A Guide to Permanent Teeth Replacement Options

For residents of West Palm Beach, a walk around Clematis Street or a trip to CityPlace are great ways to spend an afternoon. But, if you have dental pain or feel uncomfortable with the appearance of your smile, you might not be able to soak in all the city has to offer.

With the right dental work, you can replace missing teeth, reduce pain, and show up to your favorite places with a brand-new grin. Let’s examine common permanent teeth replacement options so that you can make an educated decision.

1. Dental Implants

Dental implants are screw-like devices made of titanium that are inserted into a patient’s jawbone. They act as a secure base to hold artificial teeth, like a crown, bridge, or denture, in place. An implant can be used to replace broken or missing teeth, which can restore the ability to chew and speak properly and improve the appearance of the smile. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth and may help reduce the risk of jawbone shrinkage.

Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for people who are seeking reconstruction or replacement since they are durable and decay-resistant. With good oral hygiene practices and maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. This makes them a worthwhile investment for many patients.

In addition to their durability, dental implants can help maintain the natural structure of your face. Missing teeth can cause the jawbone to shrink over time, leading to a sunken facial appearance. By preserving bone density, implants help you retain a youthful, natural look.

2. Dental Bridges

Bridges are used for dental patients missing one or a few teeth in a row by literally bridging the gap between the teeth. The pontics, or new artificial teeth, are cemented in and anchored to the surrounding natural teeth or implants, which are referred to as abutments.

A bridge may be a good solution for individuals missing only a few teeth since stable, natural teeth are used to hold the replacements intact. Bridges don’t impact the jawbone, so they can be a useful option for patients who have compromised or deteriorated jawbones that disqualify them from being able to get a dental implant. While they are considered permanent, dental bridges typically only last for between five and seven years. This means you may need to replace them again later, which could be costly.

Dental bridges are also less invasive than implants, since they don’t require surgery. This makes them quicker and more accessible for some patients. However, keep in mind that the teeth supporting the bridge may be subject to additional stress. Stress could lead to issues over time.

3. Dentures

Two common types of dentures include implant-supported dentures and partial dentures. 

• Implant-supported dentures are anchored into dental implants. This improves their stability and reduces the likeliness of slippage. These are considered more secure than standard dentures, which can loosen or fall out while chewing or speaking. Implant-supported dentures can help patients seeking to replace the entire top or bottom row of teeth.
• Partial dentures are a removable solution to replace multiple missing teeth. These provide flexibility to the patient since they are easy to adjust and can be taken in and out of the mouth before or after eating or sleeping. Partial dentures tend to be minimally invasive and can be more cost-effective than other permanent teeth replacement options.

4. Veneers

Veneers are popular for resurfacing the exterior of a healthy, intact tooth or teeth. This is a reliable choice for patients with tooth discoloration, gaps between teeth, or minor cracks, chips, or superficial damage. Veneers work well as a cosmetic update to the look and feel of the teeth without impacting the root or jawbone. They can be a valid, cost-effective, and long-lasting solution for patients who don’t have any severe oral hygiene issues to address.

The Bottom Line

There are many solutions worth considering if you need to permanently replace missing or damaged teeth. Consulting a dental professional makes the most sense when discussing bridges, dentures, veneers, or dental implants in West Palm Beach. Your dental care team can walk you through the options to figure out the best solution for your dental needs and budget.