Find the right solution for your smile
A missing tooth can affect your confidence, your ability to eat comfortably and the health of your remaining teeth. Whether you have lost one tooth or several, there are a number of ways we can help restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Your options may include a bridge, denture or dental implant. In some circumstances, leaving the space may also be appropriate.
During your consultation, we will carefully assess your teeth, gums and bite before explaining the options best suited to your oral health, lifestyle and budget. You will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions, and there will never be any pressure to proceed.
Dentures are removable appliances created to replace several missing teeth or, when required, a complete arch of teeth.
Every denture is individually made to fit your mouth and complement your appearance. They can help you eat and speak more comfortably while restoring support to your smile and facial profile.
Types of dentures
Acrylic dentures are made primarily from a durable plastic material. They can replace a small number of teeth or a complete arch and may be easier to alter if your needs change in the future.
Cobalt chrome dentures use a strong metal framework and are often thinner than acrylic dentures. In suitable cases, they may feel less bulky and provide greater stability.
Dentures can:
A new denture can feel unfamiliar initially, and it may take a little time to become comfortable eating and speaking with it. Minor adjustments are sometimes required following fitting.
Dentures must be removed regularly for cleaning and will usually need to be taken out overnight. As the shape of the gums and jaw naturally changes over time, a denture may eventually need to be adjusted, relined or replaced.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to fill the space left by one or more missing teeth. The replacement tooth is supported by a neighbouring natural tooth or teeth and is designed to blend with your smile.
Unlike a denture, a bridge remains securely in place and is not removed for cleaning.
A bridge can:
There are different styles of dental bridge, and your dentist will explain which may be appropriate for you.
Resin-bonded bridges
A resin-bonded bridge, sometimes known as a Maryland bridge, is attached to the back of a neighbouring tooth using a metal or ceramic wing.
This is a conservative option because little or no preparation of the supporting tooth may be required. It is commonly used to replace a single front tooth, although it is not suitable in every case.
Conventional bridges
A conventional bridge is supported by a crown placed over a neighbouring tooth. This tooth must be carefully shaped before the bridge can be fitted, so the option is often most suitable when the supporting tooth is already crowned or would benefit from a crown.
A conventional bridge requires preparation of the supporting tooth or teeth. Bridges also replace the visible part of the missing tooth rather than its root, and the bone beneath the gap may naturally change over time.
Like all dental restorations, a bridge will require excellent oral hygiene and may eventually need to be repaired or replaced.
A dental implant is a titanium post carefully placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant has healed, it can support a custom-made crown, bridge or denture.
Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth or provide additional stability for a loose denture.
Dental implants can:
Implant placement involves a surgical procedure, and treatment will usually take place over several months to allow time for healing.
Implants are not suitable for every patient. The health of your gums, the amount of available bone, certain medical conditions, smoking and your ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene will all be considered during your assessment.
A CBCT scan is normally required to assess the jawbone and surrounding structures in detail before treatment.
Not every missing tooth needs to be replaced. If the space is towards the back of the mouth and is not affecting your appearance, comfort or ability to eat, leaving it may be a reasonable option.
This avoids further treatment and expense. However, the neighbouring teeth may gradually move or tilt into the space, while the opposing tooth may move further into the gap because it no longer has a tooth to bite against.
Your dentist will explain whether leaving the space is likely to cause any concerns in your individual case.
There is no single solution that suits everyone. The right choice will depend on:
Following a thorough assessment, we will explain each suitable option clearly and provide a personalised treatment plan, including the anticipated costs.
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Veriam Dental Surgery, Dolton Road, Maybush, Southampton, SO16 5DT, Telephone 023 80702007.
Registered in England & Wales 07722051. Registered Address: Veriam Dental Surgery, Dolton Road, Maybush, Southampton, England, SO16 5DT.
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