Permanent Teeth Replacement Options Explained

While missing teeth are not necessarily normalised, it’s extremely common among adults. According to the 2015 to 2024 National Oral Health Plan report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian adults have an average of six missing teeth - and this number actually increases with age. 

Missing teeth can affect speaking, eating and smiling confidently, as well as overall oral health. With so many individuals affected by tooth loss and the impact that the problem can pose, modern dentistry means there are a range of options to replace missing or gapped teeth.

The most common permanent teeth replacement options include: 

• Dental implants 

• Dental bridges

• Removable dentures

If you are considering permanent teeth replacements, it is important to understand the different options to determine which tooth replacement suits you the best.

Permanent teeth replacement options explained

Dental implants

Dental implants are the most common tooth replacement option in Australia. Dental implants are metal posts made from titanium, screwed into the jawbone, acting as a stable base for the artificial tooth or crown. 

Dentists will assess the strength of the jawbone to determine if implants are suitable with the use of a 3D radiographic scan. If dental implants are appropriate, dentists will work to create a dental plan which involves screwing the implants in. Following placement of the implant there is generally a healing period of three to six months before the dental crown or artificial tooth can be placed. 

Once healed, dentists will take impressions of the individual’s mouth to create customised artificial teeth or dental crowns. This generally takes two visits to the dentist across two weeks. Overall, dental implant treatment can take between five and twelve months. 

Dental implants replicate the look, feel, and function of natural teeth and can be treated as such. Individual dental hygiene habits, like brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, does not change. With the proper dental care and oral hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime; however, the dental crowns will need replacing around every 15 years.

Dental bridges

Put simply, dental bridges fill the gap left by a missing tooth. Dentists use the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors (abutments) and place a false tooth in the gap. This process does not require surgery and can typically be completed in two to three dentist visits. 

Dental bridges are quicker and less costly relative to dental implants. They are particularly suitable for individuals whose jawbone is not strong enough to support implants. A natural-looking and durable solution, dental bridges may last 10 to 15 years on average - making them a reliable option for permanent tooth replacement. The anchoring teeth will need to be assessed to see if they are suitable candidates to support the bridge.

Unlike dental implants, dental bridges do not require surgery and will not be screwed into the jawbone. However, the treatment will involve shaving down the teeth on either side of the gap to support the bridge. Dental bridges also will not prevent jawbone loss in the way implants can.

 Dentures 

Dentures are removable teeth appliances that fit over the gums to replace missing teeth. There are two types of dentures: full dentures (to replace all the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw) and partial dentures (to fill missing tooth gaps and clip onto remaining teeth). 

Dentures offer the most cost-effective teeth replacement option, and the process of getting dentures is non-invasive. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and supporting jaw bone to determine your jaw alignment and the anatomy of your mouth and teeth. 

The average lifespan of dentures may vary from two to 10 years, depending on how well they’ve been maintained and shrinkage of supporting bone. To care for dentures, soak the dentures in water every night, rinse the dentures before putting them in your mouth and after eating, brush dentures and natural teeth separately every day, and schedule regular dental checkups. Your dentist will do their best to ensure your dentures are comfortable and fitted to your mouth properly and will check overall oral health during regular checkups.

Suitability for tooth replacement

Determining what teeth replacement option you should choose depends on a range of factors, including your budget, medical history,  how many teeth are missing, how long you are willing to wait, your bone health, and lifestyle. Your dentist will also determine which treatment you are most suitable for as not every patient is right for dental implants, and dentures may not be appropriate for missing teeth in different sections.

If you are a candidate and have the time, budget, and sufficient jawbone health, dental implants offer the most durable, long-term solution for missing teeth. For a quicker and more cost-effective teeth replacement option, dental bridges or dentures can offer an effective alternative. However, both bridges and dentures require replacement sooner than dental implants. 

Bluff Point Dental in Geraldton, offers a range of solutions for replacing missing teeth. Our qualified dentists will help you choose the teeth replacement option that best suits your preferences, needs, and budget. We are a patient-first dental clinic, treating you with the utmost care and commitment, ensuring you feel comfortable throughout your dental treatment process. Contact us today to book an appointment or call us on (08) 9943 8484 if you have any questions about your teeth replacement options.