“Smile at strangers and you just might change a life.” - Steve Maraboli

Introduction:

Far too often, dental websites hide information and make it difficult for you to get answers to your questions. We’re here to change that! In this guide, we’re diving into all your teeth replacement options so you can be fully informed and empowered in your teeth replacement journey.

First, we’re going to cover the three treatment options available if you need to replace a “full arch” of teeth. In dentistry, an arch refers to the curve formed by your top or bottom teeth. When we talk about replacing a "full arch," we're talking about replacing either all of your top teeth or all of your bottom teeth. And if you need to replace both your top and bottom teeth, this is called “double arch” treatment.

Then at the end of the guide we’ll cover your additional treatment options if you’ve got just one or a few missing teeth, and don’t need to replace a full arch.

Ready to discover what's possible? Let's dive in.

Options To Replace All Your Teeth

1. All-On-X Dental Implants

What they are

An All-On-X dental implant replaces an entire arch of teeth using four or more implants. You can't remove them yourself, and for this reason, they’re most like real teeth. Your new teeth are still technically dentures, but they feel completely different in your mouth. For example, a traditional denture has a large “plate” which fills the roof of your mouth. This helps create suction. But with All-On-X, none of that material is required. So your new teeth are very streamlined and feel as close to real teeth as possible.

Pros

• Stability: All-On-X is the most stable tooth replacement option. They don’t ‘wobble’ or slip out.

• Strong: All-On-X restores your “bite force”. Which basically means you can chew your food again without any issues. This means you can enjoy all sorts of food again, and be better nourished too!

• Natural Look and Feel: People won’t know you have fake teeth unless you tell them.

• Non-removable: For patients who just want permanent teeth that stay in their mouth and don’t need to be removed daily, All-On-X is the treatment of choice.
  

Cons

• Cost: This is often the most expensive option. One of the reasons it’s more expensive is because there is a titanium bar that connects the implants together. This adds strength. But titanium is an expensive metal, so the more titanium you use, the more it costs.

• Surgical Procedure: Requires an invasive surgical process that includes risks and longer recovery time.

• Must be kept clean: You cannot remove your new teeth at home, so just like your natural teeth, you need to be committed to cleaning your new teeth properly every single day. If you do not care for your new teeth properly, it increases the risk that the dental implants might fail.

2. Snap-In Dentures (Overdentures)

What They Are

Snap-In Dentures, also known as overdentures, are removable dentures that 'snap' onto dental implants. You can use two dental implants to secure a denture and stop it flying out of your mouth. But it won’t be as stable as All-On-X. Some patients choose to get 3-4 implants with Snap-In Dentures to make them more stable. But each extra implant costs more.

Pros

• More Affordable: Generally less expensive than All-On-X implants. With less implants, you pay less money.

• Easier Maintenance: You can remove them for cleaning daily so food doesn’t get trapped between the denture and your gum line.

Cons

• Less Stable: They are not as stable as All-On-X implants and may wobble a bit.

• Frequent Adjustments: May require more frequent adjustments and relining over time.

3. Traditional Dentures

What They Are

These are removable fake teeth that sit on your gums using suction. While a lot of dentists are critical of dentures, the reality is that many patients are better off doing something about their dead or diseased teeth instead of just putting off treatment altogether because they can’t afford dental implants. 

The vast majority of patients who need one or two full arches of teeth replaced have gum disease. Gum disease is an active infection, and the harmful bacteria ‘washes’ from your mouth down into your body all day through your saliva as well as when you eat and drink. If dental implants aren’t an option for you, you can get started with a traditional denture and work towards getting dental implants if you wish to.

Pros

• Least Expensive: This is the most budget-friendly option.

• Non-Invasive: No surgical procedure is required to place implants. (Obviously patients need to have their dead or diseased teeth removed before they can wear a full denture, so there is still some surgery involved).

Cons

• Least Natural Feel: They don't feel as natural or comfortable as other options.

• Frequent Slippage: They can move around, causing discomfort and affecting speech and eating.

• Bone Loss: When you lose your teeth, your body starts to reuse the nutrients from your jaw bone. This creates a ‘sunken cheek’ look over time, because you continue to lose more bone over time. Dental implants are the only way to prevent bone loss, because they stimulate your jawbone so your body doesn’t break it down.

What If You Only Need One Or A Few Teeth Replaced?

