whats the best replacement for lost tooth? Im hearing crowns, bridges and veneers? how does it differ?

Question

I lost my three front tooth. I have used dentures ever since and I dont like it. Its been three years since and I really need to get out of my dentures coz it making me depressed. It looks so unnatural and its very discomforting. I havent smile or laugh much ever since and have been avoiding conversations. It's pathetic isnt it? hehe.
I have already asked a dentist about it, and she told me that she will have to put bridges and then crowns on me. I didnt quiet get it, and didnt bother to ask much too(we talked over the phone). She also has given me a price quote and it's pretty expensive so I didnt bother appearing till I have the money.
Anyways, what do I really need to get my teeth fixed? Is crowns/veneers/bridge an option for me?
Thanks

Answer 1

Veneers are out, you have to have teeth to put veneers onto.
A permanent bridge would work, the three false teeth are attached to the two teeth on either side of the gap using crowns on those teeth, you do need to be careful with hygiene anytime you have a permanent crown as it is not easy to clean under the crown but you must or food gathers there and can infect your gums. The bridge is color matched to your natural teeth, usually for front teeth the bridge is porcelain, which is brittle so you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the porcelain, like chew ice or biting something hard like peanut brittle etc. The last bridge I got cost me four thousand dollars and lasted fifteen years before it fractured and I had to have it replaced. Which I opted not to as now the same bridge would cost me seven thousand dollars. But mine is in the back and not visible.
The only other option I can think of is implants. They have developed teeth that can literally be implanted into the jaw with screws, very expensive and sometimes rejected by the body.

Answer 2

crowns are for when the base of the tooth is there

veneers are for when the tooth is rotten or ugly or weird looking

bridges are a way to put some permanent fake teeth between some good ones, they do have to drill away some of the good ones on each side to attach them, then it can be hard to clean under and around them.

I bet its worth it.

I had to get a crown once 10 years ago, I read a stack of books by dentists at that point. Even if you didn't care how it looks, its still worth getting them fixed. Cheaper and more comfy than dentures, which will be your option when they fall out like dominoes. The hippie dentists said, temp fillings or teeth were ok till you could afford it, otherwise all the dentists said that.

Answer 3

anything that will replace three missing teeth up front gonna be costly.

first option is a bridge. They will have to put two crowns on each side of the hole =4 plus 3 missing teeth =7 unit bridge... you looking at about 7K investment and 4 teeth that are going to be ground down for the crowns to support the bridge. In a future they might decay or fracture and the bridge will need to be replaced.

second option are implants. for 3 implants you might end up paying about 6K. The advantage is they are single standing, independent, natural looking teeth. You not gonna jeopardize other 4 teeth and the success rate with implant is better than bridges. the healing takes 6 months. Find yourself a good dentist if you are serious about replacing your denture.
Good luck.

Answer 4

I have implants ... it is worth the extra money. The implant also acts as a "root" and will prevent bone loss in the jaw (which is what happens when a tooth is missing.. the bone is resorbed).

It is the cadillac of tooth replacement options.

If cost is a consideration, inquire at a local school of dentistry. I had my implants done at a university which had a "student" clinic. The price was half that of a local practitioner, and I must say, I am very pleased with the result. They did a great job.

Answer 5

Alkak gave a very good answer. Keep in mind, this is an investment that will last a very long time if done by a qualified dentist. Yes, implants are expensive, but if it lasts a lifetime, the value is there. How many cars last that long?

Answer 6

I would go with an implant. They would be the most natural looking since we are talking about your front teeth! Then you can smile :)