When it comes to front tooth replacement, there are traditional ways that hide the problem, and then there are modern options that offer more durable fixes. Finding what works best for you will often boil down to price and how natural you want your new fake tooth to look. But you might be surprised to discover that the modern ways to replace a front missing tooth are not much more expensive.

Making The Right Decision – What To Consider:

To replace a missing front tooth, aesthetics is essential to ensure the new fake tooth blends flawlessly with your existing set of teeth. Next, you’ll want to consider the technicalities of replacing the tooth; for example, do you want your restoration to be fixed or removable?

Partial dentures rely on metal clasps around neighbouring teeth to keep them in place. On the other hand, dental implants replace the tooth’s natural root, which means they’re permanently fixed into the jawbone (always meaning they can only be removed by a dentist).

Longevity is another factor. Dentures don’t last forever and will likely need replacing or repairing multiple times. On the other hand, modern options like dental implants will last up to 30 years.

Each treatment has its pros and cons, and weighing these before pursuing your final treatment is essential. Opting for traditional methods now might mean you won’t be a suitable candidate for dental implants later. This is because dentures and bridges do not prevent bone loss – and without bone, there’s nothing for the implants to anchor to, which might mean you’ll need bone grafting procedures later down the line.

Is It OK to Have A Missing Front Tooth?

Patients can expect to experience several consequences if they choose not to replace a missing tooth.

• Bone depletion in the jaw
• Gum shrinkage and facial sagging
• Other teeth shifting to close the gap
• Heightened risk of gum disease

No Treatment At All

Some patients, with ease, accept their situation and leave the gap untreated. However, while it might save costs, ignoring a missing tooth can cause problems that patients should be aware of. For example, additional stress is placed on the remaining teeth, which might lead to the potential movement of opposing teeth, affecting the overall bite and alignment not to mention bone loss that can cause other teeth to fall out.