Losing teeth can have a significant impact on one’s oral health, appearance, and self-confidence. Fortunately, advancements in modern dentistry (like dental implants!) have provided patients with various teeth replacement options that are durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
Don’t let tooth loss disrupt your life. Get the transformative, health-saving care you deserve with Dr. Helen Ragsdale in Austin, TX. Explore all of your teeth replacement options at Austin Laser Dentist by calling (512) 346-4690 today!
In today’s post, we explore the top five teeth replacement options available today, each tailored to meet different needs and preferences.
Dental Implants
When it comes to teeth replacement, dentists and patients alike adore dental implants. Indeed, many consider these artificial tooth roots to be the gold standard of restorative dental care.
Dental implants are titanium or zirconia posts that an oral surgeon or dentist surgically inserts into the jawbone. As such, they provide a strong foundation for the attachment of dental crowns, bridges, or dentures.
They offer several advantages, including:
- Exceptional durability
- Natural appearance
- Improved chewing ability
- Preservation of the jawbone’s integrity
Dental implants require a minor surgical procedure and a healing period before the final restoration is placed. However, the long-term benefits make them a popular choice, as they are nearly 98% effective over five years.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a non-removable teeth replacement option that spans the gap created by missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth (known as pontics) which a dentist anchors to adjacent teeth using dental crowns.
Bridges offer an effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. They are relatively quick to place and can provide a natural-looking smile, but they do require some alteration of the adjacent teeth.
Dentures
Dentures have been a popular teeth replacement option for several years. For many, they continue to be a viable choice. Traditionally, dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace multiple missing teeth or a full arch of teeth.
Dentures can replace all teeth (complete dentures) or only a few missing teeth (partial dentures). Modern dentures are more comfortable, better fitting, and more natural-looking than ever before. While they may take some time to get used to and require periodic adjustments, dentures provide a cost-effective and functional solution for restoring a complete smile.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Combining the benefits of dental implants and dentures, implant-supported dentures offer a secure and stable teeth replacement option. This hybrid approach involves attaching dentures to dental implants strategically placed in the jawbone.
Implant-supported dentures provide improved stability, chewing efficiency, and confidence compared to traditional dentures. They eliminate concerns about slipping or discomfort while allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance.
While this option may involve a higher initial investment, many patients find the long-term benefits well worth it.
Implant-Supported Dental Crowns
Similar to implant-supported dentures, implant-supported dental crowns rely on dental implants to permanently secure their position in the mouth.
While it may be easy to ignore a single lost tooth, it is best to replace it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the bone tissue surrounding the empty socket may begin to deteriorate, eventually leading to more tooth loss.
An implant-supported dental crown helps prevent jaw degradation and helps keep adjacent teeth healthy and strong.
Teeth Replacement in Austin, TX
With the availability of advanced dental technology, patients today have an array of teeth replacement options to choose from. Whether you opt for a permanent solution (like dental implants) or a removable option (like traditional dentures), you’ll find the restorative care you deserve at Austin Laser Dentist.
Get started with our restoration dentist in Austin, TX, by calling (512) 346-4690 or messaging us online here!
