It is not embarrassing you lose your tooth to an accident or infection, but it becomes a problem when you lose your self-confidence because of the single tooth loss. Apart from the social and psychological effects, it can also affect your dental health.
Yes, the loss of a single tooth can lead to the sagging of your facial muscles or even cause the other teeth in your mouth to shift. Fortunately, you can replace the missing tooth, and you don’t need full dentures to do so. You can go for a single tooth denture treatment.
This article provides you will all the important information you need to know about single-tooth dentures.
What Are Single Tooth Dentures?
Single tooth dentures are dentures designed specifically to replace a single missing tooth. Single tooth dentures consist of artificial teeth with a gum base and a metal structure that holds them in place in the mouth. They are also known as partial dentures or overdentures, as they serve as a partial replacement for a missing tooth, rather than a full denture option.
Single Tooth Denture Options
In a single tooth denture, there are two major options to choose from. These options are partial dentures and overdentures. Each patient has an option that suits him best. It is left for you to discuss with your best dentist and arrive at the ideal choice for your missing tooth. Both are great solutions with differences in needs and oral health.
Partial Denture
If you prefer a removable option, then the partial denture is ideal for you. The partial denture only replaces a few missing teeth, not all. The removable partial dentures are not stable. This means that they can go in and out of the mouth, which some may find annoying.
The removable partial denture comprises a metal framework with pink acrylic or plastic. To have a partial denture, you must be sure you possess healthy and stable teeth. It is only a healthy tooth that can take in the metal framework, which goes across the upper jaw or lower jaw, and then hooks to some of the remaining teeth.
One major disadvantage of this option is that some patients may be allergic to the metal used in the framework or to the acrylic. Partial dentures are bound to get loose over time because they are harder to tighten around the supporting teeth.
Overdentures
Overdentures are also called hybrid or tooth-supported dentures. They are a type of removable denture worn over one or more natural teeth to replace the missing ones.
Overdentures like dental implants are fused to the gum to stimulate tooth rots. Overdentures use the natural teeth that are still present as abutments to secure the denture, unlike dental implants that use titanium posts to hold the denture to a place.
Pros and Cons of Single Tooth Dentures
There are always two sides to a coin, which is the same with single tooth dentures. It would be best if you spoke with your medical personnel before deciding which single tooth option to use.
Pros of Single Tooth Dentures
- Partial dentures are cost-effective. Only a few teeth are replaced instead of all.
- Since they are removable, dental care is easier than implants.
- A single tooth replacement treatment looks natural and blends in with your remaining teeth. They also complement your smile.
Cons of Single Tooth Dentures
- Single tooth dentures through cost-effectiveness can be expensive without insurance.
- Single tooth dentures need regular upkeep. You must follow a regular dental hygiene routine. Clean your dentures the same way you would clean your natural teeth. To maintain a healthy and long-lasting denture, brush and floss daily.
Single Tooth Denture Cost Australia
The cost of partial dentures, which include single tooth dentures, typically ranges from $700 to $1,400. This price does not include additional costs such as tooth extractions, examinations, and X-rays. In some cases, the cost of a single tooth denture could escalate to as much as $2,000. It’s important to note that dental implants, which require surgical procedures, are more expensive than partial dentures. However, some dental insurance plans may cover the cost of dentures either fully or partially.
Single Tooth Denture vs Dental Implant
A single tooth denture and a dental implant both solve the missing teeth issue, but they are not the same. While dental implants are a permanent solution that is screwed into the jaw bone, single tooth dentures are a temporary solution as they are removable.
In dental implants, the dentist uses a titanium post as the artificial tooth root and surgically implants it into your jawbone. The bone then grows over it and stabilises; now, your dentist attaches the abutment. You go and come back in a few months; then, a porcelain crown will be cemented onto the abutment.
The single tooth denture is different from dental implants. The partial dentures hook onto the remaining teeth, while the base keeps the artificial tooth in place.
What Does a Single Tooth Denture Look Like
A single tooth denture appears as an artificial tooth connected to a base that is colored to match the gums, often made from pink plastic, acrylic, or even metal. This structure is designed to support the denture by attaching it to the remaining teeth.
What Are The Alternatives to Single Tooth Dentures?
Alternatives to single tooth dentures include dental bridges and dental implants. A dental bridge is a false tooth held in place by crowns on adjacent teeth. A dental implant involves a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a root for the replacement tooth. Both options offer a more permanent solution compared to dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Have a Denture For One Tooth?
Yes, it is possible to have a denture for just one tooth. These are often referred to as “flippers” and, while not as stable, they serve as a temporary replacement until a permanent, lab-created tooth is ready.
How Long Does a Single Tooth Denture Last?
Dentures are not a permanent solution and typically last between 5 to 10 years. Even high-quality dentures will need to be replaced after this period.
Do Dentures Change Your Face?
Yes, dentures can change the appearance of your face. In some cases, they may cause a person to appear older and can lead to facial collapse in some individuals.
What is the Cheapest Way to Replace a Missing Tooth?
Dentures are the most affordable method for replacing a missing tooth. This is due to the shorter creation time and the absence of surgical procedures and dental crown placements.
How Many Teeth Do You Need for a Partial Denture?
Dentists generally recommend partial dentures for individuals with three or more missing teeth that are adjacent to each other.
Conclusion
If you have a missing tooth or teeth, go for a tooth replacement. It is not a wrong idea, and the better it is done, the quicker you avoid further problems. To have a single tooth replacement, check your budget and your needs. Then talk with your dentist to understand better the concepts, pros, and cons of a single tooth replacement.
While single dentures are a great option, it is highly recommended that you have your treatment in an experienced dental clinic. In this case, Mindarie Quinns Dental Clinic is a suitable clinic to get your dental treatment. Our dentists and oral surgeon are always available to attend to you and give you the best treatment possible for you.