If you’re searching for ways to replace missing teeth – you're not alone. Millions of adults face the daily frustration of gaps in their smile, slipping dentures, or avoiding certain foods they once loved. Missing teeth don’t just affect your appearance; they can change how you eat, speak, and even how you feel about yourself.
Whether you lost a single tooth or several, finding the right tooth replacement options can restore much more than your smile – it can restore your confidence and quality of life. But with so many choices available, how do you know which one is best for you?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through your best options to replace missing teeth, from traditional dentures to the state-of-the-art All-on-X implant-supported dentures, for a permanent, natural-looking smile. By the end, you’ll understand the pros and cons of each solution – and why Graf Dental Surgery is the leading choice for tooth replacement in Central Ohio.
For generations, traditional dentures have been one of the most common ways to replace missing teeth – and for good reason. They're relatively affordable, non-surgical, and can restore the appearance of a full smile in a short amount of time.
Dentures rest on top of your gums and are somewhat custom-made to fit your mouth. They’re removable, which means they can be taken out for cleaning or sleeping. While this flexibility is appealing to some, it’s also one of the biggest drawbacks for others.
Over time, many denture wearers experience slipping, clicking, or discomfort when eating or speaking. Because dentures sit on the gums rather than being anchored to the jawbone, the bone beneath begins to shrink – causing dentures to loosen and your facial structure to change. Frequent adjustments, adhesives, and replacements because part of the routine.
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable way to replace missing teeth, traditional dentures may work as a short-term solution. But for those wanting stability, confidence, and lasting comfort, there are better long-term options – especially implant-support choices that look and feel far more natural.
Dental bridges are another popular way to replace missing teeth, especially when only one or two teeth are gone. A traditional bridge works by anchoring an artificial tooth (or artificial teeth) to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These supporting, neighboring teeth are reshaped and fitted with crowns that hold the replacement tooth securely in place.
For many people, a fixed dental bridge offers a natural-looking, fixed solution – no adhesives or nightly removal required. They restore chewing function, prevent nearby teeth from shifting, and can be completed in just a few visits.
However, there are trade-offs. To place a fixed bridge, healthy teeth must be filed down to serve as anchors. This process can weaken those teeth over time. And because bridges rest on top of the gums without stimulating the jawbone beneath, bone loss can still occur, changing the fit and feel of your smile as the years go by.
Traditional dental bridges can be a good option that's more middle-ground for some patients – stable and functional, but still a temporary solution, not truly permanent. If you’re missing several teeth or want to prevent future bone loss, modern tooth implant options may be a better investment in your long-term oral health.
Wondering if you’re a good candidate for our custom, All-on-X permanent implant-support dentures? Take the quiz here to find out!
When it comes to a long-term solution with the feel of natural teeth, dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth. A single dental implant consists of a small titanium post that’s surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Once healed, a custom-made crown is attached to create a restoration that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
The benefits are hard to beat – dental implants help preserve bone, protect surrounding teeth, and restore full chewing ability. They’re durable, low-maintenance, and can last decades with proper care. For someone with a single missing tooth or 2, implants are often the gold standard.
However, when several teeth or all teeth are missing, the cost and complexity of placing individual implants for each tooth can become impractical. That’s where full-arch implant solutions, like our All-on-X implant-supported dentures, come in. They use just a few implants to support an entire set of teeth, offering the same stability and confidence – without needing an implant for every missing tooth.
If you’re missing multiple teeth or struggling with loose dentures, learn more about our All-on-X implant dentures here to see how this could be the most advanced, cost-effective solution to give you back your smile in a single transformation
If you still have some natural teeth remaining, partial dentures can be an option to replace missing teeth in specific areas of your mouth. These removeable partials are designed to fill gaps between healthy teeth using a gum-colored base and replacement teeth that blend in with your smile. They often attach with small metal clasps or precision attachments for stability.
Partial dentures can be a practical and budget-friendly choice, especially if you’re not ready for a surgical solution. They help restore appearance and function, making it easier to chew and speak compared to having empty spaces.
However, as with full dentures, partials come with challenges. Because they rest on the gums rather than being anchored to the bone, they can shift during eating or talking. They may also feel bulky or uncomfortable at times, and food can easily get trapped underneath. Over time, bone loss continues beneath the missing teeth, meaning the fit of your partial dentures will need frequent adjustments or replacements.
For those wanting a more secure, natural-feeling solution that doesn’t come in and out every day, implant-support options – particularly All-on-x implant dentures – provide the stability and peace of mind that removable dentures simply can’t match.
For those ready to replace missing teeth once and for all, All-on-X implant-supported dentures offer a life-changing solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. This modern approach uses just four to six dental implants to anchor the full arch of fixed teeth – meaning no slipping, no adhesives, and no nightly removal.
All-on-X is designed to restore your smile and confidence in a single, transformative procedure. The implants act like natural tooth roots, stimulating your jawbone to prevent bone loss and preserve your facial structure. Once healed, your new teeth are permanently secured in place, allowing you to eat, laugh, and live without missing teeth holding you back.
Here’s why so many patients are choosing All-on-X over traditional dentures:
At Graf Dental Surgery, we specialize in helping patients rediscover their confidence through implant solutions that go beyond cosmetics – restoring true quality of life. Whether you’ve been struggling with loose dentures or have multiple missing teeth, the best solution we can recommend is the All-on-X system, which offers a long term, permanent solution the first time, and gives our patients a beautiful reason to smile again.
Every smile is different – and so is every solution to replace missing teeth. The right choice depends on several factors, including how many teeth you’ve lost, your bone health, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.
At Graf Dental Surgery, our experience implant team helps you compare every option, understand what’s best for your unique situation, and create a personalized plan that fits your health, timeline, and budget. Our goal isn’t just to restore your teeth – it's to help you smile with confidence and live with purpose every single day.
We’ve proudly helped over 300 patients rediscover their smiles. Learn more about their stories here!
Next step: Take our online quiz to find out if you qualify for All-on-X implants or schedule your free implant consultation at our Chillicothe office to discover the best way to replace missing teeth for good.
We look forward to meeting you. Call (740) 672-5893 today or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
