If you come into our office with missing teeth or advanced tooth decay, our go-to recommendation will be dental implants. Still, many of our patients want to explore their options for various reasons.
Sometimes, it’s the upfront cost of implants; sometimes, it’s fear of surgery.
So, let’s discuss why some people choose a lesser alternative to implants and why, in our opinion, implants remain the best choice for renewing your smile, restoring the function of your teeth, and safeguarding your oral health.
Dental Implant Alternatives
- Dental Bridges are a standard solution for replacing missing teeth. With a bridge, you anchor artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth. Bridges can effectively restore aesthetics and function, but they have limitations. To place the bridge, you must shave down the adjacent healthy teeth. This can compromise their structural integrity over time. Also, bridges do not address bone loss in the jaw, which occurs naturally after tooth loss. This means that eventually, teeth will shift, and your jawbone will degrade.
- Dentures are often chosen by those missing multiple teeth or entire arches. Dentures are non-invasive. They are relatively affordable, and they restore a smile. However, dentures can be uncomfortable. They slip and shift while eating or speaking. They require regular adjustments due to changes in jawbone structure, and they must be replaced periodically.
- Partial Dentures are removable appliances used to replace one or several missing teeth. They are a less expensive solution, but they share many of the drawbacks of full dentures. They can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to chew food.
The Superior Choice
Alternative treatments have their place in dentistry. Some people are not candidates for dental implants. Still, dental implants stand out as the most advanced and durable solution for replacing missing teeth most of the time. Here’s why:
- Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They are anchored securely into your jawbone. This makes them stable and prevents them from slipping or feeling uncomfortable.
- Unlike bridges and dentures, which do not address bone loss, dental implants stimulate the jawbone. This helps preserve its strength and density, which prevents the sunken facial appearance that can occur over time with alternate tooth replacement methods.
- With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. This means, in the long run, they are cost-effective. Bridges and dentures, on the other hand, need to be adjusted or replaced periodically. This keeps costs adding up for these lesser alternatives.
- Dental implants do not require you to shave or adjust adjacent teeth. This means better long-term oral health and reduced risk of complications.
At Bowman Dental, we want to help you restore your smile and safeguard your oral health with the best possible treatment option.
If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer—discover the life-changing benefits of dental implants with Bowman Dental.
Give us a call at 603-605-0036.
We look forward to helping in every way we can and can’t wait to see you smile!
