When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the preferred solution for many people. However, due to the complexity of the surgical procedure and the cost associated with implants, many people are looking for alternatives. Fortunately, there are several options available that can help restore your smile and improve your oral health. Dentures are one of the most common dental implant alternatives.
When you think of dentures, you probably picture full-mouth dentures, two dentures designed to replace the upper and lower arches of your teeth. Partial dentures can also be made of a metal or acrylic structure, wrapping around the remaining healthy teeth. Basically, they replace missing teeth without having to remove any natural teeth. Partial dentures are affordable and fairly easy to get used to using.
Sometimes we can add additional teeth to the partial frame if necessary. A dental bridge is another option for replacing missing teeth. It is recommended when a patient is missing one or more teeth. It is supported by dental crowns on each side of the missing tooth.
The dental bridges are completely fixed in your mouth and will not slip or loosen, allowing you to talk and eat easily. Dental bridges look natural and can be easily cleaned and maintained. In addition, dental crowns on neighboring teeth will prevent them from being damaged and out of position. However, you must have strong and healthy adjacent teeth to support a dental bridge. Resin-bonded bridges are similar to dental bridges but work and feel like natural teeth.
The only difference is that the false tooth will be bonded with resin rather than with the help of the adjacent teeth in the dental bridges. The resin is placed behind the teeth to hold the false tooth in position. This procedure is less invasive and can be reversed if necessary. Is it possible to have a dental bridge with only one side supported instead of both ends? Under certain circumstances, yes. These restorations are called a “cantilever bridge” and can be used when only one tooth is available to support the restoration or when the other neighboring tooth is not stable enough to do so.
These alternatives to dental implants are less common. They look like two teeth side by side, but only one of them is located above a natural tooth, while the other is suspended above the gums. Your dentist can also offer customized solutions that can be used as alternatives to dental implants. These solutions can include a composite joint, porcelain veneers, or even a complete oral reconstruction. Your dentist will help you determine the best solution for your needs and discuss other services that could help improve your oral health. Fins can be manufactured quickly and are relatively inexpensive alternatives to dental implants, but their short-term nature means that they will eventually need to be replaced with more permanent solutions, such as implants or bridges. Overdentures are popular alternatives to full-arch dental implants when you want to take a step up from conventional “plates”, but you're not fully prepared for something like All-on-4 or All-on-6 zirconia implants. Each alternative to dental implants has its own advantages and disadvantages, which your dentist will discuss with you before proceeding.
Most importantly, gaps created by missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to deviate, leading to problems with bite alignment and jaw tension. When it's time to completely replace one or more teeth, dental implants are a good, long-lasting option. However, there are several alternatives available that can help restore your smile and improve your oral health.
