(425) 348-8484Replacing Missing Teeth? 3 Ways to Get Your Smile Back.
by Harbour Pointe Family Dentistry✓ We accept Delta Dental, Primera & most major insurance · Boeing employees welcome View insurance & financing →
For many people, a dental implant is the best long-term option for replacing a missing tooth because it replaces the root as well as the crown, stands on its own without altering neighboring teeth, and helps preserve the jawbone. That said, the right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, where they are, the health of your gums and bone, your medical history, and your budget. A fixed bridge or a denture is sometimes the better fit, and implants can also be combined with bridges and dentures to replace several teeth at once.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you already know how much it can affect your quality of life. Eating and chewing get harder, your speech may change, and many people start hiding their smile. At Harbour Pointe Family Dentistry, Dr. Kris Johnson has helped patients in Mukilteo, WA restore their smiles since 1990. Below, we compare the three main options and explain how to decide which one fits your situation. (Hint: we do have a favorite, but it is not right for everyone.)
Teeth Replacement Options: A Quick Overview
There are three main types of teeth replacement solutions:
- Bridges, which anchor a replacement tooth to the teeth on either side of a gap.
- Dentures (partial or full), which replace several or all teeth in an arch.
- Dental implants, which replace the tooth root with a post that fuses to the jawbone.
Each has its pros and cons, depending on your goals and unique needs. The table below summarizes how they compare, and the sections that follow explain each in more detail.
| Consideration | Dental Implant | Fixed Bridge | Removable Denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replaces the root | Yes | No | No |
| Effect on neighboring teeth | None; stands on its own | Adjacent teeth are reshaped to hold crowns | Partials may clasp onto remaining teeth |
| Jawbone support | Helps preserve bone at the site | Bone under the gap can still shrink | Bone can continue to shrink over time |
| Typical lifespan | Implant can last a lifetime; crown may need replacing | Around 15 years for most bridges | At least seven years, with adjustments |
| Treatment time | Several months, including healing | Usually a few visits over a few weeks | Usually a few visits over a few weeks |
| Up-front cost | Typically highest | Moderate | Typically lowest |
Lifespan estimates are drawn from Cleveland Clinic’s overview of dental implants, which notes that implants can often last a lifetime with good care, while most crowns and bridges last around 15 years and most dentures last at least seven.
Bridges
A dental bridge acts just like it sounds, creating a “bridge” across the gap left by a missing tooth. Your dentist prepares the teeth on either side of the gap to act as anchors, places crowns on them, and attaches an artificial tooth between them. Placing a bridge usually takes several visits. Bridges look and function much like natural teeth, typically cost less than implants, and do not need to be removed for cleaning.
The tradeoffs are that the supporting teeth must be reshaped, it can be harder to clean under the bridge, and a bridge does not stimulate the bone beneath the gap. Bridges tend to be a strong choice when the neighboring teeth already need dental crowns anyway. Our post on ways dental bridges can improve your smile covers them in more depth.
Dentures
Dentures are another popular teeth-replacement solution, usually recommended when a person is missing many teeth. A partial denture fills gaps between remaining natural teeth, while a full denture replaces an entire arch. Both use a gum-colored base, and removable dentures are typically taken out at night. Dentures can also be secured by implants for a much more stable fit.
Removable dentures are usually the least expensive option and are easier to repair than bridges. On the other hand, they can feel less stable, may slip when you eat or speak, can become uncomfortable if the fit changes, and need periodic relining or replacement because they do not preserve the underlying jawbone.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are our favorite teeth-replacement option for a good reason: they are the closest thing to a natural tooth. An implant is placed in the jawbone where the tooth root used to be. Over several months of healing, the bone grows around the implant and creates a stable foundation, which is then capped with a custom crown. For patients who need many teeth restored, implants can also support fixed bridges or dentures.
Why does replacing the root matter? All bones need regular stimulation to maintain their density, and your jawbone is no exception. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area no longer receives stimulation from chewing and starts to lose density. Over time this can cause nearby teeth to shift and can give the face a “sunken-in” look. Because implants replace the root, they help keep the jawbone healthy.
The downsides are that implants typically cost the most up front, require a minor surgical procedure, may take longer and involve more visits than other options, and are not right for everyone. If you are wondering whether you qualify, read our posts on whether anyone can get dental implants and how implants compare to real teeth.
How to Choose the Best Option for You
There is no single best answer for every patient. These are the factors we weigh together with you during a consultation.
Cost is often part of the decision. Insurance coverage for each option varies from plan to plan, and our financing options can help spread the cost of treatment over time. For a closer look at the implant process step by step, see our guide to options for missing teeth.
Why Replacing a Missing Tooth Sooner Matters
It can be tempting to leave a gap alone, especially if it is toward the back of the mouth. Over time, though, neighboring teeth can drift or tip into the space, the opposing tooth can over-erupt, and your bite can change in ways that make cleaning harder and put extra stress on other teeth. The bone in the area also continues to shrink, which can limit your options later if you decide on an implant. Talking with your dentist soon after a tooth is lost keeps the most options on the table.
Ready to Complete Your Smile?
We hope this overview helped you better understand your options for replacing missing teeth. Ultimately, your dentist can evaluate your situation and work with you to make the best choice for your needs. Dr. Kris Johnson, a University of Washington Dental School graduate who has been in private practice in Mukilteo since 1990, provides bridges, dentures, and dental implants at Harbour Pointe Family Dentistry.
We also serve surrounding communities in the Puget Sound area, including Mill Creek, Edmonds, Boulevard Bluffs, Picnic Point, Evergreen, Perrinville, and Snohomish. Schedule your consultation to find out which option is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Replacing Missing Teeth
What is the most natural-feeling way to replace a missing tooth?
For most people, a dental implant feels the most like a natural tooth because it is anchored in the jawbone and does not rely on neighboring teeth or rest on the gums. You brush and floss it like a natural tooth, and it does not need to be removed.
Is a bridge or an implant better for one missing tooth?
An implant is often preferred when the neighboring teeth are healthy, because a bridge requires reshaping those teeth to hold crowns. A bridge can make more sense when the neighboring teeth already need crowns, when surgery is not a good option, or when a faster, lower-cost solution is a priority.
How long does it take to replace a missing tooth?
Bridges and dentures are usually completed over a few visits within several weeks. Implants take longer because the bone needs several months to fuse with the implant before the final crown is placed, and a bone graft, if needed, can add time.
What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?
Neighboring teeth can shift into the gap, the opposing tooth can drift, and the jawbone in that area gradually shrinks. These changes can affect your bite, make cleaning harder, and reduce the bone available if you want an implant later.
Can implants be used with dentures?
Yes. A small number of implants can anchor a denture so it snaps or locks into place, which makes it far more stable than a traditional removable denture. This option is often a good middle ground for patients missing most or all of their teeth in an arch.
