Non-implant tooth replacement options
Though it is true that a dental implant is the best way to replace a missing tooth, not everyone has a candidate for dental implants. Fortunately, there are a number of options available, and most are less expensive than implants. Dental bridges and removable dentures are a couple of great non-invasive options for patients who need to restore their smile.
Non-implant tooth replacement options
Dental bridges and dentures are the way patients can restore missing teeth without going through implant treatment. There are a couple of types available for both bridges and dentures, depending on your individual needs and lifestyle.
Traditional Dentures
Modern dentures are much more comfortable and natural looking than they were even 20 years ago. Dentures are fabricated with porcelain teeth set in an acrylic base and can replace an entire arch or just a few teeth in one area. With proper care and maintenance, traditional dentures can last up to 10 years.
A partial denture is used to replace a few missing teeth in one area of the mouth. Since it is removable, they are not permanently fixed in place but use metal or acrylic clasps that attach to neighboring healthy teeth to stay in place and remain stable. This enables the patient to remove their partial for oral hygiene and sleeping.
A complete denture replaces an entire arch of teeth and can be placed on just the lower or upper arch or both when needed. Unlike a partial denture, a complete denture is held in place mostly by the fit which allows for proper retention and suction. A denture adhesive is often used as extra security. Again, complete dentures are easily removed for oral hygiene and sleeping.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a more stable option because they are permanently cemented in place and cannot be removed by the patient. Your dentist will show you how to clean under and around your bridge so that your oral health is not impacted and you are able to continue with good oral hygiene at home. With proper care and maintenance, a dental bridge can last up to 15 years.
A tooth-supported bridge is fabricated in one piece, using one or more fake teeth, depending on how many teeth you're missing, which have dental crowns attached to each end. The crowns are cemented onto each tooth on either side of the open space to create a literal bridge from one tooth to the other so that you have the appearance of a full smile.
A Maryland bridge does not use crowns to hold a bridge in place, instead, metal wings are on each side of the fake tooth. The wings are cemented onto the back of the tooth on each side of the space to complete your smile. A Maryland bridge is not as stable as a tooth-supported bridge so is only appropriate for your front teeth.
After you receive your dental prosthesis, it is important to maintain good home care and continue with regular visits to your dentist to make sure everything is healthy and fitting properly.