3 ways to replace a single missing tooth.

Losing a tooth can have a significant impact on your oral health and confidence. Beyond affecting your smile, missing teeth can cause adjacent and opposing teeth to shift and collapse. Imagine a bookshelf with one book removed; the remaining books may start to lean and become unstable. Similarly, the gap left by a missing tooth can disrupt your bite and dental alignment.

To address a single missing tooth, modern dentistry offers three main solutions: dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Each option has its advantages and its disadvantages:

Denture: A denture is a removable plate designed to replace missing teeth. It consists of a gum-coloured acrylic plate that supports artificial teeth. In the case of a single tooth, dentures are by far the cheapest option, and the time taken to fabricate a denture for a single tooth is likely to be short (about a week). However they may loosen over time and may not be as comfortable as the other options.

Dental Bridge: A dental bridge is an artificial tooth permanently fixed in place using one or more adjacent teeth for anchorage. Think of it as a bridge over a river - a beam supported on either or both ends. Dental bridges also do not take much time to fabricate, and are especially useful if you have lost a missing front tooth and need to replace it as quickly as possible. However, they may not be as easy to clean (especially underneath the bridge), and are costlier than dentures.

Just like a bridge over a river, the dental bridge uses one or more adjacent teeth as support pillars to support a prosthetic tooth over toothless areas.

Dental Implant: A dental implant is an artificial tooth embedded in your bone (similar to teeth) and is meant to feel and function like a natural tooth. The unfortunate reality is that for this modern day gold standard treatment option, they do come at a cost and require more time from start to finish (we’re talking months!). However, the convenience, confidence, and comfort that patients experience when it comes to eating and speaking have been reasons why many patients still opt for such treatment despite its disadvantages. It really is like getting a second chance at having a tooth that you may have otherwise lost.

The dental implant does not affect neighbouring teeth and is typically more conservative than a dental bridge.

Choosing the right solution depends on individual needs and preferences. Dental implants are typically favoured for their durability, aesthetics, comfort, and the fact that they do not affect adjacent teeth. They involve a surgical procedure and can take several months for full placement and integration. Dental bridges, made of porcelain or ceramic, are a less conservative option but can be completed in a shorter time frame. However, they require the adjacent teeth to be prepared and may need to be replaced over time. Dentures are the most affordable option and can be a suitable choice for some, but they may not offer the same level of comfort or permanence as implants and bridges.