When you are missing teeth, it is important to consider how dentures work when compared with other restorations. It can be easy to go with the first dental restoration you hear about, so you do not have to do additional research. However, when it comes to your dental health, you need to take the decision seriously.
There are many options to consider, including dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Weigh every option, then decide which one fits your needs, wants, and budget.
Dental implants are the most permanent restorations, anchored into place by a titanium post that fuses with the jawbone. The titanium rod resembles the function of a tooth root and we cover with a prosthetic tooth. Dental implants feel real and function just like natural teeth. Dental implants also have a natural appearance.
A dental bridge uses two abutment teeth to anchor a “bridge-like” structure into place. The dental bridge spans the open space that missing teeth create with prosthetic teeth remains in place with abutment teeth. These will be covered with a tooth-colored crown for a permanent anchor. The patient will then have the dental bridge bonded into place.
Dentures are partial or complete appliances that we create from an impression of the patient’s gums and remaining teeth. Dentures can replace the entire bottom or top arch of the mouth that is missing teeth with a simple dental visit or two. They can be left removable, or be cemented or anchored into place by dental glue or metal clips.
We will restore the denture structure as realistically as possible to its natural state to the best of our ability. We will take the time to go over available options with you and determine the most effective choice.
When it comes to retaining the health of the dental structure, including teeth, gums, and bone structure, dental implants are the best option. Dental implants fill in even the smallest gap where the root once was in order to maintain a solid bone structure that will not shift. But they do require longer procedure times and may cost more.
We can quickly place dental bridges since they do not require surgery like dental implants. Dental bridges are slightly more affordable than implants. However, dental bridges do require the drilling and altering of some surrounding teeth, which may weaken strong teeth.
Dentures are the least permanent option. We can place dentures quickly at an affordable price that does not require any dental work to surrounding teeth. Dentures may not be as permanent as the other options, but they are less costly. Dentures are a good option for temporary use, or if the patient does not have it in the budget to purchase a more permanent option.
These are a few dental restoration characteristics to consider when you are determining the best dental replacements for you. Each option will be tooth-colored and will look similar to your real teeth while dental implants will look the most realistic. The consequential thing to remember is how important it is to receive dental restorations as soon as you are able to preserve the remainder of your dental structure. To learn more about the differences in dental restorations, contact Oral Care Dentistry: Parnaz Aurasteh, DDS at (310) 974-6779.
