A dental implant looks and feels like your natural teeth. This replacement tooth is anchored by a titanium post which will serve as the tooth root and then covered by a dental crown. Dental implants can either be a single tooth replacement or a dental bridge supported by implants (for multiple teeth replacements).

A dental implant is the most lifelike teeth replacement available. There’s no bone loss and it will restore your teeth’s full chewing power. Moreover, if you care for your dental implants well, they can last a lifetime. The only downside is that this option is very expensive.

Conventional dentistry has long perceived dental bridges as the solution for missing teeth. But traditionally fixed bridges are anchored on other teeth, and this is where its main disadvantage lies. The placement of a tooth-supported bridge can damage an otherwise healthy tooth. There are, however, resin-bonded bridges like the Maryland Bridge which does not involve grinding down of teeth. It is often used to restore front teeth. Nevertheless, this solution is not as durable as a dental implant and will require more maintenance and care.

Removable partial dentures do not require the grinding of healthy tooth structure however they’re not very comfortable nor reliable. They also adversely affect eating and speech. Although dentures are less expensive than the other options we’ve listed here they don’t look as natural or function as well as implants and bridges. It’s also worth mentioning that with a removable partial denture, the bone underneath will deteriorate over time, affecting one’s facial appearance and smile.

A dental implant is without a doubt the best, permanent solution for restoring missing teeth because it looks and feels like your natural teeth. In addition, an implant will keep your jaw bone in its proper state so there is no change to your facial appearance.

If you would like to know more about the different solutions for missing teeth, please do not hesitate to call our office.