Missing Teeth and Gaps

Removable Dentures

What are they?

A removable denture replaces missing teeth. ‘Partial’ dentures replace a few missing teeth and ‘full’ dentures are needed if all the natural teeth are missing.

Dentures are made of plastic and sometimes metal as well to make them strong and less bulky.

What will my dentist do?

• The dentist uses a putty like material to make moulds of your mouth.
• A dental technician (usually off site) makes a plaster model of your teeth and makes the dentures on them.
• There are a few (usually 4) stages to work through before your teeth are ready.

What are the benefits?

The denture can improve the way you look, bite, chew and speak.

• They are custom made and can be made to look as natural as possible.
• You will chew more efficiently.
• Your remaining teeth will be more protected from wear and tear.

Dentures will never feel completely like your own teeth and it can take a little while to get used to them. If you’ve never worn one before, ask your dentist to explain the benefits and difficulties of wearing them.

Fixed Bridges

What are they?

A bridge replaces a missing tooth (or teeth) by fixing the replacement to the natural teeth on either side of the gap.

Some bridges have crowns at each end. Others have little metal wings that stick to the sides of the teeth next to the gap.

Bridges are made of metal (for strength) and porcelain (for aesthetics) or just porcelain.

What will my dentist do?

There are several stages in making a bridge.

• The dentist uses soft mouldable material to take impressions of your mouth. A dental technician makes exact plaster models of your upper and lower teeth and gums, which show how your teeth bite together;
• The teeth which support the bridge are prepared so that the bridge is not too bulky.
• Another impression is taken of the teeth and any gaps and the dental technician uses this to make the bridge. A plastic temporary bridge may be fitted in the meantime.
• At your second visit, the dentist will check that the bridge fits, make any adjustments and then fix it permanently in place.

Your dentist or hygienist will show you the best way of keeping it clean.

What are the benefits?

A bridge almost lets you forget that you have missing teeth.

• It can improve the way you look, bite, chew and speak.
• The teeth can be colour matched to your own.
• A bridge can last many years if kept clean and there is no accidental damage.
• Remaining teeth are protected from moving or tilting out of line.

If you don’t want a bridge, or your teeth are not strong enough to support one then a removable partial denture might be better.

Implants

What are they?

Implants are one way of replacing missing teeth.

A threaded parallel post is surgically placed in the jaw bone to support a replacement tooth. This acts like the root of a natural tooth. Implants can also be used to support fixed bridges or dentures.

Implant treatment is often done in two stages. First, the implant is placed in the jaw. Then when the bone has healed, replacement teeth are attached to the implant.