A bright and confident smile can go a long way in boosting one’s self-esteem and overall quality of life. However, many people struggle with tooth loss, damage, or decay, which can significantly impact the appearance and function of their teeth.

While dental implants are often regarded as the go-to solution for restoring smiles, there are other options available. In this article, we will explore different means of replacing a missing tooth so you get your smile back to its former glory. From quick fixes to long-term solutions, we’ll dive deep into the possibilities awaiting you. So, if you’re ready to explore the road to restoring your smile with artificial teeth, keep reading. 

 

Dentures

Dentures are a type of removable prosthetic teeth that replace missing natural teeth. They consist of artificial teeth set into a base made of either plastic or acrylic, with artificial teeth made from porcelain. The material used to create dentures must be strong yet lightweight enough to fit comfortably. 

There are two types of dentures: 

 

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can be a suitable option to replace one or more damaged or missing teeth. These dentures are designed to fit around existing natural or prosthetic teeth and fill in gaps caused by missing teeth to improve oral health and function.

They consist of a base that rests on the gums and supports the artificial tooth. The base is typically made to match the colour of the gums to make the denture blend in with the natural teeth. The artificial teeth match the remaining natural teeth’ shape, size, and colour to ensure a natural-looking smile. 

 

Full Dentures

Full dentures refer to a complete set of dentures that replace all the natural teeth in your jaw. These dentures are made of high-quality acrylic resin and are custom-fitted to your mouth for optimal comfort and functionality. 

 

How Long Do Dentures Last?

Your oral health is one of the many factors that can influence the lifespan of dentures, including dental hygiene habits, diet, jawbone structure, and the health of adjacent teeth. While there is no strict time frame for dentures’ lifespan, partial dentures typically last from three to five years, while complete dentures usually last from seven to ten years. 

 

Benefits of Dentures

The most significant benefit of dentures is that they can improve your chewing function and speech, enabling you to enjoy a wide variety of foods and communicate more clearly. They can also enhance your appearance. Dentures can fill out your face by replacing missing teeth, giving you a youthful look. Additionally, dentures are easy to clean and maintain.

Dentures are also a practical solution if you need to replace multiple teeth on a budget or do not want to opt for dental implant surgery. Not only are dentures less invasive, but they also require less time to fit. Plus, if something goes wrong, dentures are easier to repair than implants.

At Dental Spot, we customise dentures to fit your mouth so they closely mimic your natural teeth in look and function. With proper care and maintenance, dentures can be comfortable and cost-effective alternatives to dental implants. 

 

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a common dental treatment used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are prosthetic devices anchored to existing teeth or dental implants and contain one or more artificial teeth to fill the gap in your dental arch.

Dental bridges are typically made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramics, and metals. The material used depends on your needs, as well as your preference and budget.

The three types of dental bridges that are good dental implant alternatives for tooth replacement are: 

 

Traditional Fixed Bridges

Traditional fixed bridges involve filling gaps with dental crowns placed on adjacent teeth with the replacement tooth (pontic) attached between them. They are the most common type of bridge and offer excellent stability and durability. 

 

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are like traditional fixed bridges but only involve the attachment of the pontic to one of the remaining healthy teeth. 

 

Maryland Bridges

Also called resin-bonded or adhesive bridges, they are used mainly to replace missing front teeth. They consist of a pontic attached to metal or porcelain wings bonded to the remaining natural teeth adjacent to the gap. They are a more conservative option that preserves tooth structure, protects remaining natural teeth, and requires minimal prep work. 

 

How are Dental Bridges Fitted?

Fitting a dental bridge generally involves a couple of appointments with our skilled dentists.

In the initial appointment, we will prepare the supporting teeth by scraping a small amount of enamel and shaping them to accommodate the bridge. Impressions of the teeth are then taken, which are used to create a custom-fitted bridge in our in-house dental laboratory.

Once the bridge has been fabricated, it is fitted and adjusted to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

The artificial teeth are carefully matched to the surrounding teeth’ colour and shape, creating a natural-looking appearance while helping maintain dental function and facial structure. 

 

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

The duration of a dental bridge’s lifespan can differ widely, depending on the type of bridge, your oral hygiene habits, and the materials used, among other factors. However, with good oral care and regular dental check-ups, dental bridges can often last between 5 to 15 years and sometimes longer.

Dental bridges offer an excellent alternative to dental implants if you cannot undergo surgery or prefer a less invasive and more cost-effective option. 

 

Why Choose Dental Spot For Alternatives To Dental Implants?

When considering alternatives to dental implants, it’s important to trust in a team that demonstrates dedication, experience, and comfort. We deliver all that and more, providing high-quality, long-lasting restorative dental services. Find further details. 

 

 

There are many reasons to choose Dental Spot as your dental care partner, such as: 

 

Extensive Experience

Our team of highly qualified dentists has vast experience in restorative dentistry. We offer alternatives to dental implants that are both effective and long-lasting. 

 

Advanced Technology

Our clinic is equipped with modern technology, including intra-oral scanners and 3D printers, to fabricate dental prosthetics. This allows us to provide you with a comfortable treatment without any messy impression-taking. 

 

On-site Dental Lab

Our on-site dental lab ensures we can create customised restorations promptly and efficiently. With everything under one roof, we can ensure you receive high-quality services without the hassle of going to multiple locations. 

 

Ethical and Gentle Dentistry

At Dental Spot, we prioritise ethical and gentle dentistry. Our staff puts your safety and comfort first and always considers your needs and requirements when recommending treatments. 

 

Caring and Friendly Staff

Our dental practice is committed to treating our patients with a compassionate, friendly, and empathetic approach while providing personalised care and being available to allay any concerns you may have. 

This approach has led to long-term and trusting relationships with our patients. 

 

Convenient Location

Our modern clinic is centrally located, making it convenient for you to avail of our services when you need them.

Don’t wait any longer to replace missing or damaged teeth. Contact us on (02) 9158 6115 for a comfortable and reliable alternative to dental implants that will restore your smile to its former brightness! 

 

 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. 

 

 

 

Resources

Bridges and partial dentures – Oral Health Foundation
https://www.dentalhealth.org/bridges-and-partial-dentures 

Dentures Partial | MouthHealthy – Oral Health Information from the ADA
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dentures-partial