Prosthetic Dentistry Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

by Advanced Family Dentistry

Losing one or more teeth affects more than just your smile — it can change how you chew, speak, and feel about your appearance. At Advanced Family Dentistry, we understand how important it is to restore both function and confidence. Fortunately, modern prosthetic dentistry offers several excellent options for replacing missing teeth. Below is an overview of the most common and effective treatments.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Restore chewing ability & nutrition — Missing teeth make it harder to break down food, which can affect digestion and overall health.
Preserve facial structure — Teeth help support the jawbone and surrounding tissues. Without them, bone loss can occur, causing facial sagging over time.
Prevent shifting of adjacent teeth — Gaps allow nearby teeth to drift, which can lead to misalignment and bite issues.
Improve speech & confidence — Teeth play a role in articulation; missing ones can cause lisps or slurs. Also, a complete smile can boost self-esteem.

Every patient is different, so the best option for you depends on oral health, bone density, budget, and long-term goals. Our team at Advanced Family Dentistry will guide you through the pros and cons of each approach.

1. Dental Implants

A dental implant is a titanium (or biocompatible) post that serves as a replacement root. Once integrated with your jawbone, it forms a stable foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Advantages:

Feels and functions like a natural tooth
Helps preserve jawbone by mimicking a natural root
Can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth

Considerations:

Requires sufficient bone volume and healthy gums
Healing time (osseointegration) may take several months
Higher initial cost compared with conventional dentures or bridges

At Advanced Family Dentistry, we perform detailed evaluations (including 3D imaging) to determine if you’re a candidate for implants and whether any preparatory procedures like bone grafting are needed.

2. Implant-Supported Crowns & Bridges

If you’re missing a single tooth, an implant-supported crown is often ideal. For multiple adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges can span the gap.

Implant Crown — One implant supports a single artificial tooth.
Implant Bridge — Two or more implants support a bridge, replacing 3 or more adjacent teeth.

This approach combines the strength and stability of implants with the versatility of crowns/bridges.

3. Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdentures)

Traditional dentures rest directly on the gums, which can lead to slippage, sore spots, and diminished chewing efficiency. Implant-supported dentures (also called overdentures or snap-in dentures) are anchored to implants, adding more stability.

Benefits:

Better retention and comfort
Less pressure on gums
Better chewing function
Easy to remove for cleaning

This solution is great if you need full-arch replacement but want more security than traditional dentures alone.

4. Removable Partial Dentures

For patients missing a few teeth but still having healthy remaining teeth, removable partial dentures offer a more affordable solution.

Made from a gum-colored acrylic base and custom-designed teeth
Often includes metal or acrylic clasps that attach to adjacent teeth
Good option for bridging small gaps

While more economical, they may not feel as stable, and clasps can be visible in certain smile lines.

5. Complete (Full) Dentures

When an entire upper or lower arch of teeth is missing, complete dentures restore your smile by replacing all teeth in that arch.

Pros:

Relatively quick and cost-effective
Improves facial support, speaking, and appearance

Cons:

May require periodic adjustments as your jawbone changes
Less chewing efficiency compared to implants
May need adhesives or more maintenance

With good care and periodic follow-up, full dentures can serve you well for many years.

How We Help You Choose

At Advanced Family Dentistry, our process includes:

Comprehensive evaluation — Exam, X-rays, 3D imaging, jaw and bite analysis
Personalized treatment plan — Considering your oral health, goals, and budget
Transparent cost & timeline discussion — We explain each option clearly
Expert execution & follow-up — From surgical phases to fittings and maintenance

We believe in partnering with you to find the best solution — whether that’s an implant, denture, or a combination of approaches.

If you or someone you know is dealing with missing teeth and wants to explore options, contact Advanced Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you reclaim your smile — functionally and beautifully.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional dental advice. Treatment outcomes vary per individual; a consultation is essential.