Comparing Dental Implants, Dental Bridges, and Dentures
Dental implants are the ideal smile restoration for people who are missing one or more of their teeth. In order to appreciate the benefits of dental implants, it’s helpful to learn as much as you can about the pros and cons of smile restoration alternatives. Our Oak Harbor dentists want to ensure that you understand all of your tooth replacement options before making a decision.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges
A dental bridge is a connected series of dental crowns that fill a gap for one or more missing teeth. To hold them in place, dental bridges are cemented to the natural teeth at each end of the gap. The two anchor teeth that hold the dental bridge in place need to be filed down to accommodate the bridge.
Even though implants are the gold standard treatment for missing teeth, some people might think that a dental bridge is the better option. While bridges are necessary in some cases, most patients would benefit from a dental implant for a few reasons.
First, implants don’t require you to sacrifice the health of neighboring teeth, as you would with bridges. This means Dr. Wirth can easily replace a gap and you’ll leave our office with a complete, attractive smile.
Another key difference is that a dental implant will preserve your jawbone because it provides stimulation as you use it. Without an implant, the bone will deteriorate.
Finally, your smile will always look healthier in the long run with implants. It’s easier to clean than a bridge, and if your gums begin to recede, your restoration will still sit discreetly in your smile, unlike an exposed bridge.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Dentures are artificial teeth and gums provided by your dentist to replace lost or removed teeth. They sit on top of your natural gum tissues. Dentures are custom designed to fit securely in your mouth, but they often require adhesives to remain in place, and dentures can be removed for regular cleaning.
Dentures are a common remedy for missing teeth. They’re a cost-effective way to restore your smile. But dentures have a lot of shortcomings, especially when you compare them to dental implants — just a few of their disadvantages include making eating painful, causing embarrassment by sliding around, and making it difficult for you to speak clearly.
Preserve Your Smile With Dental Implants
Dental implants are the only smile restoration that works to protect your jawbone from disintegration (resorption). Dental implants also help to fight gum disease and preserve your smile’s health.
With so many advantages, dental implants are an outstanding way to rejuvenate your smile:
- Low maintenance
- No diet restrictions
- Preserve your remaining teeth
- Look and feel like your natural teeth
- Preserve your facial structure
- Protect from jawbone resorption
- Prevent gum disease