Common Causes of Missing Teeth
There are several common causes of missing teeth, including:
- Genetics
- Improper oral care habits
- Lack of access to quality dental care
- Gum disease
- Injury/trauma
- Smoking
- Poor nutritional habits
- Health conditions, including uncontrolled diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and more
Long-Term Problems Associated with Missing Teeth
- Difficulty biting/chewing food, which can lead to nutritional issues
- Jawbone deterioration
- Additional tooth loss
- Gum disease
- Altered bite
- Reduced self-esteem
Why is Teeth Replacement Necessary?
Teeth Replacement Options
Your teeth are important for your oral and overall health including your mental and emotional health. It’s no wonder there are several options for tooth replacement. If you are missing one or more teeth, you do have options for replacing them. Dr. Schwartz offers several options:
| Dentures | Dental Implants | Bridges | |
| How many teeth? | Up to an entire arch | Up to an entire arch when multiple implants are used | Several teeth in a row |
| Cost? | Ranges from around $300 for economy dentures to $4,000+ for higher-end options | Average of $5,000 per tooth | Ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+, depending on several factors including the type of bridge, the materials, and more |
| How Long for Results? | Depending on additional treatments required, typically takes a few weeks for the dental lab to fabricate custom dentures | Can take a minimum of several months to a year or more for the results | Depending on additional treatments, usually takes several weeks for the dental lab to fabricate the bridge |
| Comfort? | Sit on gums, causing pressure and friction sores | Inserted into the jawbone- looks, feels, and functions naturally | Attached to neighboring teeth or implants on either side of gap, should not move but may not be as comfortable as dental implants |
| Life expectancy? | Complete/Full dentures last about 10 to 15 years, while partials last about 20 years- depending on care and maintenance practices | Designed to last a lifetime, crown may need replacing in about 20 years | Lasts an average of 5 to 15 years, depending on care and maintenance practices |
| Insurance coverage? | Most dental insurance companies will cover dentures | Some will cover, some will not- depends on how it is classified | Most insurance providers cover a portion of dental bridge treatment |
How many teeth?
Dentures
Up to an entire arch
Dental Implants
Up to an entire arch when multiple implants are used
Bridges
Several teeth in a row
Cost?
Dentures
Ranges from around $300 for economy dentures to $4,000+ for higher-end options
Dental Implants
Average of $5,000 per tooth
Bridges
Ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+, depending on several factors including the type of bridge, the materials, and more
How Long for Results?
Dentures
Depending on additional treatments required, typically takes a few weeks for the dental lab to fabricate custom dentures
Dental Implants
Can take a minimum of several months to a year or more for the results
Bridges
Depending on additional treatments, usually takes several weeks for the dental lab to fabricate the bridge
Comfort?
Dentures
Sit on gums, causing pressure and friction sores
Dental Implants
Inserted into the jawbone- looks, feels, and functions naturally
Bridges
Attached to neighboring teeth or implants on either side of gap, should not move but may not be as comfortable as dental implants
Life expectancy?
Dentures
Complete/Full dentures last about 10 to 15 years, while partials last about 20 years- depending on care and maintenance practices
Dental Implants
Designed to last a lifetime, crown may need replacing in about 20 years
Bridges
Lasts an average of 5 to 15 years, depending on care and maintenance practices
Insurance coverage?
Dentures
Most dental insurance companies will cover dentures
Dental Implants
Some will cover, some will not- depends on how it is classified
Bridges
Most insurance providers cover a portion of dental bridge treatment
Dental Implants: The Golden Solution for Teeth Replacement
Many dental professionals refer to dental implants as the golden solution for teeth replacement. This is because implants don’t only restore the appearance of teeth, but the feel and functionality as well.
Dental implants are secured in the jawbone, which means they won’t slip and slide around in your mouth- and possibly fall out. Plus, you can eat what you like without worrying that you will damage the replacement.
There are a few disadvantages of dental implants, including:
- oral surgery is required for the placement of the implants
- the process takes a minimum of several months to a year or more to see results
- dental insurance may or may not cover the treatment, depending on how it is classified (cosmetic vs. restorative)
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today
There are only two certified implantologists in Boca Raton and one of them is at Wolf Schwartz Dentistry. If you are interested in learning more about tooth replacement options, including dental implants, schedule your consultation today. Dr. Schwartz is committed to helping his patients get their smiles back.
In addition to dental implants, Dr. Schwartz offers other services including Invisalign, All-on-4, Denture Stabilization, and more. He has more than 30 years of experience in the field and more than 25 of that has been spent teaching dental professionals.
We are located on SE 5th Street in Boca Raton. Our office hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday. Dr. Schwartz and the team are looking forward to working with you to improve your smile and give you back your confidence. Teeth Replacement FAQs
If you have any questions or concerns about your teeth replacement options, please feel free to reach out to us at any time. You can visit the website, call the office, or visit the office in person. Below, we’ve answered some of the questions that we get most often from our patients at Wolf Schwartz Dentistry.
Can 1 implant replace 2 teeth?
Can you replace a tooth with an implant?
Yes, it is possible to replace a single tooth with a single implant.
Are dental implants painful?
No, dental implants are typically not painful. At the very least, you will be given local anesthesia for the procedure. If you have anxiety or fears about dental work, sedation may be offered.
Can I replace all of my teeth?
Yes, it is possible to replace all of your teeth. The most budget-friendly option is conventional dentures. However, you may also replace them with full-mouth dental implants- which can be expensive. Then, there are hybrid options, which combine the affordability of dentures with the strength and life expectancy of dental implants.
How many teeth can a bridge replace?
Typically, a dental bridge can replace 2 to 4 teeth. This depends on the strength of the supporting teeth on either side of the gap. If you are missing more than 4 teeth in a row, the dentist may recommend an implant-supported dental bridge.
Can you get braces with missing teeth?
Yes, it is possible to get braces with missing teeth. In fact, braces may be recommended to straighten teeth to create space for dental implants to be placed.