Missing Teeth

Teeth replacement options: Which should you choose to replace your missing teeth?

December 23, 2024

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Dr Isabel Holmes

Principal Dentist

Are you thinking about replacing your missing teeth?

The good news is that there are many different teeth replacement options available. Gone are the days when bulky, loose dentures were the only option — modern dentistry and advanced treatment techniques mean you can now get replacement teeth that look and feel just like the real thing!

Curious about your options? Let’s take a look at the most common options to replace missing teeth, as well as the pros and cons of each.

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Teeth replacement options: Fixed vs removable

Before we dive into the various options to replace missing teeth, it’s important to understand that there are two types of teeth replacements: fixed and removable. See a quick snapshot of each below:

Fixed

A ‘fixed’ teeth replacement solution means that it is worn in the mouth all the time and can only be removed by your dentist. Some patients find fixed or ‘permanent’ teeth replacement options (like dental implants or All-on-4) to feel more like natural teeth as they remain in the mouth and do not need to be removed for daily cleaning, sleeping, etc.

Removable

A ‘removable’ teeth replacement solution can be taken out and put back in by the wearer as needed (e.g. for daily cleaning). Removable teeth replacement options are typically held in the mouth by suction or special adhesives (like dentures), or by ‘snap-on’ attachments (like overdentures).

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What are the most common teeth replacement options?

Whether you need to replace one tooth, a number of teeth or all of your teeth, there’s a teeth replacement option to suit. Below we’ll explore the most common options to replace missing teeth, including their pros and cons.

Dental implants

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Illustration of a dental implant. — Dental implants function and look like a real tooth. They’re highly durable and prevent jaw bone loss.

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Type of tooth replacement: Fixed

Ideal for: Patients wanting to replace a single tooth or several individual teeth.

How it works: Dental implants are made up of two main parts: the titanium implant which replaces the missing tooth root and the implant tooth (or dental crown) which sits on top of the implant to replace the visible part of the tooth. The dental implant is surgically placed into the jaw during the dental implant procedure and implant tooth is fixed on top after some healing time. Over time, the jaw bone grows around the titanium implant, giving it extra strength and stability, much like a natural tooth.

DENTAL IMPLANTS (SINGLE OR MULTIPLE)
PROS	CONS
Closest replacement to natural teeth	The cost of dental implants is higher than removable tooth replacements
Functions like a real tooth	Patients must be willing/able to have surgery
Secure	Healing period of up to 6 months (a temporary denture may be worn during this time)
Highly durable	Patients must have adequate bone density to support implant
Stimulates jaw bone to prevent bone loss
Does not affect surrounding, healthy teeth

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Implant-supported bridge

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Type of tooth replacement: Fixed

Ideal for: Patients wanting to replace several teeth in a row.

How it works: At least two dental implants are placed into the jaw (one at either end of the row of missing teeth) and a dental bridge of multiple teeth is fixed on top.

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGE
PROS	CONS
Looks and feels natural	Higher expense than a removable, partial denture
Restores oral function	Existing teeth may need to be removed to fit tooth bridge
Secure	Patients must be willing/able to have surgery
Highly durable	Healing period of up to 6 months (a temporary denture may be worn during this time)
Stimulates jaw bone to prevent bone loss	Patients must have adequate bone density to support implant
No damage to neighbouring, healthy teeth

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All-on-4 dental implants

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Type of tooth replacement: Fixed

Ideal for: Patients who have lost (or are about to lose) all or most of the teeth in their upper or lower jaw. Even patients with jaw bone loss may be good candidates for this full mouth teeth replacement option thanks to the innovative All on 4 treatment concept.

How it works: The All-on-4 procedure involves the surgical placement of at least four dental implants into the jaw: two straight anterior implants and two angled posterior implants. In most cases, the All-on-4 implant placement technique helps to avoid the need for jaw bone grafting, even for patients with bone loss, as it utilises the available bone density more effectively. One of the key benefits of All-on-4 is that the full arch dental bridge can typically be connected in as little as 3 days after the implant surgery.

ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS
PROS	CONS
Fast treatment time — new teeth in as little as 3 days	More expensive than removable full mouth dentures
Closest full arch tooth replacement to natural teeth in terms of look and feel	Patients must be willing/able to have surgery
Restores full oral function	Healing period of up to 6 months (a temporary tooth bridge is worn during this time)
Secure
Highly durable, long-term solution
Rarely requires bone grafting

Which teeth replacement options are right for you?

Find out by booking your consultation with Dr Isabel Holmes to discuss your eligibility for dental implants.

Book now

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Tooth-supported bridge

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Type of tooth replacement: Fixed

Ideal for: Patients wanting to replace one or a few teeth in a row but are unable to (or do not want to) have dental implant surgery.

How it works: Dental crowns are bonded to the natural teeth on either side of the gap or row of missing teeth. The crowns are connected to an artificial tooth (or teeth) to fill in the space. The supporting teeth must be strong, healthy and free from tooth decay or other oral health issues, such as gum disease.

TOOTH-SUPPORTED BRIDGE
PROS	CONS
No surgery or healing time	May damage supporting teeth
Restores appearance and function	Existing teeth may need to be removed to place the dental bridge
Lower cost than implant-supported bridge	Does not stimulate jaw bone so bone loss will occur over time
	Has a shorter lifespan than implant-supported bridge

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Overdentures (or ‘snap-on’ dentures)

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Image of an overdenture. — Overdentures are a more stable, secure and comfortable option than traditional dentures for those looking to replace all or most of their teeth in their lower jaw.

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Type of tooth replacement: Removable

Ideal for: Patients wanting to replace all or most of their teeth in their lower jaw only (this solution is not used for upper jaw)

‍How it works: Two dental implants are surgically inserted at the front of the lower jaw. Special attachments are used to enable the tooth bridge or denture to connect or ‘snap’ on and off the dental implants.

OVERDENTURES (‘SNAP-ON’ DENTURES)
PROS	CONS
More stable and secure than traditional removable dentures	Only suitable for replacing teeth in lower jaw
Restores appearance and function of lower teeth	Higher cost than traditional removable dentures
More comfortable than traditional dentures	Longer treatment time than traditional dentures
No need for messy denture glue or adhesives
Prevents some bone loss at the front of lower jaw where implants are placed

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Dentures

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Type of tooth replacement: Removable

Ideal for: Patients wanting to replace some (partial denture) or all (full denture) of their teeth.

‍How it works: The false teeth are attached to a base made of plastic or metal (or a combination of both) which is held in place in the mouth by suction or special adhesive. With a partial denture, metal clasps may be used to grip onto the remaining teeth, helping to secure the false tooth (or teeth) in place.

DENTURES (FULL OR PARTIAL)
PROS	CONS
More affordable than implant-supported teeth replacements	Can look unnatural
No surgery or healing period (unless existing teeth need to be removed)	Can feel bulky, loose and uncomfortable
Low maintenance	May impair oral function, including speech and ability to eat
	Does not prevent and may worsen jaw bone loss over time (denture can become more difficult to wear as the bone support is lost)
	Must be replaced every 5-10 years

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A combination solution

Type of tooth replacement: Case dependent

Ideal for: Patients who require a combination of treatments to achieve the best results.

‍How it works: The combination treatment plan will depend on the patient’s needs and circumstances. It may include single or multiple dental implants, dental crowns, and implant-supported or tooth-supported bridges or dentures.

DENTURES (FULL OR PARTIAL)
PROS	CONS
May allow healthy, natural teeth to be saved, rather than removed	May require multiple procedures and a long treatment time
	Could have a higher cost if treatment involves multiple procedures

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Which teeth replacement options are right for you?

Missing teeth can have a major impact on your life — not just your oral health and function but your emotional and social wellbeing too. This is why it’s so important to talk about your tooth loss with your dentist and find a tooth replacement option that suits your smile, lifestyle and budget.

The easiest way to find out which teeth replacement options are suitable for you is to visit us for a personal consultation. During this appointment, we’ll talk you through all of your potential treatment options and clearly explain your teeth replacement cost (including your finance options). To book your consult, simply fill out our contact form or call our Mount Gambier dental practice on (08) 8725 2441 or our Port Fairy dental practice on (03) 5568 2577.