I Need Help With Missing Teeth
Dental Replacement Options
Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile — they can impact your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident day to day. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease, finding the right replacement is important for both function and long-term oral health. At Gentle Dental Centre, we offer a range of dental replacement options to help you restore your smile and feel confident again.
Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters
Gaps left by missing teeth can cause nearby teeth to shift out of position, leading to bite problems, jaw discomfort, and an increased risk of decay or gum disease. Over time, missing teeth may also contribute to bone loss in the jaw and changes to your facial structure.
Replacing your teeth helps:
- Restore chewing function and speech
- Prevent teeth from shifting
- Maintain jawbone health
- Improve facial aesthetics and confidence
What Are My Dental Replacement Options?
At Gentle Dental Centre, we tailor each treatment plan to suit your dental health, preferences, and budget. Common dental replacement options include:
A permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. An implant involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which supports a custom-made crown. Ideal for single or multiple missing teeth.
A bridge is used to fill the gap between teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to adjacent natural teeth. This is a fixed solution that doesn’t require surgery and can be completed relatively quickly.
Removable appliances that replace several or all missing teeth. Available as full or partial dentures, they’re a practical option for restoring function and aesthetics — especially when budget or bone density limits other options.
What Is the Best Option to Replace Your Teeth?
The best option depends on your oral health, the number of teeth missing, and your long-term goals.
- For a natural feel and appearance: Dental implants are the gold standard. They integrate with the bone and help prevent further bone loss. We can complete multiple dental implants, or single tooth implants, depending on your needs.
- For a faster, non-surgical fix: Bridges can be a good middle-ground, especially if the teeth next to the gap are healthy.
- For affordability and flexibility: Dentures offer a reliable solution with minimal upfront cost.
Your dentist will assess your mouth and help you decide on the most suitable treatment based on your needs.
What Is the Cheapest Option to Replace Missing Teeth?
If you’re looking for cheap options for missing teeth, dentures are generally the most affordable solution. While they may not offer the same level of stability or longevity as implants, modern dentures are well-made, functional, and can dramatically improve your ability to eat and speak.
At Gentle Dental Centre, we can also discuss staged treatment plans — starting with a cost-effective option now, and transitioning to implants or bridges in the future if desired.
How Long Do You Go Without Teeth When Getting Implants?
The timeline for dental implants can vary depending on your individual treatment needs. In most cases:
- After a tooth is extracted, a healing period of several weeks to a few months is required before the implant can be placed.
- Once the implant is inserted, it typically needs 3–6 months to integrate with the jawbone before a crown is attached.
- In some cases, a temporary denture or bridge can be provided while you wait.
You won’t need to go without teeth — your dentist will ensure you have a temporary solution in place to maintain your appearance and function during the healing period.
Dental Veneers for Missing Teeth
Dental veneers are typically used to enhance the appearance of damaged, discoloured, or slightly misaligned teeth — but they are not a suitable replacement for missing teeth. Veneers require a healthy tooth structure underneath to bond to, so they can’t be used to fill a gap where a tooth is completely missing. However, in some cases, veneers can be used alongside other dental replacement options, such as bridges or implants, to create a natural, uniform smile. Your dentist will assess your needs and let you know whether veneers can play a role in your treatment plan.
Book a Consultation to Discuss Your Options
If you’re missing one or more teeth, don’t wait to find a solution. The sooner you explore your dental replacement options, the easier it is to protect your oral health and restore your confidence. Our team at Gentle Dental Centre is here to help you weigh up all the choices — including cheap options for missing teeth — and find a plan that works for you
