If you’re missing one tooth:

Option 1: You can replace the missing tooth with an implant, which not only restores your mouth to a healthy and functional state, but also conserves the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, which helps to preserve bone structure.

Option 2: You can replace the missing tooth with a fixed bridge. With a fixed bridge solution, adjacent teeth must be ground down to create places for the bridge to attach. While some patients choose this option, with deterioration can occur over time because bite forces are no longer transmitted directly to the jaw bone.

Option 3: You can opt to not replace the tooth. Choosing this option not only prevents you from regaining proper function and appearance, but can also put you at risk for your remaining teeth to shift, experience uneven wear and tear, and lead to bite alignment issues.

If you’re missing several teeth:

Option 1: You can replace your missing teeth with dental implants. Replacing missing teeth with implants offer several advantages including preserving your bone structure and palate, providing a more natural appearance, and maintaining your chewing quality.

Option 2: You can replace your missing teeth with a removable partial prosthesis. Replacing missing teeth with a removable denture or other prosthesis, may seem to be an easier solution, but support from your gums and other teeth are required, which can lead to additional problems in the future. Removable solutions can also cause discomfort or embarrassing slipping or clicking with eating or talking.

Option 3: You can opt to not replace your missing teeths. Choosing this option not only prevents you from regaining proper function and appearance, but can also lead to improper chewing function, and additional damage to teeth and jaw bone. Living with missing teeth can also cause you feel self-conscious or embarrassed when laughing and talking.

If you’re missing all your teeth:

Option 1: You can replace all your missing teeth with dental implants. If you are missing all your natural teeth, you may be feeling overwhelmed at the thought of how to find a solution. Replacing a full set of teeth with dental implants offers certain advantages in appearance and function. Dental implants preserve your bone structure, palate, and facial structure in ways that other solutions cannot. Because they are fixed and attached directly into your jaw bone, your chewing (and smiling) function is maintained, and nightly maintenance and cleaning is needed.

Option 2: You can replace your missing teeth with a full prosthesis. While this may seem like the easiest and fastest solution, this treatment option can result in the deterioration of bone and soft tissues. Patients with full prosthesis can also experience embarrassing clicking and slipping due to instability of the prosthesis. Full sets of dentures also must be removed and cleaned every night.

Option 3: You can opt to not replace your missing teeth. Choosing this option not only prevents you from regaining proper function and appearance, but can also lead to problems with eating, and additional damage to teeth and jaw bone. Living without teeth can also cause you to feel self-conscious or embarrassed when laughing and talking, which can lead to low self-esteem and decreased quality of life.

The best place to start is to consult your dental professional to determine the best plan for your treatment.