by Shen-Li Lee

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: July 25, 2009

There are several options one can take when replacing missing teeth. Often the decision on which is the best option depends on a number of factors:

1. The number of teeth missing

2. The location of the teeth missing

3. The aesthetic effect of the missing teeth

4. The effect of the missing teeth on function

5. The reasons for desiring to replace missing teeth

All of these factors need to be taken into consideration when selecting the option of choice for replacing missing teeth in the mouth. Additionally, the current state of the individual's mouth needs to be assessed by a dentist to determine which options are possible or advisable.

When deciding what to do about missing teeth, there are generally four options available to an individual:

1. Do Nothing

Having missing teeth in the mouth doesn't necessarily mean that one has to replace them with artificial teeth. The placement of any artificial appliance into the mouth complicates the cleaning process. If the appliance is not cleaned properly, the health of the remaining teeth can be compromised. Therefore if function is not affected and aesthetics is not a concern, there really is no reason to place artificial teeth in the mouth.

2. Removable Partial Denture

A removable partial denture is a prosthesis that can be inserted and removed by the individual. It can range from something as simple as a spoon denture which is a single tooth suspended on a piece of acrylic to a more complicated device replacing many teeth. It can be made entirely of acrylic or it may be constructed from a metal frame covered with tooth and gum-coloured acrylic.

After the option to do nothing, the removable partial denture is the most affordable choice for replacing teeth. There are several benefits when opting for a removable partial denture:

The main benefit of a removable partial denture is the ease of cleaning. Since the device can be removed from the mouth, it facilitates cleaning of the device and the remaining structures in the mouth. Removable partial dentures also make it easier to replace several missing teeth in the mouth that are not located adjacent to each other. For instance, if there are missing teeth on both sides of the upper jaw, the appliance can be fashioned to span across the palate to replace all the missing teeth with a single device.

Some of the disadvantages of removable partial dentures include aesthetics and comfort. Because removable partial dentures

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