When you are ready to replace missing teeth you have a number of potential solutions available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Replacing your missing teeth is a big decision and it is important to consider several factors. You don’t have to make this decision alone. Your dentist can help you assess the choices in light of your clinical needs, personal preferences and financial considerations and help you determine which one is best for you.
Dental Bridges:
A dental bridge involves a false tooth (pontic) attached to crowns placed on the adjacent teeth. Bridges are a fixed option that fills the gap and restores the appearance and function of the missing tooth. They can be a good option for replacing one or more missing teeth, but may require some preparation of the adjacent teeth.
Bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metals (like gold or alloys), or a combination. In some cases a wing is an option to reduce preparation of the tooth next door, however for more conventional porcelain bridges it is necessary to reshape the adjacent teeth to accommodate material.
Removable Dentures:
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth.
They are a more affordable option compared to implants or bridges.
Partial dentures are used to replace some missing teeth, while complete dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
Dentures can be a good option for patients who are not suitable for other treatments due to health conditions or cost.
There are 3 main types of dentures, acrylic, cobalt chrome and flexi dentures.
Acrylic dentures are a popular removable option and are often used for both complete and partial restorations.
Made from pink plastic to mimic natural gum tissue and held in place using gum suction or metal clasps, acrylic dentures look, feel, and perform just like your own teeth. .
Generally, acrylic dentures are one of the most affordable options, and they’re easy to fit and take care of. NHS dentures are subsidised by the government, making them more affordable and accessible to everyone. These dentures provide a solution to tooth loss, allowing many people to regain function and confidence. NHS dentures are made using standard materials and processes and offer less customisation. Private acrylic dentures use premium materials and can better mimic the natural look and feel of your own teeth.
Valplast® flexible partials
Valplast® flexible partials could be the solution for you to replace one or more teeth. Unlike more traditional ridged, bulky and unstable dental materials Valplast flexible partial denture are made from a flexible plastic material which fits neatly into your mouth and is virtually invisible. They do not require any unsightly metal clasps to keep them in place.
Valplast® is a great, non-invasive, alternative to a fixed appliance, for example a dental bridge. It can also be considered as a discreet temporary during the healing process immediately after a dental implant has been placed.
Expense
If cost is your primary consideration, removable restorations are the more affordable solution than say implants, and the results can look totally natural. Ask your dentist about affordable non-metallic flexible partials that blend in with your natural tissues and become invisible in the mouth.
Patient Care Information
You will be glad to know that most patients become immediately accustomed to their delicate and light-weight Valplast® restoration. However, you may experience a brief adjustment period, especially if you have never worn a dental appliance before. Should you experience any persistent irritation, please consult your dentist so that he or she can make necessary adjustments to your appliance.
Valplast® restorations, like your own teeth, require care and good oral hygiene. Flexible dentures do need to be maintained in a different way to traditional acrylic dentures but your dentist will go over this prior to the fit of your appliance.
Cobalt chrome dentures are a type of partial or full denture that utilises a strong, lightweight cobalt-chrome alloy framework for support and durability
They are designed to be more comfortable and secure than traditional acrylic dentures, with a slimmer profile and improved fit. These dentures are often preferred for their strength, longevity, and ability to transfer heat effectively.
The metal frame work can be harder to adjust and the addition of teeth in the future could compromise the fit, so a discussion should take place with your dentist to check your suitability for this type of appliance.
A dental implant is a titanium screw surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the tooth's root.
This provides a stable and natural-feeling replacement for the missing tooth.
Implants can be used to support a single crown, a bridge, or even a denture.
They are a popular choice due to their durability and ability to function like natural teeth. The process for implant placement can happen much sooner after and extraction, so whilst here at the Poplars we don't currently offer implants we can recommend a number of fantastic dentists locally so please ask for more information.
Leaving a gap... other considerations:
Leaving a gap after extraction can lead to bone loss in the jaw, drifting of adjacent teeth, and potential issues with chewing and speech.
It's important to discuss tooth replacement options with a dentist as soon as possible after extraction to determine the best solution for your individual needs.
The dentist will consider factors like the location of the missing tooth, your overall oral health, and your preferences to recommend the most suitable treatment.
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The Spark clear aligner features TruGEN material, the latest innovation in clear aligner material, designed to provide advanced force retention, to be nearly clear and to enhance patient comfort with its polished edges.
At The Poplars Dental Practice we use a premium quality whitening gel that can deliver superior results, with a noticeable improvement in just a few days.
Valplast offers a uniquely beautiful aesthetic quality that is unrivalled. A Valplast Flexible Partial moves with you naturally, giving you confidence while talking, eating and most importantly, smiling!