Our teeth play an essential role in our lives. They chew and digest food, allow us to speak clearly, provide shape to our face, and most importantly, radiate joy from our bright smiles.
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reports 92 percent of adults between the ages of 20 to 64 have tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among adults from 35 to 44 years old, 69 percent are missing teeth because of decay. Thankfully, the advancement of dental technology has produced several dental solutions for missing teeth.
Below, Dr. Sonia Olivares and her team at iSmile Doral discuss the most prominent options for replacing missing teeth.
Dental Implants provide the most durability, strength and effectiveness. A dental implant is a surgical procedure in which a titanium fixture, usually in the shape of a screw, is implanted into the jaw bone to permanently replace a missing or hopelessly damaged tooth.
Advantages of Dental Implants:
- Resembles a natural tooth, increased aesthetic
- Stable and comfortable
- Ideal for single tooth replacements
- Up to decades long lifespan
- No affect on surrounding teeth
- Decreased maintenance
Disadvantages of Dental Implants:
- Requires a minor surgical procedure
- Longer process
- Longer healing time (several months)
- Expensive
2. Fixed Bridges
A fixed bridge, generally an artificial tooth or dental prosthetic, extends across the gap caused by one or more missing teeth and is bonded to the adjacent teeth with dental cement.
Advantages of Fixed Bridges
- Quicker process and healing time
- Less expensive than implants
- Less stringent anatomical requirements
- No age requirement
- Aesthetically unnoticeable
Disadvantages of Fixed Bridges
- Requires adjacent teeth on either side
- Requires crowning perfectly healthy adjacent teeth
- Increased maintenance
- Increased failure rate and less predictable than implants
- Do not correct a bone loss in the jaw.
- Do not last as long as implants
3. Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases.
Advantages of Removable Partial Dentures
- Budget-friendly
- No surgery or procedure required
- Minor, rare alterations to existing teeth
Disadvantages of Removable Partial Dentures
- Removable
- Less aesthetic and stability
- Less functionality
- Decreased comfort
- High maintenance cleaning
Which Replacement Option is Best for You?
Dr. Sonia Olivares by iSmile Coral Gables believes no two customer’s needs are the same as each patient suffering tooth loss will have different concerns and lifestyles. When determining which tooth replacement option is best, it is important to consider a patient’s diet, activity level, overall health, desired image, and budget.
iSmile understands our patients’ needs. Dr. Sonia Olivares believes in a personalized experience based on your goals for your smile. We aim to provide education and ample options so our patients are empowered to make informed decisions.
Schedule your dental consultation today to discuss concerns, assess specific conditions and determine the best treatment approach.
Coral Gables and Doral, FL's Leader in Teeth Replacement
iSmile Coral Gables and Doral FL offers a variety of dental treatment procedures for the replacement of missing or hopelessly damaged teeth.
Dr. Sonia Olivares, together with her team of dental experts, have years of dental experience, are equipped with the latest technologically advanced dental equipment, and offer affordable care to their patients in Coral Gables, Doral, Florida, and the surrounding areas.
Call the dental offices of iSmile or book your appointment online today.
Doral, FL: 305-620-8272
Coral Gables: 305-396-1026
