When you express your desire to get your missing teeth replaced, the dentist will consider various options that are available by taking into account a myriad number of factors, among which the following are very important.

- The foremost factor that is considered is the number of missing teeth that needs replacement.

- The dentist will also consider the location of the missing teeth.

- He or she will also take into account both the aesthetic and functioning effects of the missing teeth.

- Last but not the least, the dentist will discuss with you why you want to get the missing teeth replaced.

In addition to these factors, the dentist should also take into account the current state of your mouth before making a decision on the option that is possible or is advisable. After consultations with the dentist, you may consider choosing from the following options.

1. The first option that is available to you is to do nothing about the problem. You should remember that it is not necessary to replace the missing teeth simply because you have this problem. Cleaning of the mouth and teeth will definitely become difficult when an artificial appliance is placed inside the mouth. The cleaning process should cover the artificial appliance also and if it is not done properly, the remaining teeth are likely to be affected. So, you need not consider replacement of missing teeth unless the functioning and the aesthetic aspects are not affected by them.

2. The second best choice is to go in for removable partial denture procedure. This procedure is a prosthesis and as the name suggests, it can be inserted and removed as and when you wish. This can involve a simple spoon denture or a complicated device that replaces more number of teeth. A spoon denture is a single tooth and it is suspended on a piece of acrylic. Even a complicated device involving many teeth can also be made of acrylic. It can also be constructed with a metal frame but this metal frame will also be covered with the tooth and gum-colored acrylic. This removable partial denture procedure is highly affordable and you can benefit in more than one way if you opt for this. The first benefit is cleaning of the mouth and the device is easy. Secondly, the missing teeth that are not located adjacent to each other can also be replaced with the help of this procedure. Even if the missing teeth are on the two extreme ends, it can be done with a single device because it will be spanned across the palate to replace the teeth. For the sake of cleaning, the device can easily be removed from the mouth. You can easily cleanse the remaining structures of your mouth if you opt for this procedure.

The only problem with this device is it requires clasps to fix it and hence, may not look aesthetic if the clasps are visible. But, nowadays, with improved technology, a skilled dentist can do the procedure in such a manner that the aesthetic aspect is also taken care of. Some people may not feel comfortable with such a device because they may feel an additional bulk in their mouth. A few others may feel that this device is not as stable as expected.

3. The next option for replacing the missing teeth is to get a Fixed Bridge procedure done. It is carried out by crowning the teeth adjacent to the space and the gap is filled by suspending a false tooth. Fastening of the false teeth is done with the help of a string. There will be two crowns on either side which will be made to sit over real teeth and these crowns will be attached to these false teeth so that they are held firmly in place.

Fixed bridges are more expensive than partial dentures but the main advantage is that they have more stability. The aesthetic aspect is also taken care of. Cleaning them is a little complicated and a special cleaning device should be used for cleaning them. But, you can not use this procedure if you have more number of missing teeth. Even if the gap is quite large and more number of false teeth need to be suspended between two crowns, fixed bridge procedure can not be done. Dentists are more cautious and will definitely hesitate to do it if they have apprehension about the success of the treatment.

Another additional problem is there may be a need to remove a sound tooth to have adjacent teeth for receiving crowns. Of course, if tooth decay is the cause for the necessity of a crown on the teeth that may support the bridge, this may not be a problem. But, if the supporting teeth are sound and are in good condition, removing them may seem to be an aggressive step.

4. There is another conservative fixed bridge approach and it is called a Maryland Bridge procedure. In this, two metal wings are made to adhere to the backs of the adjacent teeth. The step of crowning the adjacent teeth is not used here. But the Maryland Bridge procedure can be used only in the case of a single missing tooth. It is also not as strong as the currently followed fixed bridge procedure. So, dentists may not suggest this for every one. Further, the bite of the teeth that consists of the positioning of the teeth and how they come together and move against each other when they function will also be considered by the dentist before suggesting this. If this aspect is not favorable, the dentist may decide against doing this.