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In this article:
- What causes missing teeth?
- What teeth are most commonly missing?
- Why you need to get missing teeth replaced fast
- Options for replacing missing teeth
- Cost to replace missing teeth, and how to reduce costs
Your smile is often the first thing that others notice about you. If you have a missing tooth, however, the thought of anyone noticing your grin might be the last thing you want. You may avoid smiling, smile with your mouth closed, or even cover your mouth when talking. You’re probably looking for a fast, low-cost way to hide that missing tooth. And you’re no doubt wondering how – and what it will cost – to replace your missing tooth (or teeth).
One thing is for sure, you’re not alone. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, about 178 million Americans, or approximately 50% of the population, are missing at least one tooth. This issue becomes more prevalent with age; for instance, 69% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. By the time they reach 50 years old, Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth, including wisdom teeth. And 2.2% of adults aged 20 to 64 have no remaining teeth.
Why do we lose our teeth?
Some of the most common reasons for missing teeth are tooth decay, gum disease, injuries, dental extractions, wear and tear, and even genetic disorders.
The most common teeth to be removed? Molars, specifically the third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. These are often removed due to lack of space in the arch resulting in dental issues. After wisdom teeth, the next most frequently missing teeth are the first molars, which are susceptible to decay and other dental problems due to their early eruption and long-term use in chewing. Additionally, the maxillary lateral incisors (the second teeth from the middle on either side of the upper front teeth) and the mandibular central incisors (at the center of your lower set of teeth) are also commonly impacted by decay and injuries.
Missing tooth replacement options and costs
If you have missing teeth, there are several options available to address this issue, each with its own advantages and considerations:
Dental Implants. These are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone, where it serves as a root for the artificial tooth (crown). Implants are durable, can last a lifetime with proper care, and they look and function like natural teeth. However, the process takes time, is typically the most expensive option, and requires a healthy jawbone and gums. Costs vary, but a single implant can cost* $3,000 to $4,500. Find out more about dental implants.
Fixed Bridges. A dental bridge fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It involves creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth (or teeth) in between. This is a less invasive option than implants but requires alteration of adjacent healthy teeth to support the bridge. Typical cost*: $2000-$5000+ for a bridge that replaces one tooth. Find out more about dental bridges.
Dentures. removable partial dentures are an option when several teeth are missing. They are less expensive than implants and bridges but may be less stable (talk to your dentist about implant supported bridges). And if you are missing all of your teeth in one or both jaws, full dentures can replace them. These are removable appliances that sit on top of the gums where the teeth used to be. Full dentures can restore appearance and function, but they may take time to get used to and may affect speech and eating initially. Find out more about dentures. Cost* of a mid-priced denture is around $1,500, premium dentures will run you $2,000-$3000 per denture. You’ll also need to factor in costs such as molds, extractions, and perhaps an “immediate” denture to wear while your gums are healing. The average cost of partial dentures is about $1,500. Find out more about dentures.
How to hide missing teeth
A dental flipper is a temporary partial denture that can fill in gaps left by missing teeth. It’s often used as a temporary solution while waiting for a more permanent option like implants. Flippers can easily break and tend not to be very stable in your mouth. A flipper costs* about $300 – $1,000. Other temporary, affordable options for hiding missing teeth include Maryland bridges (adhered to adjourning teeth) and Essix retainers (fits over existing teeth). Both Maryland bridges and Essix retainers are more stable than flippers, but none of these options have the functionally or look of natural teeth.
Reduce the cost of replacing missing teeth
Due to the cost of dental care, sometimes replacing missing teeth doesn’t seem like an option. The good news is that a dental savings plan can make restoring your missing teeth convenient and affordable.
Plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care. And the advantages extend beyond reducing the cost of care. Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans have no annual limits, no restrictions on existing health conditions, and your savings start right away, even on restorative care such as root canals, crowns, dentures and dental implants. Many plans even cover cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening and overlays.
If you’d like help choosing the best dental plan to reduce the cost of implants, give us a call at 1-833-735-0399. We’re DentalPlans.com, the largest dental plan marketplace, with over 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare, accepted by over 70% of dentists and specialists nationwide.
Want to know right now how much you could save on dental implants with a dental savings plan? Use our calculator below for a quick peek.
*Cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool.
**Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.