“Out with the old, in with the new.” It’s more than just a catchy mantra; it’s a philosophy for growth and renewal. Whether embracing a new season of life or simply upgrading to something better, we often let go of the worn-out and broken to make room for what rejuvenates us. From furniture to fashion, replacing the old with the new can bring a sense of joy and revitalization. So, why not apply this mindset to your smile? If you have one or more teeth that are beyond repair, it may be time to extract them. Alternatively, if you’ve been missing teeth for some time, now’s the perfect time to explore solutions. Thanks to advancements in dentistry, there are many tooth replacement options available. While the choices may seem overwhelming, understanding them can empower you to make confident, informed decisions about your oral health.
Tooth Replacement Options
Dentistry has come a long way, offering innovative solutions for replacing missing teeth. That’s good news, considering 178 million Americans are missing at least one.
When you think about missing teeth, your first thought might be the gap in your smile. But the effects go beyond appearance—tooth loss can make everyday activities like eating and speaking more challenging. Without a strong dental foundation, chewing can be difficult, limiting your diet and preventing you from enjoying your favorite foods. Missing teeth can also affect your speech and lower your overall quality of life.
At the Utah Denture and Implant Center, we believe everyone deserves a smile that’s both functional and beautiful. We also recognize that every patient has unique needs, preferences, and goals. That’s why we offer various tooth replacement options tailored to fit your individual situation.
Traditional Dentures
Many people consider conventional dentures the go-to solution for tooth replacement. They’re a proven, cost-effective option that helps restore oral function.
However, while traditional dentures are a common first step, they do have limitations to keep in mind. Because dentures rest on your gums and rely on saliva and suction to stay secure, you may need adhesive to help stabilize them. The adhesive can leave a residue on your false teeth and gums, adding an extra step to your cleaning process.
Aside from an inconvenient cleaning routine, traditional dentures don’t stimulate the jawbone, which is essential for maintaining bone strength. Natural tooth roots keep your jaw healthy by providing stimulation when you eat. Without this stimulation, bone resorption occurs—meaning the bone weakens and shrinks over time. This process leads to changes in your facial appearance and causes your dentures to feel loose.
Implant Dentures
One alternative to traditional dentures is implant dentures, a much more stable and effective solution. Implant dentures are stabilized with dental implants, which are titanium posts that Dr. Ruedi Tillmann places into the jawbone. The implant fuses with the bone through osseointegration, a biological phenomenon that allows the post to function like natural tooth roots. As a result, dental implants help preserve jawbone strength. With an implant denture, you can enjoy the freedom to eat your favorite foods, speak with confidence, and maintain long-term jaw health.
At the Utah Denture and Implant Center, Dr. Tillmann offers snap-in dentures and roundhouse bridges to bring confidence back to your bite!
Dental Implants
Dental implants are versatile tooth replacement tools that support crowns, bridges, and dentures. As a result, they allow us to replace anywhere from one missing tooth to all the teeth in your mouth.
Dr. Tillmann offers two types: mini dental implants and traditional implants. These options differ significantly in size and design. A traditional implant is about 5 mm wide and has multiple pieces placed in separate surgeries. Mini implants, on the other hand, are half the size and just one piece.
Because of these differences, mini implants are a less invasive, more affordable option that requires minimal bone density. They’re ideal for patients who may not qualify for traditional implants. The procedure is quicker, involves less discomfort, and has a shorter recovery time—often allowing patients to enjoy their new smile the same day.
We often use mini implants to stabilize dentures or replace missing teeth with minimal downtime. Traditional implants, while highly durable, require more bone support, a longer healing period, and a more complex surgical process.
The right implant for you depends on your unique needs and goals. During your free implant consultation, Dr. Tillmann will evaluate your situation and recommend the best option.
Dental Bridges
A highway bridge connects two pieces of land across a river, and a dental bridge serves a similar purpose in your mouth. When you lose a tooth, it creates a gap that can affect your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. A dental bridge fills that space by replacing the missing tooth with an artificial one, restoring function and appearance.
The most common type is a traditional bridge, which is supported by your natural teeth. Dr. Tillmann places dental crowns over the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These crowns act as anchors, securely holding the replacement tooth in place.
For the most durable and long-lasting solution, we can pair your bridge with dental implants. Instead of relying on neighboring teeth for support, the bridge is attached to implants placed in your jawbone. This provides added strength, stability, and jawbone preservation, giving you a more secure and natural-feeling restoration.
Discover the Best Tooth Replacement Option for You
From implant dentures and bridges to dental implants, we offer plenty of stable, functional, and natural-looking tooth replacement options. Understanding your choices is key to making an informed decision—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Dr. Tillmann has decades of experience and is dedicated to helping patients like you find the best solution for their needs.
Contact us today to restore your smile! We’ll guide you through your options and help you achieve the confident, healthy smile you deserve.
