When teeth are missing, there are three main ways to replace them: a removable denture, a fixed bridge, or dental implants. A denture that clips onto implants sits between the two. Each suits different mouths, health and plans, and your dentist explains the options after an examination and X-rays.
Removable dentures
A removable denture replaces one, several or all of your teeth and is taken out for cleaning. It needs no surgery. Full dentures replace all the teeth in a jaw; partial dentures clip onto your remaining teeth with a thin metal framework, or use a flexible resin with no metal clasps. A digital full denture, designed and milled on a computer, is also available.
New dentures can feel strange for the first few weeks. Gums and bone change over time, so dentures may need relining, repair or adjustment.
Fixed bridges
A bridge is a fixed replacement held by crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. It does not come out, and it usually takes two main visits a few days apart. The teeth beside the gap need to be shaped for the crowns, so a bridge makes most sense when those teeth already need crowns.
Dental implants and implant-retained dentures
An implant replaces the root of a missing tooth and carries a crown, a bridge or a full arch of teeth, without shaping the neighboring teeth. It needs enough bone, minor surgery and two stages a few months apart. For people who already wear a full denture, a denture that clips onto implants moves less when eating and speaking.
How the options compare
- Surgery: removable dentures and bridges need none; implants need minor surgery under local anesthesia.
- Neighboring teeth: a bridge needs them shaped for crowns; dentures and implants do not.
- Time: most dentures need at least 3–4 visits; a bridge usually takes two main visits a few days apart; implants take two stages a few months apart.
- Daily care: dentures come out to clean; bridges and implants are cleaned in the mouth like natural teeth, including under and around them.
- Cost: each option and material is listed on our prices page, and your dentist gives you an estimate after the examination.
Choosing with or for an older parent
Your general health, the medicines you take, how easy it is to clean the teeth or denture each day, and how many visits are practical all matter as much as the teeth themselves. Bring a list of medicines to the consultation, and you are welcome to come with your parent so the dentist can explain the options to both of you.
To use your Social Security dental benefit for dentures, you pay at the clinic, we prepare a medical certificate and receipt, and you claim the benefit with these documents.