Replacing Lost Teeth? Consider These 5 Dental Options for Restoring Your Smile

Teeth are essential to life. When they go missing, they must be replaced to help you retain your quality of life. Fortunately, you can choose from multiple teeth replacement options to restore your smile. In this post, Dr. Alonzo Bell from The Bell Dental Group in Alexandria, Virginia, explores these options to help you decide which is best for you.

5 Dental Options for Restoring Your Smile

If you’re living with missing teeth, consider these dental options for a complete, healthy smile.

1. Dental Implants

Implants are small titanium screws that support artificial teeth after real teeth go missing. They’re surgically inserted into your jaw, fusing with surrounding bone tissue. The fusing process secures the implants in place, giving you a firm platform for your new smile. Dr. Bell will attach abutments and replacement teeth when the implants heal to complete your smile. Your new teeth will have artificial tooth roots for stability and support, just like real teeth, making your new smile as attractive, functional, and healthy as the one you lost! 

2. Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge consists of one or more prosthetic teeth with dental crowns on either end. It’s used to fill the gap of one or more missing teeth in a row. The crowns are placed on adjacent healthy teeth for stability and support. Dr. Bell will customize your bridge for comfort, natural appearance, and functionality so you can easily eat, speak, and smile. Fixed bridges are non-removable, brushed, and flossed like your natural teeth.

3. Resin-retained Bridge

To restore missing front teeth, Dr. Bell may recommend a resin-retained bridge. This bridge is supported by a metal framework with wings that attach to neighboring healthy teeth, usually in the back, where they can’t be seen. It’s a less invasive treatment than a fixed bridge, but also non-removable.  

4. Removable Partial Denture 

Removable partial dentures are yet another option for replacing lost teeth and restoring the totality of your smile. Partial dentures are artificial teeth attached to a base that rests on your gums. They’re secured by metal clasps attaching to neighboring healthy teeth. Partial dentures are removed for brushing during the day and soaking at night. They fill the missing tooth gap and work with healthy teeth to improve biting and chewing.  

5. Removal of Full Dentures 

A set of full dentures replaces all your teeth to reconstruct your smile. Modern removable dentures offer greater comfort and functionality than dentures of the past. They’re not as secure as implant-supported dentures, but they restore your smile’s functionality and appearance. Your dentures are secured in place with adhesive during the day and removed at night for soaking and cleaning.

Traditional bridges and dentures offer an alternative to dental implants for restoring your smile.

Restorative Dental Treatments Near Me

To learn more about your options for replacing lost teeth, contact Dr. Alonzo Bell from The Bell Dental Group in Alexandria, VA, at (703) 783-4557.

Share this Article