Options to Fill a Space
What are your options for filling a gap in your smile? Read through our guide below on what you can do to close a space where one or more teeth are missing. We offer all the options here at Pontcanna Dental Care. If you would like to discuss any of these options, just give us a call on 02920 387683.
OPTION 1 - LEAVE THE SPACE
Some people decide that the space, not being visible and not affecting eating function or speech, can be left as it is. This is fine but it is still important to attend regular examinations with your Dentist to monitor the space along with the health of the teeth beside the space.
OPTION 2 - REMOVABLE PROSTHESIS (DENTURE)
A simple solution to fill a space that can be fitted very soon after a tooth is extracted. They can be made of acrylic or a metal alloy depending on the design. They may require some adhesive to help retention and must be removed for cleaning and sleep. Regular follow up appointments are required to ensure good oral health is maintained.
For more information on Dentures click here
OPTION 3 - FIXED PROSTHESIS (BRIDGE)
A fixed bridge will fill a space and be cemented in place, therefore removal is not required. There are two main types. A Maryland or stick bridge in which the tooth is cemented using "wings" which adhere to adjacent teeth, or a crown retained bridge in which the teeth adjacent to the space are prepared for a crown and a tooth (or teeth) is suspended between the crowns. The second option is more secure, but it requires much more work in the preparation. Regular follow up appointments are required to ensure good oral health is maintained.
For more information on Bridges click here
OPTION 4 - IMPLANT
A fixed option that invloves the insertion of an implant into the bone of the space and either a crown or denture fixed to the implant. This requires placement of the implant by a specialist, followed by a "healing period" of 3 to 4 months. After healing, the final restoration is fixed to the implant. Regular follow up appointments are required to ensure good oral health is maintained, as well as regular visits with the Hygienist.
For more information on Implants click here
Some people decide that the space, not being visible and not affecting eating function or speech, can be left as it is. This is fine but it is still important to attend regular examinations with your Dentist to monitor the space along with the health of the teeth beside the space.
OPTION 2 - REMOVABLE PROSTHESIS (DENTURE)
A simple solution to fill a space that can be fitted very soon after a tooth is extracted. They can be made of acrylic or a metal alloy depending on the design. They may require some adhesive to help retention and must be removed for cleaning and sleep. Regular follow up appointments are required to ensure good oral health is maintained.
For more information on Dentures click here
OPTION 3 - FIXED PROSTHESIS (BRIDGE)
A fixed bridge will fill a space and be cemented in place, therefore removal is not required. There are two main types. A Maryland or stick bridge in which the tooth is cemented using "wings" which adhere to adjacent teeth, or a crown retained bridge in which the teeth adjacent to the space are prepared for a crown and a tooth (or teeth) is suspended between the crowns. The second option is more secure, but it requires much more work in the preparation. Regular follow up appointments are required to ensure good oral health is maintained.
For more information on Bridges click here
OPTION 4 - IMPLANT
A fixed option that invloves the insertion of an implant into the bone of the space and either a crown or denture fixed to the implant. This requires placement of the implant by a specialist, followed by a "healing period" of 3 to 4 months. After healing, the final restoration is fixed to the implant. Regular follow up appointments are required to ensure good oral health is maintained, as well as regular visits with the Hygienist.
For more information on Implants click here