Need Teeth Replacements? Here's How To Choose The Right Option For You

Written By Lizzie Weakley / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Does your smile have a few gaps? You're not alone. Despite an overall declining trend in tooth loss, one-quarter of adults over age 65 have eight or fewer teeth and one in six have no teeth.

Replacing those pearly whites can be expensive and painful, but the good news is that you have many options. Whether you need to replace one tooth, a full arch or an entire mouth of teeth, consider these four options to find the right choice for your lifestyle and budget.

Bridge a Gap

Are you missing a tooth in between two healthy teeth? A fixed bonded bridge may be the right choice for you. Bridges are a relatively simple and painless option that looks and functions like your natural teeth. Although you don't need to remove a bridge, they do require extra care and cleaning to prevent damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.

Save Money with Removable Options

The most popular and affordable tooth replacement options are dentures and partials. A denture is a full arch of false teeth, while a partial replaces a single tooth or a row of several teeth. Dentures and partials are anchored to the gums with adhesive, and partials may also rely on surrounding teeth for support. Both dentures and partials must be removed and thoroughly cleaned two to three times per day.

Achieve Natural, Permanent Results

The most natural and functional way to replace missing teeth is the installation of dental implants, which are surgically installed false teeth that are anchored to the jawbone. These permanently implanted tooth replacements provide better chewing function and require less maintenance than dentures, partials and bridges. They also prevent the jaw erosion and sunken facial appearance that can sometimes occur with the use of dentures.

Get Dentures With Functional Support

If you want an affordable option that also provides increased stability and improved chewing function, consider implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures use just two implanted anchors per arch to support a full denture and are ideal for complete tooth replacement.

They stay in place without adhesive but can be easily removed for cleaning. Unlike a traditional implant, they can also be used in patients with significant loss of jawbone.

Remember, the first step in your tooth replacement journey is a visit with your dentist. Whether you have been missing teeth for years or have a few that need to be pulled, a dentist can develop a plan that suits your lifestyle and dental health needs.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.

Reviewed By:    

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.