Missing teeth often affect more than just our smile…
They impact how we eat, speak, and even feel about ourselves.
Fortunately, even if you are missing a tooth or more, modern dentistry offers several reliable solutions to replace missing teeth. The three most common options are dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges.
But how do you know which one is right for you?
At Advanced Dental Care, Mosman, our team of expert dentists prioritise your dental health and comfort. Read on to know how each option works, their benefits and drawbacks, and what factors to consider so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters
Missing teeth bring challenges that go deeper than they look. Leaving a missing tooth untreated can lead to:
✓ Difficulty chewing and speaking
✓ Shifting of surrounding teeth
✓ Bone loss in the jaw
✓ Changes in facial shape
✓ Reduced confidence
Over time, one can naturally lose teeth due to ageing, dental issues, or unexpected accidents.
Replacing missing teeth is important not only for restoring your smile’s appearance, but also for improving everyday functions like eating and speaking. Most importantly, timely tooth replacement helps protect your long-term oral health by preventing bone loss and keeping surrounding teeth properly aligned.
So, if you are considering replacing your missing teeth, let’s check the best options for you.
Option 1: Dental Implants
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once healed, a crown is attached to the implant, creating a tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural one.
Key Benefits of Dental Implants
✓ Look and feel most like natural teeth
✓ Do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support
✓ Help prevent jawbone loss
✓ Long-lasting solution (often 15+ years)
✓ Strong, stable, and comfortable
Consider
✓ Higher upfront cost
✓ Requires surgery and healing time
✓ Not suitable for everyone without adequate bone (bone grafting may be required)
Best For
If you are seeking a long-term, fixed solution that offers maximum comfort, stability, and natural appearance, you may want to consider dental implants.
Option 2: Dentures
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch. They can be full dentures or partial dentures, depending on how many teeth are missing.
Key Benefits of Dentures
✓ Most affordable upfront option
✓ Non-surgical solution
✓ Can replace many teeth at once
✓ Faster treatment timeline
Consider
✓ May feel bulky or less secure
✓ Can move or slip while eating or speaking
✓ Do not prevent jawbone loss
✓ Require regular adjustments and replacement
Best For
If you are looking for a budget-friendly or non-surgical option, or those missing many teeth, dentures may be your best option.
Option 3: Dental Bridges
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to neighbouring natural teeth or crowns.
Key Benefits of Dental Bridges
✓ Fixed (non-removable) solution
✓ Faster than implants
✓ More stable than dentures
✓ Natural-looking results
Consider
✓ Requires reshaping healthy neighbouring teeth
✓ Does not prevent bone loss beneath the missing tooth
✓ Typically lasts 10 to 15 years
✓ May need replacement over time
Best For
If you are missing one or a few teeth, with healthy teeth on either side of the gap, you can consider dental bridges.
Dental Implants vs Dentures vs Bridges: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Dental Implants | Dentures | Dental Bridges |
| Appearance | Very natural | Natural, but less realistic | Natural |
| Stability | Fixed & secure | Removable | Fixed |
| Bone Preservation | Yes | No | No |
| Lifespan | 15+ years | 5 to 10 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Impact on Other Teeth | None | Minimal | Affects adjacent teeth |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront | Mid-range |
Comfort & Daily Life
When it comes to everyday comfort, each tooth replacement option feels a little different. Dental implants tend to feel the most natural, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, much like you would with your own teeth.
Dentures can take some time to get used to, especially in the beginning. While many patients adapt well, they may feel less stable over time and sometimes require adjustments for comfort.
Dental bridges offer a secure, fixed solution and feel more stable than dentures, but they do rely on the surrounding natural teeth for support.
Ultimately, your daily comfort, lifestyle, and personal preferences play a big role in choosing the option that feels right for you.
Maintenance & Aftercare
All tooth replacement options require care:
✓ Implants: Brush, floss, and attend regular dental visits, just like natural teeth.
✓ Dentures: Remove daily for cleaning and soak overnight.
✓ Bridges: Require meticulous cleaning around the bridge to prevent decay.
Good oral hygiene helps extend the lifespan of any solution you choose.
Which Option Is Best for You?
The right solution depends on:
✓ Number of missing teeth
✓ Bone health
✓ Budget
✓ Overall oral health
✓ Lifestyle preferences
At Advanced Dental Clinic, we take a personalised approach and carefully assess your dental health and goals before recommending the most suitable treatment.
Restore Your Smile
Dental implants, dentures, and bridges all offer effective ways to restore your smile, but they serve different needs. While implants provide the most durable and natural result, dentures and bridges remain excellent solutions for the right candidates.
It is important to choose a treatment that supports your long-term oral health, comfort, and confidence.
Considering Tooth Replacement? Let’s Talk
If you’re considering the best option for your smile, routine and confidence, book a consultation with Advanced Dental Care, Mosman. Our experienced team walks you through your options and helps you make a decision you’ll feel confident about, today and into the future.
FAQs
Which tooth replacement option feels the most natural?
Dental implants feel the most natural because they are fixed into the jawbone and function like real teeth. They don’t move or slip and allow you to eat and speak comfortably.
Are dentures uncomfortable to wear?
Dentures aren’t usually painful, but they can take time to adjust to. Some patients experience initial discomfort or movement, which can often be improved with proper fitting and regular adjustments.
How do I choose between implants, dentures, and bridges?
The best option depends on factors such as the number of missing teeth, your oral health, budget, and lifestyle. A personalised consultation with your dentist will help determine which solution is most suitable for your needs.