1. Single Dental Implants

What They Are

A single dental implant replaces an individual missing tooth. It consists of a titanium post that acts as a fake root, with a prosthetic tooth (called a crown) attached on top.

How They Work

The titanium post is implanted into the jawbone, providing a stable base for the crown. After a healing period, the custom-made crown is attached to the implant post.

Pros

• Natural Look: Blends in well with surrounding teeth.

• Stable: Once the implant fuses with the jawbone, it becomes a stable, long-term solution.

• Preserves Jawbone: Helps to maintain jawbone density in the area where the tooth is missing. This helps to maintain the support structures of the surrounding teeth (which can start to tip sideways or even ‘fall over’ if you don’t replace a missing tooth).

Cons

• Cost: While less expensive than an All-On-X system, the cost can add up if multiple teeth need to be replaced.

• Surgery Required: Involves a surgical procedure, with associated risks and recovery time.

Ideal Candidates

Suitable for those missing one or a few teeth and who have enough jawbone to support the implant.

2. Dental Bridges

What They Are

Dental bridges fill the empty space where you're missing one or a few teeth. They are similar to a dental crown, but instead of being just one fake tooth (like a crown), they are a series of 2 or more fake teeth attached together which form a “bridge”. The dental bridge is usually held in place by the teeth next to the gap. Or if you have a large gap with multiple missing teeth, the dental bridge can be attached to dental implant posts.

How They Work

Two crowns go on the teeth next to the empty space. A fake tooth fills in the gap.

Pros

• Quick Solution: Usually requires only two dental visits.

• Less Expensive: Generally less costly than implants. Unless of course you need dental implants to attach the bridge to.

Cons

• Damages Adjacent Teeth: The process involves grinding down adjacent healthy teeth to support the bridge.

• Bone Loss: When you lose your teeth, your body starts to reuse the nutrients from your jaw bone. This creates a ‘sunken cheek’ look over time, because you continue to lose more bone over time. Dental implants are the only way to prevent bone loss, because they stimulate your jawbone so your body doesn’t break it down.

Ideal Candidates

Good for those missing one or a few teeth and who want a less invasive and less expensive solution than implants.

3. Partial Dentures

What They Are

Partial dentures are teeth you can take in and out. They replace more than one missing tooth in the same area. They can be made of plastic or metal. Plastic ones are cheaper but not as strong. Metal ones last longer but cost more.

How They Work

Made from plastic or metal, these clip on to your remaining teeth.

Pros

• Non-Invasive: No surgery is required.

• Affordable: Among the most cost-effective options for teeth replacement.

Cons

• Less Stable: Can slip or cause discomfort.

• Aesthetic Limitations: May not look as natural as other options.

• Uncomfortable: A lot of patients find they just don’t wear their partial dentures because they find them annoying.

• Bone Loss: Bone Loss: When you lose your teeth, your body starts to reuse the nutrients from your jaw bone. This creates a ‘sunken cheek’ look over time, because you continue to lose more bone over time. Dental implants are the only way to prevent bone loss, because they stimulate your jawbone so your body doesn’t break it down.

Ideal Candidates

People missing a few teeth who want a cheaper fix, or can't get other types of replacements because of jaw issues or other health reasons.

Conclusion

Understanding your teeth replacement options doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're considering All-On-X Dental Implants, Snap-In Dentures, or Traditional Dentures, each has its unique benefits and downsides. 

We hope this guide has helped you on your journey to a new smile. Remember, the choice of treatment depends on various factors, including your oral health, lifestyle, and budget.

What many patients don’t know is that their choice of dentist often determines the treatment options they’re presented with. Some dentists simply don’t have the skill to perform certain treatments. Or they have a favourite treatment. Or they simply try to sell patients the most expensive option.

That’s why we’re passionate about the work we do at NewTeeth.net in helping you connect with experienced dental implant surgeons who have extensive experience and provide a full range of options to their patients. Because choosing your dentist is the most important decision you'll make in your journey to a new smile.

Join Us for More Insight

We help patients connect with highly experienced dental implant surgeons through our live online information evenings. All of the surgeons that we partner with are committed to providing positive and empowering patient care.

Our information evening gives you the chance to meet a surgeon without the fear and anxiety of walking into a dental clinic. Plus you get to ask your questions directly to experienced dental surgeons because our events are actually live. So, if you're thinking about dental implants, make sure to register for our upcoming information evening.