Implants vs. Bridges and Dentures
West Linn, OR
 According to recent research, almost 69% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 suffer from tooth loss. Not only does tooth loss dim your confidence by impacting your smile, but it also causes the misalignment of your remaining teeth. Opting for a teeth replacement procedure provides your jaw with support, preserving the shape of your face and making it possible to talk and chew easily.
There are three main tooth replacement options that we are going to evaluate to see which one is the best.
An implant is a titanium metal post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to hold a crown or bridge in place. The jawbone has to grow around the post to form a solid foundation and act as a tooth root so that the gap can be filled with an artificial tooth.
Dental Implant Pros
| • |
Dental implants are the most long-lasting tooth replacement option you can find
|
| • |
They are color and texture matched to look exactly like your natural teeth
|
| • |
They retain the shape of your face
|
| • |
They provide your jawbone with stimulation to prevent loss of bone mass
|
| • |
Dental implants protect the surrounding and remaining teeth
|
| • |
They have an extremely high success rate |
Dental Implant Cons
| • |
The dental implant procedure can easily extend up to more than six months
|
| • |
Dental implants require an invasive surgical procedure to be implanted, which can lead to complications |
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge consists of two crowns with an artificial tooth in between. The idea behind this tooth replacement option is that the two crowns seek support from the teeth around your missing tooth. A dental bridge is usually made out of porcelain or plastic to match the color of your natural teeth.
Dental Bridge Pros
| • |
The placement of dental bridges is a simple process that doesn’t require invasive surgery or bone grafting
|
| • |
This procedure costs much less than dental implants
|
| • |
You will have to visit your dentist only twice over the course of a few weeks |
Dental Bridge Cons
| • |
A dental bridge needs to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. However, in some cases it can last for over 10 years
|
| • |
The appearance of a dental bridge begins to fade over time
|
| • |
Dental bridges can suffer from the impact of cavities and tooth decay in surrounding teeth |
Dentures
Dentures are typically made out of plastic and metal to fill the gaps of a missing tooth or teeth. Like other tooth replacement options, dentures are made to look like your natural teeth. Dentists usually recommend dentures in cases where the patient’s surrounding teeth aren’t strong enough to support a dental bridge. Even though they are much cheaper than dental bridges or implants, dentures aren’t as comfortable to wear.
Denture Pros
| • |
They are most budget effective compared to the other two options
|
| • |
Dentures don’t require any surgery
|
| • |
Anyone with missing teeth can get dentures |
Denture Cons
| • |
Dentures don’t look as natural
|
| • |
Dentures need to be cleaned on a regular basis
|
| • |
They are prone to slippage, which can make it difficult to eat and speak
|
| • |
Dentures have to be replaced frequently |
While all the above tooth replacement options do a great job at maintaining the appearance and functionality of your smile, dental implants are more comfortable and have a higher success rate. However, the tooth replacement option you should get largely depends on your situation, which is why you should consult a dentist.
Schedule a consultation with ZenTech Dentistry to see which tooth replacement procedure is right for you and learn more about implant care. Call us today at (503) 765-9699 to book an appointment.
|
Appointment
(503) 765-9699
