Missing teeth
Whether you've lost one tooth or several, we'll help you understand every option and find the solution that's right for your smile, lifestyle and budget.
There are several good ways to replace missing teeth.
Missing a tooth — or several teeth — is more common than many people realise, and it's completely understandable to feel unsure about what to do next.
In some cases, a gap can be left alone. In others, replacing the missing tooth can restore the appearance of your smile and help you feel more confident, while also protecting your remaining teeth, supporting a more stable bite and improving chewing.
Dental Implants
A fixed replacement supported by an implant in the jawbone, designed to look, feel and function much like a natural tooth.
- Fixed in place
- Doesn't rely on neighbouring teeth
- Can provide excellent aesthetics
- Can replace one or several teeth
Dental Bridges
A fixed replacement that uses the neighbouring teeth for support, rather than being supported by an implant in the jawbone.
- Fixed rather than removable
- No implant surgery required
- Usually a simpler treatment process
- Generally costs less than an implant
- Can sometimes help protect neighbouring teeth
Dentures
Modern removable teeth can provide a comfortable and practical way to replace several or all missing teeth.
- Suitable for multiple missing teeth
- Removable and easy to maintain
- Natural-looking modern options
Understanding your options for replacing a missing tooth.
In this short video, Dr Suzie Boulos explains why replacing a missing tooth can matter for your long-term oral health and talks through the main treatment options: dental implants, bridges and dentures.
She explains the advantages and limitations of each approach so that, whether you've recently had a tooth removed or have lived with a gap for some time, you can better understand the choices available to you.
Why replace missing teeth?
Replacing missing teeth can help maintain the health, stability and function of your mouth, while also restoring the appearance of your smile and helping you feel more confident.
To prevent other teeth moving out of position
When a tooth is lost, the tooth that used to bite against it can gradually overgrow into the space, while the teeth either side of the gap may tilt or drift into it.
These changes can alter the way your teeth meet and may cause teeth to collide or meet in the wrong places when you chew.
Teeth that have tilted, drifted or overgrown can also create awkward areas where food and plaque become trapped. These areas can be more difficult to clean and may increase the risk of tooth decay.
To protect the remaining teeth
When a gap is left, the nearby teeth often have to share more of the chewing load. This can place greater strain on the remaining teeth and make them more vulnerable to chipping or fracture.
To improve chewing and digestion
Teeth play an important role in breaking food down properly. Missing teeth can make chewing less effective, while efficient chewing is the important first stage of digestion and extracting nutrients from food.
To restore your smile and confidence
For many people, appearance is one of the biggest reasons for replacing a missing tooth. A visible gap can affect how comfortable you feel smiling or laughing. Replacing missing teeth can restore a natural-looking, complete smile and can help create a fuller, more youthful appearance.
Missing teeth can also sometimes affect speech, particularly when a front tooth is missing. Your teeth help control airflow when forming certain sounds, so replacing the missing tooth may help restore clearer, more natural speech.
What determines the right option?
Every smile is different. During your appointment we'll assess your mouth, listen to what's important to you and explain which options are most appropriate for your individual circumstances.
How many teeth are missing?
Replacing one tooth may involve very different options from replacing several teeth. Both the number of missing teeth and the position of the spaces will influence which options are most appropriate.
The health of your teeth and gums
We'll assess the teeth surrounding the space, your gums and, where relevant, the amount and quality of supporting bone.
Fixed or removable?
Some people strongly prefer a fixed replacement, while for others a removable option may provide a simpler and very effective solution.
What matters most to you?
Appearance, longevity, treatment time, convenience and cost can all influence which option is ultimately right for you.
Questions about replacing missing teeth
Do I have to replace a missing tooth?
Not every missing tooth necessarily needs to be replaced. It depends on where the space is, how it affects your bite, appearance and function, and the health of the surrounding teeth. We can assess this and explain whether replacement would be beneficial.
What is the best way to replace one missing tooth?
A dental implant or bridge may both be suitable. The best option depends on factors including the neighbouring teeth, available bone, your oral health and your personal preferences.
Can several missing teeth be replaced?
Yes. Several missing teeth may be replaced using implants, bridges, dentures or a combination of treatments.
Am I too old for dental implants?
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. The majority of people can be considered for implant treatment, and suitability depends much more on your general health, oral health and the condition of your jawbone and gums than on your age.
What if my teeth have been missing for many years?
It may still be possible to replace them. Long-standing spaces can sometimes lead to movement of nearby teeth or changes in supporting bone, so we would assess your mouth carefully before discussing the available options.
How will I know which treatment is right for me?
We'll examine your mouth, assess the health of your teeth, gums and supporting structures, and listen to what you would like to achieve. We'll then explain the suitable options, including their advantages, limitations, likely treatment time and costs, so you can make an informed choice.
Still unsure which option is right for you?
You don't need to decide before you visit us. We'll take the time to understand your goals, assess your teeth and explain all of the suitable options available.
Our aim is simply to help you make an informed decision with confidence.