Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Replacing a Missing Tooth: Your Options Explained in Glen Iris

It’s easy to take your teeth for granted—until one is missing. Losing a tooth can affect far more than your appearance; it can impact your confidence, speech, and eating habits. If you’ve ever caught yourself smiling less, covering your mouth when speaking, or struggling to chew, you know how much one missing tooth can change daily life. At Tooronga Family Dentistry, we provide several effective and natural-looking options to replace missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.

The Four Main Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth

1. Moving Adjacent Teeth

In some cases, it’s possible to slightly reposition the surrounding teeth with an orthodontic treatment, to close the gap using your own natural teeth. This may be suitable when only a small space exists or when orthodontic alignment can restore balance. Learn more about this method under general dentistry.

2. Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a reliable and permanent solution where false teeth (known as pontics) are cemented or bonded into place. The teeth on either side of the gap are reduced in size and serve as anchors for the bridge. Bridges are a popular option because they look natural and restore chewing ability almost immediately after placement.

3. Partial Dentures

A partial denture is a removable option that replaces one or more missing teeth. It typically includes a metal or acrylic base with clasps that attach to nearby natural teeth for stability. Partial dentures are cost-effective, easy to clean, and can be adjusted or repaired if needed. However, they require regular removal for maintenance and cleaning.

4. Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial replacement for your tooth root, typically made of titanium. It is surgically inserted into the jawbone, providing a sturdy foundation for a custom crown. Dental implants feel and function like natural teeth, preventing bone loss and protecting surrounding teeth. They are the closest modern alternative to a permanent natural tooth.

Choosing the Right Option

The best choice for replacing a missing tooth depends on several factors:

  • Your overall oral and general health

  • The amount of supporting gum tissue and bone

  • The position of the missing tooth

  • Your personal preferences and budget

Before making a decision, our team will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each replacement option tailored to your needs, ensuring you make an informed and confident choice.

If you’re missing a tooth or want professional advice on your options, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Are Dentures Right for You?

You may have heard or seen dentures and have a general idea of how they look. But not all denture are the same, there are many designs and features with advantages and disadvantages to every solution. Here is a brief description,

Full dentures

Are the kind that first come in mind along with a vision of two pink pieces of plastic and teeth attached to them. These dentures are an option for those who had lost or need to have all their teeth removed. When in use for many years, these dentures wear and require replacement. Full dentures can be a good solution for those missing their teeth in the upper jaw. Once made for the first time these dentures require several months of adjusting and learning, of how to hold them in place, to function with them comfortably. For the lower jaw full dentures are difficult to function with, since there is little anchorage for them. Full dentures in the lower jaw frequently require the application of denture glue or joining them to the jaw with implants which makes them much more stable. Dr. Kaufman has much experience in denture design and implants to help one achieve a good outcome.

Partial dentures

Are an option for those who had lost several teeth, but the remaining ones are healthy.  A partial denture will be anchored by the remaining teeth and replace the missing ones. The  size and design of the partial denture depends on how many teeth are remaining, where they are located in the mouth, and the overall oral health of the gum tissue. When Dr. Kaufman will offer a partial denture as an option for you, he will go into the different possible designs their advantages and disadvantages. One of the major concerns with partial dentures is the heavy load they transfer to the remaining teeth, which can lead to their loss.

Since many consider missing teeth as a sign of poor hygiene or old age, which can lead to low self esteem, social and behavioral problems. Dentures are an aesthetic replacement for the missing teeth that allow one to chew, eat, and speak properly. They allow for the replacement of multiple teeth or all of them at a relatively low cost.

Dentures require the same oral care as natural teeth. The gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth should be brushed twice daily. The dentures themselves need to be brushed with a non-abrasive cleanser, and they must be carefully stored in water when not being worn. If dentures don’t fit properly, they can cause mouth irritation, or even fall out at inopportune moments. That’s why it is so important to schedule periodical examination to see if the dentures are in a good shape.
Please contact us at Tooronga Family Dentistry for further information or scheduling an appointment for dentures.