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Missing teeth have been a problem for a very long time now. So it’s only natural that there are other tooth restoration treatments in use today. For the longest time, the most popular treatments for missing teeth were dental bridges and dentures. However, with the introduction of dental implants, our patients now have a third viable option to consider when determining the best way to restore their missing teeth. Before deciding on a tooth restoration treatment, Dr. Richard Assing and Dr. Brenton Assing recommend that their patients investigate all of their potential treatment ideas, as it is only through becoming informed on all potential treatments that we believe a patient can make the best possible decision for their oral health. Please read on to learn about dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants, and how these treatments compare to each other.
What Treatment Options Do You Have for Your Missing Teeth?
The three most popular and most commonly used tooth restoration treatments are dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Listed below are summaries of these treatments, their advantages, and their disadvantages.
Dentures
Dentures are one of the most popular methods for restoring multiple missing teeth. Composed of replacement teeth that are connected by fake, plastic gums, dentures sit on top of your gums and provide fully functional teeth. Dentures come in two main forms: partial, used to replace some missing teeth, and complete, which are used to restore a full arch of missing teeth.
Advantages
Dentures are popular among patients with missing teeth because they provide an affordable method for restoring missing teeth. Not only that, but dentures can be provided relatively quickly, usually requiring only around two weeks before they are in your hands. Lastly, dentures don’t require any type of surgery before you can use them.
Disadvantages
Unfortunately, dentures are not really known for their comfort. Dentures sit uncomfortably on top of your gums, and can require a messy adhesive in order to have any chance of staying in place. Even with this adhesive, it is still very possible for your dentures to fall out of position, which can actually result in your natural teeth being damaged. Dentures also do not last very long, and will need to be replaced about every 7 years.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are made up of a series of crowns that are fused together, allowing the end teeth to support a third crown that will take the place of your missing tooth.
Advantages
Much like dentures, dental bridges require no surgery before you can use them, and they are affordable. Not only that, but dental bridges can be provided quickly, ensuring you don’t spend too much time without the teeth you need.
Disadvantages
The major problem presented by dental bridges is the fact that you must irreversibly file down the teeth bordering the missing teeth so that they can work as anchors for your bridge. These filed down teeth are then much more susceptible to conditions like tooth decay. Dental bridges also do not last very long, and will need to be replaced about every 5 to 10 years.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a tooth restoration system made up of three parts: the artificial tooth root, the abutment, and the replacement tooth that tops the entire thing. Through osseointegration, dental implants are able to be directly manipulated by your body, just like natural teeth are.
Advantages
Thanks to osseointegration, dental implants look, function, and feel just like natural teeth do. And, because your implants are directly fused to your jawbone, they should never get loose or move out of place. This has the added benefit of your dental implants requiring no additional maintenance other than brushing and flossing to stay healthy.
Disadvantages
One major disadvantage of dental implants is the fact that they can require additional procedures before you will be able to move forward with the treatment. For instance, if you are suffering from jawbone deterioration or gum recession, you will need a supplemental procedure before your mouth will be able to handle implants.
Determine the Best Treatment for Your Needs in Brandon, FL
Are you currently suffering from missing teeth and are eager to find out which tooth replacement treatment might be best for your needs? Then contact our Brandon, FL area practice and schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Richard Assing and Dr. Brenton Assing today.
