Losing a tooth can be a real blow to your smile. But thanks to modern dentistry, you have several options for replacing missing teeth and regaining your confident grin. Dental implants have become a popular choice, but how do they stack up against other tooth replacement options like dentures, bridges, and partial dentures? Let's dive in and compare the pros and cons.
Dentures: The Original Tooth Replacers
Dentures have been around for centuries and are still a common tooth replacement solution today. They consist of a plastic base fitted with artificial teeth and are available in both full and partial sets.
Advantages: Dentures are an affordable option, costing anywhere from $1,200 - $2,500 per arch. They are also a non-invasive solution that doesn't require altering the adjacent healthy teeth. They can be used to replace an entire arch of teeth.
Disadvantages: Dentures can be uncomfortable and need frequent adjusting. They also require denture adhesives to stay in place. Poorly fitting dentures can further lead to irritation, sores, and accelerated bone loss in the jaw. The chewing forces that dentures offer are not close to those of your own natural teeth. Speech might be altered as well.
Bridges: A Natural-Looking Blend
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of a false tooth anchored on either side by crowns placed over your existing teeth. This is typically done when one or more adjacent teeth are missing and you have two adjacent supporting teeth for the bridge.
Advantages: Bridges can provide a seamless, natural-looking solution for replacing a missing tooth. They are fixed in place and don't require removal for cleaning. They can be accomplished in two visits.
Disadvantages: Preparation of the adjacent teeth is required to support the bridge. This leads to irreversible damage to potentially otherwise healthy teeth. Bridges may need replacement if the supporting teeth decay or if the crowns or false teeth become damaged. They are also prone to harboring bacteria and plaque.
Partial Dentures: Best of Both Worlds
Partial dentures combine features from both dentures and bridges. As the name suggests, partial dentures replace multiple missing teeth and can be either removable or fixed.
Advantages: Partial dentures are a cost-effective option that preserves the remaining natural teeth. Removable partial dentures can be taken out, making them easier to clean.
Disadvantages: Like regular dentures, removable partial dentures may require denture adhesives to stay put. They can potentially affect speech or take a little getting used to. Fixed partial dentures still rely on crowns placed on adjacent teeth for support.
Dental Implants: The Long-Term Solution
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically embedded into the jawbone, that fuse with your bone over time. They provide sturdy roots for lifelike artificial teeth.
Advantages: Dental implants are durable and can last decades with proper care. They are comfortable and feel like natural teeth. With no need to anchor to other teeth, implants prevent further damage to adjacent teeth, and they actually help stimulate the bone, thereby preventing further bone loss.
Disadvantages: The upfront cost of implants is typically higher, from $2,800 - $5,000. They also require minor surgery for placement and 4-6 months for full healing. Certain health conditions might not make implants the ideal solution, such as excessive bone loss, or limited jaw opening. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer treatment, osteoporosis, or blood disorders, might require extra skill to get a successful result. Finally, oral habits such as smoking or poor oral hygiene should be considered as situations that influence potential long-term success factors.
The Verdict: Implants Are a Wise Investment
For most patients, dental implants are worth the initial time and financial investment. By preserving the integrity of surrounding teeth and stimulating bone regrowth, implants provide a permanent fix that feels and functions like a natural tooth. Just be sure to maintain implants well with diligent oral hygiene.
One final option that a patient might consider, is an Implant-Supported Denture. This option has the benefit of great stability from the implants that are anchored into the bone, with the advantage of potentially utilizing either an existing denture and anchoring it to that or making a new denture that snaps in place and is held securely by the posts in the jaw.
While budget or health circumstances may dictate choosing another tooth replacement method, implants are the closest thing to getting your natural smile back. Talk to Dr. Craig Mitchell in Cupertino today about whether dental implants are the right long-term solution for your missing teeth.