Missing teeth affect your confidence, speech, chewing, and long-term oral health. Casco Bay Smiles offers every modern tooth replacement option under one roof in Falmouth — from single implants to full arch restorations — so the right solution for you is never a referral away.
Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters
More than two-thirds of adults have lost at least one permanent tooth — and what happens next matters more than most people realize.
Bone loss begins immediately. Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone every time you chew. When a tooth is lost, that stimulation stops and the bone beneath the gap begins to shrink — losing much of its width within the first year. Over time this changes facial structure, creating the sunken look associated with long-term tooth loss.
Neighboring teeth drift. The teeth on either side of a gap gradually tilt and shift into the open space, and the opposing tooth can over-erupt. What started as one missing tooth becomes a bite problem affecting several.
Chewing and nutrition suffer. Each missing tooth reduces chewing efficiency, which often pushes people toward softer, more processed foods.
The good news: every one of these consequences is preventable with timely replacement — and the earlier you act, the simpler and less expensive treatment tends to be.
Your Four Main Options
Dental implants — The gold standard. A titanium post replaces the tooth root, fuses with your jawbone, and supports a custom ceramic crown. Implants are the only option that prevents bone loss, they don't compromise neighboring teeth, and with proper care the post can last a lifetime. Dr. McVety places and restores implants entirely in-house.
Implant-retained dentures — For patients missing all or most teeth in an arch, two to four strategically placed implants anchor a full denture that snaps securely into place. No slipping, no adhesive, and chewing power close to natural teeth.
Dental bridges — A fixed restoration that fills a gap of one to three teeth by anchoring to the teeth on either side. Bridges are non-surgical and completed in a few weeks, making them a strong choice when implants aren't an option.
Traditional dentures & partials — The most budget-friendly path to a complete smile. Modern dentures are far more natural-looking than their reputation suggests, and a removable partial can replace several teeth without surgery. They don't prevent bone loss, but they restore appearance and function affordably.
Compare Your Tooth Replacement Options
Typical figures — your consultation will give you exact numbers for your case.
| Option | Best For | Preserves Jawbone | Typical Lifespan | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Implant + Crown | One missing tooth | ✓ Yes | 20+ years to lifetime | $6,000–$7,000 |
| Implant-Retained Denture | Full arch, wants stability | ✓ Yes | Posts: decades; denture: 10–15 yrs | $15,000–$25,000/arch |
| Dental Bridge | 1–3 missing teeth, no surgery | No | 10–15 years | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Partial Denture | Multiple teeth, budget-conscious | No | 5–8 years | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Traditional Full Denture | Full arch, lowest upfront cost | No | 5–10 years (with relines) | $2,000–$5,000 |
Which Option Is Right for You?
There's no single best answer — the right choice depends on how many teeth you're missing, the health of your jawbone and gums, your timeline, and your budget.
Your consultation at Casco Bay Smiles starts with a 3D CBCT scan that shows Dr. McVety exactly how much bone is available and where. From there, he'll walk you through every option you're a candidate for — with honest pros, cons, and pricing for each — so you can make the decision, not have it made for you.
Already wearing dentures and tired of the slipping? Existing dentures can often be converted to snap onto implants, and patients who were told they lack the bone for implants are frequently candidates after a bone graft — something we evaluate routinely.
Don't Wait Too Long
Tooth replacement is one of the few areas of dentistry where waiting actively works against you. Bone loss continues month after month, neighboring teeth keep drifting, and options that are simple today can require grafting or orthodontics later.
If you've recently lost a tooth — or have been living with a gap for years — a consultation costs you nothing but an hour, and it will tell you exactly where you stand. We offer CareCredit financing to make any option manageable, and every treatment from extraction to final restoration happens in our Falmouth office.