How Much Does it Cost to Replace Missing Teeth?

As any dentist will tell you, replacing missing teeth is extremely important for many reasons. Not only will replacing missing teeth restore the look and function of your smile, but it will also prevent problems in the future. Nowadays, there are a variety of tooth replacement options available for you to choose from. 

 

However, when considering treatment for tooth replacement, many people are concerned about the cost of replacing a missing tooth. While the exact cost will vary depending on things that cannot easily be changed like your individual case, dentist, and location, there are a few things that you can do to affect the cost. 

 

The cost of replacing missing teeth will ultimately depend upon the treatment option, as well as the dental materials used for the restoration. Additionally, cost may also depend upon whether other issues are present or post-treatment care. Therefore, these are the things you can control in terms of cost. 

 

As mentioned before, there are different options available to replace missing teeth. The most commonly used methods are bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Dental bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth when there are healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges consist of one dental crown mounted onto the healthy teeth on either side of the gap with one or more fake teeth filling in the gap. These fake teeth are known as pontics and can be made from different dental materials. 

 

Dentures are another option to replace missing teeth. There are two types of dentures: full and partial dentures. Partial dentures are also sometimes referred to as dental bridges because they are very similar. However partial dentures can be removable, while dental bridges are generally fixed. Full dentures are also removable and are used to replace an entire arch of teeth. They can also be used to replace an entire mouth of teeth. For more information about the dental materials used to make dentures, see our article on “What are Dentures Made Of?” 

 

Finally, there are dental implants. These are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jawbone. They can support a dental crown to replace a single missing tooth or larger prosthesis such as a bridge or even dentures to replace multiple missing teeth. These are known as implant-supported bridges or implant-supported dentures. 

 

In addition to the type of treatment, you will also need to consider the types of dental materials being used. Each dental material has their own pros and cons, so you should discuss these with your dentist before deciding which material is right for you. Certain dental materials, like composite resin, are more affordable but they may also lack the strength of other materials, such as porcelain. 

 

When deciding on a dental material, you will want to not only take the cost into account, but the longevity of the material and the location where it is being placed. This is because a cheaper dental material does not necessarily save you money if you need to replace it constantly. Therefore, it may actually be more affordable in the long run to go for the expensive material. 

As a final note, if you are still concerned about the cost of replacing missing teeth, there are several options available to offset these costs. The first is dental insurance. Different dental insurance companies will provide different levels of coverage for restorative procedures, so do your research. Additionally, there are several dental financing companies, such as Care Credit, that can help finance your treatment. 

 

Overall, the cost of replacing missing teeth will vary depending on several factors, making it difficult to estimate. Certain restoration methods may have lower initial costs, but more maintenance costs, and vice versa. Additionally, the dental materials you choose can also affect the cost. Therefore, if you need to replace a missing tooth, you should schedule a consultation with your local dental office to discuss your options.