What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent anchors that integrate with the jawbone to provide a stable base for long-term tooth replacement. Customized crowns (the teeth) are then attached to the implants.
Because dental implants become part of the jaw, they look and feel like natural teeth. They don’t move or slip around while you eat or talk.
What are Tooth Bridges?
most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.
How do Bridges Work?
A bridge may be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. Your dentist can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations, and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one’s natural teeth, today’s dentures are natural-looking and more comfortable than ever.
There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced and the cost involved.
How do Dentures Work?
With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.
Compare Teeth Replacement Options
You can put an end to dealing with missing teeth or repetitive dental work with dental implants. Take a look at how dental implants compare to traditional bridges and dentures.
How long do they last?
Dental Implants: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dentures: They typically last 5-7 years.
Bridges: Traditional bridges typically last 7-10 years.
How do they keep my mouth healthy?
Dental Implants: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, like natural tooth roots, preventing the jawbone from deteriorating. They can be precisely placed without damaging healthy surrounding teeth.
Dentures: Dentures accelerate jawbone loss, and they can cause gum irritation and sores.
Bridge: To attach a traditional bridge, healthy teeth are ground down, permanently damaging them.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Get A Long-Term Solution
When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them one of the best investments for long-term tooth replacement. Studies have reported that the long-term success rate of implants is over 95%.
Eat and Talk with Comfort
Dental implants look, feel, and function like real teeth. You’ll be able to eat your favorite foods, talk with comfort, and smile with confidence again.
No Daily Removal
With dental implants, there’s no need to remove them to reapply adhesives or for nightly cleaning. You can wake up and go about your day without worrying about your teeth.
Prevent Jawbone Loss
Dental implants integrate with the bone, providing a stimulus that keeps the jawbone from deteriorating. This helps avoid a sunken-in appearance around the mouth that can make you look older.
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get an appointment today.