Implants, dentures and bridges are all choices for replacing missing teeth, but which one should you pick? The path to a beautiful smile is just a dentist visit away. Let’s take a look at your best options for replacing a tooth or multiple teeth.
Why should I get my teeth fixed?
When you lose a tooth or teeth, getting replacements will keep the rest of your teeth aligned and can also help maintain your facial shape and any trouble you may have with speaking or eating. In addition, gum health is extremely important to your overall health and can be a predictor for other problems in the body. Leaving an open socket opens you up to an increased risk of infection, discomfort, and even bone loss.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants replace tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts and add artificial teeth that look and function and look just like real ones. It can offer an alternative to dentures or bridgework that don’t fit as well and also offers an option when your natural teeth’s roots won’t allow building denture or bridgework replacements.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is typically made of crowns on either side of the missing tooth or teeth which support the false tooth (pontic) and then is cemented in place. It mimics the look and shape of natural teeth. These typically require two surgeries and are quite strong.
What are dentures?
Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth and their surrounding tissue. There are two types, known as complete dentures and partial dentures, with complete being for someone needing all their missing teeth replaced and partial being for those who just need a row or a few due to some natural teeth still being healthy in the mouth. They are relatively inexpensive to get and fit over your gums.
How permanent is each option?
Dentures can last up to 7 years if you take good care of them. Dental bridges can last a little longer and need to be replaced after around 10 years. Implants are the only one of the options that offers a permanent solution and does not need to be replaced.
Which method is the most affordable?
While it might seem that dentures are the most cost effective option, in the long run implants can actually be the least expensive choice, as they do not need to ever be replaced.
With dentures lasting a max of 7 years, bridges 10 years and implants being permanent, you don’t need to worry about new fittings, price increases, or other changes in the market affecting you. In addition, you don’t have to worry about leaving a gap in your teeth that can lead to further dental or orthodontic issues down the line. All procedures are also covered by most insurance.
How will each look and feel in my mouth?
Implants offer the most natural look and offer an experience most like natural teeth. They will do no damage to your other teeth, gums, or bone, and will feel very natural.
Dentures look great, but do have their limitations. They can alter the face if not done correctly and have been known to make the mouth sore and recede gums after a while, since you have to take them on and off for cleaning daily. This potential should not be overlooked.
Bridges also look and feel quite natural, but they do require more maintenance than the other options to help prevent gum disease.
Need a smile upgrade?
At Mountain and Sea Dental, our practice is ready to make your smile bright and healthy with the best dental implant technology.
Mountain and Sea Dental takes a holistic approach to dentistry for the whole family. We recognize that every system in your body is connected. We aim to offer outstanding whole person oral care that takes your body and health into consideration.
We listen to your health goals and work with you to chart a holistic treatment that will take into account nutrition and overall dental health. We also offer everything from comfortable and necessary check-ups to cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and every service in between.
Please don’t settle for less than quality care. You and your family are worth it — contact us today to book an appointment.