From time to time, a tooth has to go. Luckily, there are ways to replace teeth to give you your smile back or to help you to chew better.

Why replace teeth?

• To give you more teeth to chew with. This makes it easier to eat your food, but also protects the other teeth from undue stress.

• To improve the appearance of your smile.

• To prevent other teeth from moving into the gap and growing out of place.

Replacement Options

1. Fixed Dental Implants - often the best way to replace a tooth long term

2. Ceramic Dental Bridges - connecting a replacement tooth to the teeth next door

3. Dentures - partial or full removable dentures

4. Orthodontics - moving the surrounding teeth to fill in the gap

Pros and Cons

​Replacement Option	Pros	Cons
Dental Implant	Looks and feels like a natural tooth Long-lasting and can last a lifetime with proper maintenance Anchored to the jaw for ideal strength and comfort when chewing Preserves jaw bone in the area	More invasive option requiring some recovery time More expensive option Require regular care and maintenance both at home and with your dentist Can take up to 6 months from start to beginning of treatment Not suitable for smokers/vapers
Dental Bridge	Less invasive option compared to implants, with no surgery required after tooth removal Less expensive than dental implants Can be completed in as little as 3 weeks Comfortable to eat with and looks natural	​Relies on the surrounding teeth for support, which can put additional stress on these teeth and increase the risk of decay or loss Not as long-lasting as dental implants Does not preserve jawbone density in area like implant
Denture	Affordable option for those looking to replace multiple missing teeth Non-invasive Can be constructed quickly to restore your smile	Can be uncomfortable and may cause irritation, especially for those who wear them for extended periods of time Does not provide the same level of stability as dental implants or bridges, which can lead to slipping or shifting Does not preserve jawbone in the area, which can cause denture loosening over time
​Orthodontic Space Closure	Can close gaps between teeth, improving the appearance of your smile and restoring confidence without adding any false teeth Very long lasting with proper retainer wear Can also improve bite and jaw alignment Non-invasive, making them a good option for those who are not comfortable with the idea of surgery or dental work Invisalign available now as a more aesthetically acceptable option than braces	​Can take a long time, with some treatments taking up to two years to complete. Some ongoing mild discomfort from time to time during treatment Cosmetically not ideal during treatment if having braces More expensive option in some cases