Solutions for a Missing Front Tooth: Are Dental Implants the Only Option?

You don't want to flaunt a gapped smile anymore and decided to look into implant dentistry. But the high cost of dental implants made you reconsider your decision. Or maybe you want a quicker way to restore your smile and the implant process is too long and tedious for you. 

Are dental implants the only way to restore a missing front tooth? 

Of course not! You have quite a few options to restore missing teeth. 
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1. Dental Implants 

We will start with dental implants since they usually are the best restoration treatment out there. Because the implant is actually inserted into the jawbone, it's considered a permanent fixture. And, rightly so, with good oral health and proper care, implants can last a lifetime. 

Implants have the following advantages: 

• They look and feel natural 
• They are easy to maintain and only require daily brushing and regular dental visits 
• They don't move or wiggle in your mouth, making talking and eating natural and comfortable 
• The process doesn't involve any alteration to the neighboring teeth

On the flip side:

• Implants are very expensive and can cost as much as $6,000 per tooth
• The process is very long and can take up to six months or even longer 
• You need to have good oral health and may have to underfoot additional treatments 
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2. Fixed Dental Bridge

With this option, the dentist will create a bridge to cover the missing tooth. The neighboring teeth will need to be trimmed and fitted with a crown to properly support the bridge. 

The pros of a fixed dental bridge include: 

• Because it's fixed, it will feel secure and natural in your mouth.  
• The process only takes a few weeks and not as many appointments as in the case of implants 
• It's minimally invasive 

Dental bridges also have a few drawbacks: 

• You will need to trim two perfectly good teeth to place the bridge. And, because enamel doesn't grow back, these teeth will always need a crown to protect them. 

• Cleaning the bridge and abutment teeth is a bit more difficult and there's a higher risk of decay. 

• A dental bridge doesn't stimulate the jawbone and can't help prevent bone loss. 
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3. Partial Dentures 

If you are looking for a really low-cost solution, partial dentures are the way to go. They are a removable prosthetic that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. 

Partial dentures have some advantages: 

• It's a very quick process and you will restore your smile in just a couple of weeks 

• It's very Budget-friendly, though they need to be replaced every 10 years or so. 

The cons of partial dentures:

• Because they are removable, they don't feel as comfortable and can move or even fall while eating or talking. 

• They are more difficult to clean and maintain. 

• They don't prevent bone loss. 
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How to Choose? 

Dr. Benjamin Burkitt will help you find the best restorative treatment for your oral health needs, budget, and expectations. 

‍Get in touch with We Care Dental Care today to book your appointment.