Missing teeth don’t only affect how you look. They can also cause other problems, from difficulties eating or speaking to causing your remaining teeth to shift position and go crooked without support.
Replacing a tooth might seem like a cost you want to avoid, but delaying the treatment until later could make the problem worse and more expensive to fix. Your dentist will make sure you know all of your options for teeth replacement and how much they cost in the short term and long term so you can decide which treatment is best for your needs and your budget.
At Swish Dental, our experienced dentists provide three options for replacing teeth:
- Dentures
- Dental bridges
- Dental implants
Learn more about these solutions and their pros and cons below and book a consultation with our Perth dentists to start planning your smile restoration.
Dentures
Dentures are generally the most affordable option for replacing one or more missing teeth, but they have some limitations. Compared to a fixed bridge or implant, a removable denture has less stability and reduced biting force, which could limit some of the foods you can eat. Dentures also have to be taken out and cleaned every day.
However, if you’re looking for the cheapest way to replace a tooth, modern dentures can still be a good option. Getting a denture is also less invasive than a bridge or implant, as it doesn’t involve altering the neighbouring teeth or having surgery. Just keep in mind that your dentures will need to be replaced after a few years, depending on their materials.
Dental bridge
If you prefer a more permanent option, a dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth or teeth that can be inserted to ‘bridge’ the gap between healthy teeth. Bridges are made from the same materials as dental crowns and are attached in the mouth by fitting crowns over the surrounding teeth. This increases their stability, but also their overall cost.
Bridges offer more support and stronger biting forces than dentures, as well as being easier to maintain, but they don’t support the underlying jaw like dental implants. While they can last longer than dentures, your bridge and crowns may eventually need to be replaced due to damage or normal wear and tear.
Dental implants
The gold standard for replacing teeth, but also the most expensive option, dental implants comprise two parts: a titanium post that's inserted into the jaw to replace the missing tooth root and the natural-looking prosthetic tooth that it supports. This makes the tooth stronger than a bridge or denture, so you’ll be able to eat a wider range of foods. Implants also stimulate the jaw to help preserve the bone and prevent the jaw from shrinking.
Dental implants can be used to support a bridge or denture. Titanium implants can usually last a lifetime, but the prosthetic teeth attached may need to be replaced after a number of years.
Affordable dentures and implants in Brisbane
Whichever option you choose, our team can discuss payment plans and other options to help make your new teeth as affordable as possible. Call our local clinics in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or Mitchelton on (07) 3354 3341 or get in touch online.