Want to close that gap in your teeth but aren’t sure what option is best?
At Melbourne East, our dentist Kew is experienced in the placing of restoratives and can ensure that you are offered the most suitable option to close any gaps you have and regain your smile.
Here, our dentist Kew looks at common tooth restoration options that we use at our clinic. Enjoy!
Dental implants
A technique that our dentist Kew gets asked a lot about is dental implants.
Fitted to the jaw, these titanium screws act as fake roots for teeth, allowing our team to place a single prosthetic tooth, bridge or even dentures on top of it.
To be suitable for dental implants, you need to have a thick jaw, which is free from damage or disease (in some cases).
Implant-supported bridge
Following on nicely from standard dental implants are the restoratives that implants can and often do support if more work is needed.
A common one for people who have lost multiple teeth in a row is an implant-supported bridge. With standard dental bridges, the restorative is secured to the neighbouring teeth, allowing it to be held firmly in place when you eat, talk or laugh. With implants, it is the same principle of securing the bridge but using implants fitted to the gums to achieve stability.
As before, you will need to have a suitable amount of jaw bone to have an implant-supported bridge fitted.
Removable bridge
A removable bridge is a suitable option if you are only missing a few teeth in your mouth.
As the name suggests, this option can be removed to be cleaned or if you need to attend dental check-ups. However, removable bridges are becoming less common in dental practices, due in part to them potentially causing issues with friction on the gums. So, if you want to have a bridge fitted but don’t want to have one supported by oral implants, our team will usually fit one and secure it by attaching it to the nearest natural teeth.
Removable dentures
Many people are familiar with the standard removable dentures.
Made from moulds of your teeth, or the idealised image of teeth, these are placed into your mouth and are held in place with denture glue, allowing you to eat, smile and speak without issue.
For centuries, they have been the standard in dental restoratives. They are also suitable if you have a minimal amount of gumline or jawbone, which could be used to support dental implants.
Implant supported denture
Unlike removable dentures, fitted or implant-supported dentures cannot be removed.
Much like the other types of dental implant-supported restoratives, dentures that are supported by oral implants require you to have a certain amount of jawbone and gum present, which may be problematic if there is not enough.
Typically, dentures are secured in the mouth using 4 implants; 2 on the bottom jaw and 2 on the top. The denture is then attached to the implants and the procedure is complete.
If you are having implant-supported dentures fitted, then there will probably be the standard 3-6 months waiting time for the implants to fuse into the jaw.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.