Dental implants are arguably the best method of teeth replacement for many patients all over the world. The main benefit of this method is how undistinguishable the implants are to the natural teeth and can also be done to individual teeth without needing support from others. The implants are permanent and allow the patient to chew all kinds of food without the fear of the implants coming out.
While it may be the best way to replace a lost or destroyed tooth, dental implants are not for everyone. They are not for smokers, people with gum diseases, or older people. This is an invasive procedure, it can become expensive, but with innovations in the dental industry, there are several alternatives. In this article, we will discuss all the alternatives to dental implants, Lafayette.
Do nothing
This is the easiest alternative to dental implants where the patient decides to avoid considering any method of teeth replacement. The patient can reach this conclusion for various reasons, and in most cases, the cost of having a replacement can be the main one. If you have a missing tooth either in the front or back of your mouth and feel confident enough to stay that way, then making this decision shouldn’t be as hard.
Conventional dental bridge
A conventional dental bridge involves trimming two of the neighboring teeth to specified sizes to allow the replacement to sit comfortably. It can only be done for cases where the affected tooth to be replaced sits between two other healthy teeth. After the two healthy teeth are trimmed, the new tooth is glued in the middle of two hollow crowns and then inserted into place. It is possible to replace up to 4 destroyed teeth at once by just two adjacent teeth holding the bridge with this method.
The replacements are usually made out of ceramic or metal, making them affordable compared to titanium with the same aesthetics and functionality as the implants. This process is less invasive than dental implants; however, when the two healthy teeth have problems, the patient will have to replace them. Also, food particles may get stuck below the bridge, making it challenging to clean your teeth.
Maryland dental bridge
This also refers to the replacement of a tooth with the help of adjacent healthy ones. The adjacent teeth are not trimmed to allow the artificial one to fit, but rather, the new tooth is made with wings that keep it in place. Once you have had a consultation and a fitting session with the dentist, the artificial tooth is then glued to the adjacent teeth. This is much safer and quicker compared to the conventional counterpart.
Same-day teeth
This is when a tooth is removed and replaced immediately with an artificial one to allow it to stabilize in the socket due to enough bone density in the jaw. This bone density supports the implant to withstand the forces caused by chewing, which is applied to the crown. When replacing your teeth with this method, it will usually take 3-6 months for the implant to heal and join to the jaw bone while being able to chew and speak without complications.
Full mouth dentures
This is the best method to replace teeth, especially for people of older age or whose gums cannot allow for invasive procedures. It can consist of a denture with a full set of teeth for both the upper and lower parts of your mouth. This method is practical for patients with total tooth loss or on either arch of your teeth because of an accident, a disease, or old age.
The cost of these dentures is also a big factor, and that is why it is a common way of teeth replacement because it is not a permanent solution. The patient can easily chew and speak without much trouble but may have a hard time chewing harder food, translating to a poor diet that can affect their health.
Partial dentures
This is one of the cheapest options on this list if you are thinking of replacing a few teeth (like three in the same place). The teeth are held together with arms-like structures, also referred to as clasps, that attach the replacements to the natural teeth to keep them in position. Partial dentures are not a permanent way of replacing your lost teeth but can be effective to ensure you continue with your daily mouth activities with minimal to no problems.
As we have noted, not all methods listed above are effective for replacing your teeth. We advise you to seek your dentist’s advice to ensure you are getting a replacement in both the safest and the most affordable way for your condition.
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