Reading time: five minutes
If you have one or more missing teeth, it’s likely your dentist or oral surgeon has recommended dental implants as a tooth replacement option.
Many people ask if there are alternatives to dental implants. While nothing can fully replicate the function and appearance of natural teeth like implants can, there are a few options to consider.
In this blog, we will talk about the two popular alternatives to dental implants. We will discuss the pros and cons of each option, so you can make an informed decision about tooth replacement.
Table of Contents
- Dental Bridges
- Dentures
- Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
- Why Oral Surgeons Recommend Dental Implants
- AZ Max: Your Partners in Oral Health
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges work by bridging the gap created by one or more missing teeth using one or more natural teeth as anchors.
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional bridge: This involves creating a bridge by placing dental crowns on the adjacent teeth, with an artificial tooth (or teeth) in between.
- Resin-bonded bridges: These bridges use a metal or porcelain framework to support the replacement tooth. The framework is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth.
Pros of Dental Bridges
- Cost-effective option: Typically, dental bridges are more affordable than dental implants.
- Quicker solution: Getting a dental bridge requires less time compared to the dental implant timeline.
- Non-invasive: Traditional bridges do not require surgery, making them less invasive.
Cons of Dental Bridges
- Impact on adjacent teeth: Healthy teeth are filed down to accommodate crowns, which can affect their structure.
- Durability: Dental bridges may not last as long as dental implants and might need replacement after several years.
- Oral health concerns: If not properly cleaned, bridges can lead to tooth decay or gum disease.
Dentures
Dentures are another alternative to implants, suitable for individuals who have lost several teeth or require a full arch of teeth replacement.
Types of Dentures
- Partial dentures: These are used when some natural teeth remain. They consist of false teeth attached to a gum-colored base with a metal substructure.
- Traditional dentures: These are complete sets of artificial teeth that replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
Pros of Dentures
- Cost-effective: Dentures are generally cheaper than dental implants and bridges.
- Non-invasive: Getting dentures does not require as many surgical procedures. Any remaining teeth in the arch will need to be removed, but no further surgery is required.
- Flexibility: Dentures can be adjusted or replaced as needed.
Cons of Dentures
- Bone loss: Dentures do not prevent the jawbone from deteriorating over time, a common issue which accompanies tooth loss. Bone loss changes the shape of the face over time, leading to what is known as ‘denture face.’
- Comfort: Some people find dentures uncomfortable, and they may require frequent adjustments. Many people end up not wearing their dentures because they struggle with the fit.
- Stability: Partial dentures and traditional dentures may shift or slip while eating or speaking. This limits what a person is able to eat and can also lead to embarrassment.
Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
Replacing a missing tooth is crucial for maintaining oral health. Missing teeth can lead to various dental issues such as:
- Shifting of natural teeth: Adjacent teeth can shift into the gap left by a missing tooth, affecting the overall alignment.
- Bone structure: Tooth loss can lead to bone loss in the jawbone structure over time.
- Oral hygiene: Gaps, and the accompanying shifting of teeth, can make it harder to maintain proper care, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Negative impact on bite: Missing teeth can affect your bite, leading to improper chewing, overloading the remaining teeth, and potential TMJ issues.
Why Oral Surgeons Recommend Dental Implants
So, why do oral surgeons recommend dental implants as the best way to replace missing teeth? Here’s why:
- Permanent solution: Dental implants provide a long-term solution that can last for decades with proper care.
- Stability and function: Implants function like normal teeth, providing stability and allowing you to eat and speak without discomfort.
- Preventing bone loss: Implants act as artificial tooth roots, maintaining the jawbone structure and preventing bone loss.
- Minimal impact on adjacent teeth: Unlike dental bridges, implants do not affect neighboring teeth.
Dental Implant Options
There are a few different types of dental implants, including:
- Single tooth implant: This is a great option if you have lost one tooth. It involves placing one implant and attaching a crown. We recommend this over a bridge because it prevents bone loss and it doesn’t require altering the neighboring teeth.
- Implant-supported bridge: Multiple teeth can be replaced by securing an implant-supported bridge to two or more implants. This is a great option if you have lost several teeth in a row. For example, if you have lost 3 teeth in a row, two implants can be placed and a bridge of 3 teeth can be attached to them.
- All-on-4/All-on-6: This is a full arch replacement using 4 or 6 strategically placed implants to support the prosthetic teeth. This is a great option for individuals who have lost all their teeth in one or both arches. The prosthetic teeth are permanently attached, giving you a natural-looking and functioning smile. This option is better than traditional dentures because the bone structure is maintained, and the prosthetic teeth do not slip or shift.
- Implant-retained dentures: Similar to All-on-4 or All-on-6, this option uses 2–4 implants to provide stability for the dentures. The main difference is that the dentures are still removable and not permanently attached. This can be a more affordable option while still providing improved stability compared to traditional dentures.
If cost is a barrier to choosing dental implants, think about this: dental implants are a one-time investment that can last for decades, whereas other options may require replacement or repair over time.
AZ Max: Your Partners in Oral Health
We understand that replacing missing teeth is not just about aesthetics. It can have a significant impact on your oral health and overall well-being. Our team of experienced oral surgeons offers personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your tooth replacement options. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer – let us help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Call or text (480) 830-5866 to book an appointment or complete the appointment request form. If you are searching for an oral surgeon near me or an oral surgeon in the East Valley, we can help!
We have locations in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low and Tempe. Call or text (480) 830-5866 to book an appointment at one of our locations.
If you live in Scottsdale, AZ, book an appointment at our Tempe or Mesa locations.
If you live in Chandler, AZ, book an appointment at our Tempe or Queek Creek locations.
If you live in Gilbert, AZ, book an appointment at our Mesa, Queek Creek or Tempe locations.
If you live in Phoenix, AZ, book an appointment at our Tempe or Mesa locations.
