Can Dentures Replace One Missing Tooth?

dentures missing tooth

Written by

Michael Jones

in

| Reviewed by

Evelyn Chong

Updated on

Key Takeaways

💡 Multiple replacement options exist for a single missing tooth, including dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants, with the choice depending on factors like cost and condition of adjacent teeth.

💡 Dentures are cost-effective short-term solutions but often cause discomfort, have stability issues, and require replacement every 5-7 years as the supporting bone resorbs.

💡 Dental bridges offer a more permanent alternative that maintains facial structure, prevents teeth shifting, and restores normal function without the discomfort associated with removable dentures.

💡 Dental implants provide the most permanent solution with advantages including no discomfort from dentures, no trimming of neighboring teeth, and in Singapore, they’re Medisave claimable unlike dentures.

Dentures are arguably one of the most popular options for lost teeth. People who have had teeth extracted due to disease or an accident have probably contemplated filling the gaps to restore dental function.

If you’ve seen elderly folks wear dentures to replace missing teeth, you might be wondering if dentures can be used to replace a single missing tooth.

Multiple Ways to Replace a Single Front Tooth

There are several ways for replacing a single missing front tooth, including:

What you choose is often determined by a variety of criteria, including cost and the condition of the adjacent teeth.

Dentures: Cost-Effective but May Cause Discomfort

Dentures are ideal for replacing a single front tooth in the short term, especially when cost is a concern.

However, most dentures will eventually cause discomfort since they require fitting a plastic or metal base over the gums.

Common issues include:

  • Instability
  • Pain
  • Dry mouth
  • Discomfort when speaking or chewing

Dentures Also Require Replacement Over Time

The average lifespan of a denture is 5 – 7 years. Over the years, the dentures’ fit may weaken as the supporting bone resorbs. This means:

  • Dentures will need to be replaced regularly
  • They may impair speech and chewing ability

Dental Bridges: A Long-Lasting Alternative

Dental bridges are often composed of two or more dental crowns on adjacent teeth. They serve as a permanent and aesthetically pleasing alternative to removable dentures.

Benefits of dental bridges:

  • Maintain facial structure
  • Prevent teeth from shifting
  • Restore chewing and speaking abilities
  • More comfortable than traditional dentures

Dentures Are Not Medisave Claimable

Another downside of dentures is that they cannot be claimed under Medisave as they are considered a regular dental procedure.

Dental Implants: A Permanent Option

Dental implants involve inserting tiny titanium screws into the bone to replace the root of a lost tooth.

They provide a long-term solution for restoring appearance, function, and speech.

Benefits of Dental Implants:

  • No discomfort from wearing dentures
  • No trimming of neighboring teeth, unlike dental bridges
  • Medisave claimable in most Singaporean dental clinics, as they are considered a surgical procedure

Consider Tooth Arrangement and Color Before Replacing

Dental bridges, dentures, and implants are all considered permanent solutions.

Before proceeding, it’s essential to:

  • Examine the arrangement of your teeth
  • Consider the color for a natural look

With numerous tooth replacement options available, it’s crucial to research and consult with qualified professionals to choose the best fit for your specific needs.

Here’s to more smiles ahead!

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