cleaning solution because:
- They’ll stay hydrated: The acrylic in dentures should remain moist to prevent cracking and warping.
- They’ll get cleaner: Soaking solutions have antibacterial agents that neutralise bacteria in food and buildup that may have lodged in the dentures during the day.
- They’ll smell better: Overnight soaks control odours in dentures by removing the bacteria that can cause them.
- They’ll look brighter: Soaking your dentures helps prevent stains from wine, coffee, and tea, keeping them pearly white for longer.
If you want to learn more about dentures, read our recent dentures blog. You’ll find an in-depth look at denture styles, materials, and recommendations.
>>>Dentures are perfect if you have a limited budget<<<
Permanent bridges: The long-lasting solution
As the name suggests, permanent bridges are a long-term option for replacing missing teeth. They’re secured to your healthy teeth, and they’re made of high-performing porcelain and metal or metal alloys.
Fixed bridges look great and can last up to 15 years with proper care. They’re more expensive than dentures, but they function more like real teeth — they’re far less likely to rattle or move while you use them, and they can be designed to be almost identical to your natural teeth in shape and colour.
When are permanent bridges appropriate?
Though they’re a brilliant option for some patients, permanent bridges are only meant to replace a few missing teeth. They need to be fixed to healthy teeth, so if you require a whole-mouth solution for both upper and lower teeth, permanent bridges won’t work.
And because they’re fixed to your remaining teeth, permanent bridges can cause some damage. You’ll need to commit to regular dental checkups to be sure that neighbouring abutment teeth aren’t adversely affected.
Caring for your fixed bridge
Permanent bridges require lots of care. You’ll need to floss and brush very regularly, preferably with a water flosser and electric toothbrush. And you should visit your dentist regularly, too, to ensure you’re cleaning well, and that your natural teeth are staying healthy.
>>>If you’re only replacing a few teeth, and your remaining teeth are strong, a permanent bridge is the right option<<<
Dental implants: Costly, but incredibly effective
If you want false teeth that can last a lifetime, dental implants are the way to go. With implants, your dentist will surgically implant metal posts into your jaw. Your new teeth will be fixed to those posts, and these implant-supported teeth function exactly like real teeth — once they’re in, you won’t notice a difference.
Implants don’t impact neighbouring teeth, and they actually improve your jaw bone health. The implanted post acts like a tooth’s root, sending signals to your body to continue pumping nutrients into that bone.
But implants are the most costly false teeth option, so they might not be right for every budget.
When are dental implants appropriate?
Dental implants can be ideal for patients who need to replace just one tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch.
But in certain cases, dental implants are not recommended. For example, if you have significant bone loss in your jaw, dental implants won’t be a viable option for you. Also, medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or gum disease make it difficult for implants to work successfully, and smokers generally have a higher risk of implant failure.
Caring for your dental implants
You can care for your dental implants just like real teeth — with twice-daily brushing and flossing and yearly or bi-yearly dental visits. If they work for your budget, implants are the tooth replacement option closest to natural teeth.
>>>Dental implants are perfect for anyone looking to invest in their long-term dental health<<<
Choosing the right false teeth solution
It’s not always easy to know which false teeth to choose, and no two mouths are the same. That’s why we recommend booking an appointment with a Love-Teeth dentist. We’ll examine your mouth and discuss your options, steering you toward the solution that’s best for you.
