Leaving the gap

The surrounding teeth have nothing to lean on and will drift towards the open space. This can lead to crooked teeth that are more difficult to clean and can result in tooth decay and further tooth loss. Leaving a gap can also cause gum and jawbone deterioration which can result in facial collapse in the upper jaw and can cause the chin to recede and diminish the jawline.

A partial denture

This is a removeable device that can be made from acrylic or a metal framework and can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. The device can use your remaining teeth or the gum around your teeth for support. It is a cost effective way of replacing missing teeth but has it’s limitations. Patients often report them to be loose and move around when eating. The gum and jawbone will continue to shrink where the teeth are missing and will therefore need continued adjustment or the use of denture glue to try and stabilise the prosthesis. This option is also not ideal if you wish to have a fixed non-removable dental prosthesis.

Dental Bridge

These can be adhesive or conventional fixed bridges. The adhesive bridges can be made with minimal preparation and can consist of one or two metal wings which are fixed with adhesive to the rear of the adjacent teeth. These bridges are not considered to be long term and can become loose.

A conventional or a fixed bridge requires the grinding down of two teeth adjacent of the gap. The missing tooth or teeth are then replaced with ‘floating’ dental crowns, held in place by crowns placed on the ground down adjacent teeth. This option can be considered as destructive to the healthy adjacent teeth and can lead to lenger term problems such as gum disease, decay and food trapping. This option is not recommended in most cases to avoid irreversible damage to healthy teeth.

Dental Implants

This treatment option helps preserve the bone and replaces the missing tooth area without involving the adjacent teeth. Implants are capable of maintaining gum and bone levels and function similarly to natural teeth. This is the most predictable and long lasting option to fill gaps currently available. Dental implants can help to obtain a strong and natural looking dentition.