What is the Best Option for False Teeth? Fake Teeth Options
Missing a tooth or a whole jaw of teeth? Dentures are not your only option – and certainly not the conventional kind. To help you find the right prosthetic for your lifestyle and budget, we’ve created an ordered list below, from best to worst false teeth options, that can replace your missing teeth.
We’ll explore the good, the bad and the ugly, plus the price and what to expect with each and every prosthetic.
1. Dental implants
- Best for: A fixed prosthetic that mimics natural teeth
Dental implants are titanium screws that are inserted in your jawbone and secure natural-looking porcelain crowns, bridges or dentures.
Different types of implants:
- Single implants for individual tooth loss from £2,550 (inc. crown and abutment)
- Multiple dental implants for non-adjacent tooth loss from £5,000
- Implant-supported bridges to replace multiple missing teeth in a row from £2,000
- Implant-retained dentures to replace a full row of missing teeth with three implants from £5,000
- All on 4 or All on 6 dental implants to replace an entire arch of missing teeth using four implants from £12,000
Benefits:
- The most secure prosthetic with the least degree of movement
- The most durable prosthetic lasting up to 30 years or more
- Requires no special care or maintenance
- Offers a fixed, permanent solution to tooth loss
- The best for eating, chewing and speaking
- Prevents bone loss and facial sagging
Limitations:
- The cost (the priciest restoration)
- Process time (implants take three months to heal)
2. Dental bridges
- Best for: Hiding gaps
Dental bridges “bridge” the gap between a missing tooth and existing teeth. To have a dental bridge placed, you need existing, healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Costs from £1,200.
Benefits:
- Looks more natural than dentures
- Restores chewing and speech ability
- Prevents teeth from shifting
Limitations:
- Requires otherwise healthy teeth to be filed down to fit a crown
- It can be known to be unreliable or fall out
- Needs replacing every 5-7 years
- Does not prevent bone loss
3. Dentures
Dentures, typically relying on suction, are fake teeth that either replace a few missing teeth or a whole arch. Costs from £750.
Types of dentures:
- Partial dentures
- Complete dentures
- Cobalt chrome dentures
- Acrylic dentures
Patients who can only afford dentures but wish they were more secure can look into treatments that combine dental implants and dentures, like implant-retained dentures, for example. See permanent dentures for more details.
Benefits:
- Cheap and inexpensive
- Three weeks wait for them to be made
- Replaces missing teeth fast
Limitations:
- Relies mostly on suction or clips
- It becomes loose and needs changing over time
- Will require repairs
- Must be replaced every five years
- Uncomfortable and sore
- Lots of movement
- Restricted diet and speech
For help or advice, book a free missing teeth consultation at our practice in Hertfordshire.