Replacing Missing Teeth
Modern dentistry has now progressed to an age where life without dentures is no longer a dream. Heavily filled teeth that may have been lost in the past can be restored to full health with the construction of crowns,veneers bridges and dental implants.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is a plate with a number of false teeth on. It may be made of all plastic or a mixture of plastic and metal. The denture may have clasps (clips) around some of the teeth to help keep the denture in place. The teeth on the plate are most commonly made of a plastic that is the correct colour and shape to blend in with your own natural teeth.
In most cases a metal based denture gives the best results and is healthier for your teeth and gums. Your dentist will discuss what is advisable for you. The materials in a metal denture are more expensive and more extensive laboratory work is needed thus the cost is usually more than an acrylic only denture. Denture wearers are advised to keep the denture out at night to keep the gums and natural teeth healthy.
Your dentist will advise on cleaning your denture.
View FAQs on Dentures
Bridges
For patients with some missing teeth, a method of replacing the missing teeth is with bridge work. This is an alternative to partial dentures or implant therapy. Teeth adjacent to the missing teeth are used to support and retain the prosthetic tooth/teeth which replace the missing teeth. These are fixed and are not removed at night or for cleaning.
Two main types of bridge exist. One type uses crowns on adjacent teeth to retain the prosthetic teeth, the other uses metal wings attached to the prosthetic teeth and these are cemented to adjacent teeth. Aesthetically these are usually superior to dentures, especially if using the superior porcelains and ceramics (neither being available as NHS treatment).
The patient benefits in a number of ways using bridge work rather than partial dentures. The security of having a fixed prosthesis that doesn’t move or fall out, improved taste as less soft tissue coverage, and patient contentment and confidence in bridge work tends to be high. Due to such a wide variety of size, material and circumstances it is not possible to give exact prices, however even the best of materials and finish are usually available for only £400 per unit. If you would like to get an estimate for the work please ask your dentist.
View FAQs on Bridges
Implants
One way of replacing a missing tooth or teeth is by using an implant or multiple implants. The implant is a Titanium structure which is buried into the bone and in effect replaces the tooth roots. Once this has been left for a period of time so that the bone has grown onto the surface, the structure which it supports can be constructed. This could be a single tooth, a bridge, if a number of teeth are missing, or even a full denture. For denture and bridge work, multiple implants may be required. This is a very complex form of treatment and may not be suitable for every patient, and certain situations.
View FAQs on Implants
