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Replacement Teeth: Comparing Treatments, Costs & Longevity

replacement-teeth

Do you have broken and worn teeth? Or large gaps in your smile? Replacement teeth are the perfect solution. This umbrella term refers to a number of restorative dental treatments that give you back your once beautiful, healthy smile. Skip to:

Dental implants

A specialism of Yorkshire Dental Suite, dental implants are a type of teeth replacement that stops pain caused by biting and chewing, while instantly restoring confidence in your smile. The procedure includes surgically inserting an implant post into your jawbone, followed by an abutment and a porcelain crown. We use grade 5 titanium, an ultra-durable material renowned for its longevity, to provide up to 20 years of wear. Patients are able to have as many dental implants as they wish. Whether you need to replace just a single tooth or require a full mouth of implants, our surgeons will give you a brand-new smile in just one appointment.

Dental bridges

This treatment is used when multiple adjacent teeth need replacing. Depending on the current condition of your mouth, your dentist will be able to identify which is the most suitable option for you. The lifespan of a bridge lasts anywhere from 5 years to 20. Here are the different types of dental bridges:

  • Traditional dental bridge: This bridge attaches to the healthy adjacent teeth on both sides of the gap to stay in place. It is also known as a partial denture.
  • Cantilever dental bridge: An ideal choice for patients who only have a neighbouring tooth on one side of the gap for the bridge to anchor onto.
  • Maryland dental bridge: Metal wings are used to secure the bridge to your teeth. Typically used to replace front teeth, the wings attach to the healthy adjacent teeth on both sides of the gap.
  • Implant-supported dental bridge: The bridge is fixed in place using a dental implant, rather than attaching to the healthy teeth next to the gap and causing damage.

Dentures

Another way in which you can replace teeth is with a denture. Commonly referred to as false teeth, these orthodontic devices fit over your gums or clip onto the remaining teeth you have. A complete denture offers a full teeth replacement for the upper and/or lower jaw. A partial denture, as mentioned earlier, is used to replace one or more missing teeth in any area of the mouth. Lasting between 7 and 20 years, patients are able to opt for a removable denture or a fixed denture (which uses dental implants to permanently attach the replacement teeth to your jaw).

Teeth replacement cost

Those with painful broken, worn and missing teeth have probably thought to themselves, I want all my teeth removed and replaced. UK patients are able to undergo their smile transformation at Yorkshire Dental Suite. Let’s do a quick YDS price comparison of your replacement teeth treatment options:

  • Dental implants: A single dental implant cost is £2,800. The price goes up to £49,995 for a full mouth of implants.
  • Dental bridges: The starting price for a dental bridge is £1,200, going up to £49,995 for an implant-retained bridge that replaces both your upper and lower jaw.
  • Dentures: We charge £900 upwards for a denture. Based on the type you choose, this price increases to £49,995.

Dentures and dental bridges are available on the NHS for £326.70, falling under the Band 3 category. They will only be provided to a patient if it is deemed clinically necessary. On the other hand, while they are available on the NHS, you are much less likely to be eligible for dental implant treatment. This procedure is usually only available at private dental clinics.

Pros and cons of replacement teeth

If you are looking to transform your smile with replacement teeth, it is important that you are aware of each procedure’s pros and cons. We have created a quick summary to help you make an informed decision:


ProCon

Dental implants

Restores confidence and stops pain Impressive longevity

High cost Risk of implant failure

Dental bridges

Restores confidence and stops pain Faster treatment time than implants*

Oral hygiene challenges* Damages healthy teeth*

Dentures

Restores confidence and stops pain Low cost*

May pinch* Can impact your speech*

  *Depends on the specific orthodontic device chosen

Why should I fill the missing gaps in my smile?

Alongside the aesthetic advantages, there are multiple reasons as to why you should fill the gaps in your smile with replacement teeth. If teeth are missing for an extended period of time, multiple oral health issues may arise.

Tooth migration

This is when your teeth gradually move away from their original position. They can move sideways into the gap (horizontal tooth migration) or drift up or down to fill a space (vertical tooth migration). When teeth move, it affects the way your bottom and top jaws meet, leading to issues such as headaches, chips and painful joint problems.

Bone loss

When a tooth is lost, there is no stimulation of the jawbone, causing it to gradually deteriorate. This bone loss can have a significant impact on the features of your face and encourage artificial ageing, for example, your lips may collapse inwards. Bone loss also affects your ability to have certain dental treatments without the need for additional procedures, such as dental implants.

Smile misalignment

Many patients experiencing tooth migration also have misalignment issues. Misaligned teeth are hard to clean, causing bacteria and food particles to become trapped. If this build-up isn’t effectively removed, it leads to gum disease and persistent bad breath (in severe cases).

Chewing and biting problems

When you chew, you are breaking down food in order to absorb all of its proteins, vitamins and nutrients. This process is negatively impacted by missing teeth. As mentioned earlier, tooth loss alters your bite and the alignment of your smile. If your teeth are not meeting properly when biting down or chewing, your existing teeth are at a heightened risk of wear and tear. Conclusion: Every Yorkshire Dental Suite clinic is home to an expert team that will bring your dream smile to life with state-of-the-art technology, years of experience and meticulous attention to detail. When you book your teeth replacement, you can expect a 5-star experience from the very best in the game. Enquire today.