What Are the Cheapest Ways to Replace a Missing Tooth?

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If you are missing a tooth, it's a good idea to replace that tooth as soon as possible. The complications from just one missing tooth can change your bite — and your face — considerably. But what if you can't afford dental implants? Then you'll need a cheaper tooth replacement option.

Fortunately, if your dental budget is limited, you have a couple of cheaper tooth replacement options at your disposal.

Removable Partial Denture

The cheapest option to replace a single tooth is a removable partial denture. Partial dentures are a good option for you when your budget is limited or when you plan to invest in a more expensive option in future, such as a dental implant, but don't have the finances to do so currently.

Partial dentures are usually made of acrylic, with one or more false teeth that are usually composed of acrylic resin. The best thing about partial dentures, aside from the cost, is that you can remove them whenever you don't need them. They attach to your teeth via metal clasps that hold them in place so they don't fall out when you speak or eat.

While wearing your partial denture, you might suffer some discomfort at first. This is because the metal clasps that fit over adjacent teeth could irritate your gums and even cause some dental sensitivity if your teeth tend to be sensitive.

Resin-bonded Bridge

A slightly more expensive but more permanent option is a resin-bonded bridge. Unlike partial dentures, you cannot remove a resin-bonded bridge. So, bear this in mind when choosing between the two. A resin-bonded bridge, much like a partial denture, consists of a false tooth that is attached to adjacent healthy teeth.

But resin-bonded bridges, as their name suggests, attach to the backs of the teeth on either side of the gap in the smile with composite resin cement. This means that these bridges are more permanent than a partial denture.

But, as the cheapest form of bridge available to you, they also have their drawbacks. One of these drawbacks is that over time, they can dislodge from the backs of your teeth when placed under pressure from eating or other oral habits. Fortunately, your dentist can easily replace your dislodged resin-bonded bridge if it comes off.

These are two of the cheapest ways to replace a single missing tooth. Which works best for you? If money is tight, a partial denture might be the best option, since it is cheap and you can remove it whenever you don't need it. Reach out to a dentist to learn more.


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