Alternative To Dental Implants That You Can Consider

However, not everyone may resort to this option. Aside from its high cost and much longer length of treatments, there are cases that a simple bridge may already solve a dental concern. Moreover, experts do not likely advise implants to younger individuals, who are still in their development and growth stage.

This is where alternatives enter the equation. Not many individuals know that there are other options aside from implants. If you are looking for more appropriate solutions for you, you have come to the right place.

About Dental Bridgework

There are two types of dental bridgework: fixed and resin-bonded. These are efficient alternatives to implants, especially if you have a minor dental concern.

Here are the differences between the two:

    • Fixed Dental Bridge

A fixed dental bridge is the most common alternative to dentures and implants. This type of bridge provides a false tooth or teeth, which dentists would attach onto one or two neighboring teeth. In most cases, experts recommend this option for patients who lost one or two teeth.

Keep in mind, though, that specific parameters need to be met to be able to make it work. Dentists would usually examine the neighboring teeth first if they have enough strength, based on their positions and conditions, to hold the fake tooth or teeth.

The benefits of a fixed dental bridge include the reduction of gum disease and tooth decay. It also helps improve smile and confidence.

    • Resin-Bonded Fixed Bridges

If a fixed dental bridge could not resolve your dental concerns, then a resin-bonded bridge might help. This option is, more often than not, utilized for replacing front teeth, which do not have the same exposure to biting and chewing as the inner teeth.

Other experts and dentists sometimes referred to this alternative as the “Maryland Bridge.”  It features wings on each side of the fake tooth so it can attach itself to healthy adjacent teeth.

However, this type of bridge is not as strong as fixed work. Nevertheless, this is a reliable alternative to implants, especially if you have a missing front tooth or teeth.

About Dentures

Before implants and bridgeworks arrived on the scene, dentures take up the whole equation when it comes to replacing a missing tooth or teeth. They are the most common solution to losing one or two teeth. They are removable, and many people have seen one or two dentures in their lives.

Dentures are the cheapest option among the three. It is worth noting, though, that they are not as reliable as bridgeworks, and not even close to implants. They wear and tear over time, and many actual users attest to its discomfort.

Similar to dental bridges, dentures also have two types: complete and partial.

    • Complete Dentures

As the name states, this type of denture provides a complete set of teeth. It sits on top of the gums directly where the missing teeth are.

While it may benefit patients for 5 to 15 years, depending on the quality of usage and proper maintenance, it may cause permanent changes to the appearance of the face and smile as the natural bone underneath the denture may deteriorate as time passes by.

    • Partial Dentures

Contrary to complete dentures, the partial type is ideal for patients who lost only a few teeth. But, other than this point, the rest of its features, functions, and implications are all the same with the complete type of denture. Also, despite its small coverage, it may still cause permanent changes to your face and smile.

Several individuals who have partial dentures attest that they experience discomfort when eating and speaking. In the end, though, this is the cheapest option and alternative to implants.

About The All-On-4 Implants

All-on-4 dental implants by Smile Centre have now become the most sought-after type of dental solution for missing teeth. Formally, experts refer to it as the full-arch fixed Implant Bridge, but they now have become more popularly known as the “all-on-4.”

The bridge has four to six implants for full support. The materials utilized in each structure features acrylic-fused titanium, porcelain in its cobalt-chromium frame, and monolithic zirconia. These are the base reasons why they cost a hefty price, but not more than a traditional implant.

Nevertheless, experts in the field find this type of dental solution as the most reliable and efficient as of late. All-on-4 fully restores “edentulous arch,” and it provides natural-looking teeth. Patients also experienced natural comfortability with this alternative.

While the benefits may outweigh all the cons of utilizing All-on-4, there are still some concerns that you should know. Some patients experience a few challenges when it comes to speaking. Others also have worries regarding proprioception, parafunction, and full adaptation to the thickness of the bridgework.

Final Thoughts

Dental implants may be a good (or even the best) option to replace a missing tooth or teeth. However, you should know that you have other alternatives to this.

Before choosing what you think would be best for your dental concern, ensure to consult with your dentist as they know what will be the most appropriate solution.