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If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be all too aware of their importance to your looks and dental health. Your teeth are designed to work together to help you chew, speak, and smile. When teeth are missing it is difficult to do these things. Even the loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to shift and your face to look older. Fortunately missing teeth can be replaced.

The following are three options that may be suggested, depending on your needs.

  1. Fixed Bridges
  2. Removable Partial Dentures
  3. Implants

Fixed Bridges are restoration that fills the space where one or more teeth have been lost. A fixed bridge is bonded or cemented into place.

Advantages of fixed bridge:

  • Look, feel and function like natural teeth.
  • Don’t require removal for cleaning.
  • Cost less than implants.

Disadvantages:

  • Likely to be more expensive than removable partial denture.
  • Affect the teeth next to the missing tooth.
  • May require extra effort to clean under bridge.

 

Removable Partial Denture can easily be taken out of the mouth for cleaning. Partial dentures usually have replacement teeth fixed to plastic base that matches the color of your gums. The plastic base may cover a metal framework. Partial dentures often have some form of clasp that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes it may recommended to place a Crown on your natural teeth. Crowns may improve the way a removable partial denture fits in your mouth.

Advantages of removable partial dentures:

  • Usually less expensive that fixed bridges or implants.
  • Usually easier to repair than fixed bridges.

Disadvantages:

  • Can be less stable than other choices.
  • They can break or be lost.
  • Can be uncomfortable.
  • Some people are embarrassed to take out their teeth at night and for cleaning.
  • May need more frequent replacement than other options.

 

Implants replace a single tooth, or several teeth to support a full set of dentures. Implants are post that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement of teeth.

Advantages of implants:

  • An implant is most similar to a natural tooth.
  • Nearby teeth do not have to be involved in the placement procedure.
  • Implants may last for many years, even decades.
  • Some types of implants and artificial teeth or dentures can be placed in just one or two visits.
  • Implants may help prevent shrinkage of the jaw bone from tooth loss.

Disadvantages:

  • Implants are not right for everyone, since they require surgery.
  • Implant placement may take longer and may require multiple dental visits than other options.
  • Implants may cost more than other treatments.

 If you’re missing one or more teeth, call Dentaworks Hawaii at (808) 528-1200  to schedule an appointment, or to  learn more about Dr. Chang and our services.  online

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