Alternatives to Tooth Replacement

Nothing compares to a healthy set of teeth with no decay or plaque. It builds your self-esteem as you can enjoy your smile confidently. Tooth loss, on the other hand, can be embarrassing and result in speech difficulty.

According to a National Health and Nutrition Exam report, tooth decay occurs in 92% of adults. Also, a large number of people today suffer from missing teeth. Fortunately, science has provided us with temporary and permanent solutions to tooth loss or decay. The following are alternatives to a tooth replacement that will help improve your smile and oral health.

Dental Implant
A dental implant is a medical procedure that involves the fusion of a replacement tooth root to your jawbone. This replacement option is best when replacing a single tooth, and using it for multiple teeth isn’t advised.
Aside from being ideal for a single tooth, it always gives your teeth a natural appearance that can last for many years or decades without the need for replacement or repair.
Choose a dental implant if you can afford it since it’s a permanent solution. It also provides the best aesthetic result.

Pros of Dental implant
It’s a permanent tooth replacement solution
Provides the best natural teeth appearance
It helps to preserve the jawbone and gum tissue, reduces your visits to your dentist’s office, and makes your teeth healthier.

Cons of Dental implant
It’s quite costlier than other tooth replacement options
It requires surgery and may not be the best option for everyone

Fixed bridge
In simple terms, a fixed bridge helps to close the space between two teeth. The fixed bridge process involves preparing the two teeth beside the space to be filled, making a mold of the space, customizing the bridge in a dental laboratory, and placing the bridge in its rightful position. This process requires the patient to visit the dentist on several occasions and therefore takes a lot of time.
As soon as the bridge is closed, your tooth looks and works exactly like your other natural teeth. Fixed bridge replacement also does not require removal before cleaning your teeth, and it is much easier to maintain than a dental implant.

Pros of Fixed bridge
Easy to maintain
Cheaper than an implant
Works and looks like natural teeth
Doesn’t require removal for cleaning

Cons of Fixed bridge
Hard to clean
It may cost more than removable tooth replacement options
The teeth next to the bridge are often affected.

Resin-retained Bridge
Another replacement option to try is the resin-retained bridge. Although this method shares a close similarity with the fixed bridge option, it is less expensive and less durable.
It’s an excellent choice for people who need to replace their front teeth, as it doesn’t require much pressure. The resin-retained tooth replacement option involves cementing the custom-made tooth to the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.

Pros of Resin-retained Bridge
Cheaper than implants and a fixed bridge
Looks and feel like natural teeth
Doesn’t require removal for cleaning
Facilitates the removal of plaque

Cons of Resin-retained Bridge
Less durable than a fixed bridge and implant options
Not a permanent solution
Can affect the teeth beside the bridge

Removable partial denture
The removable partial denture teeth replacement option involves fixing the replacement teeth to a small plastic base that looks like your natural gum and attaching a clasp to the natural teeth at the sides. If you’re a lover of aesthetics, this is the right replacement option for you as the teeth look and feel like your natural teeth. It is durable and great for chewing.

Pros of Removable partial denture
Usually cheaper than fixed bridges, implants, and resin-retained options
Very easy to repair when damaged
Easily removable for cleaning

Cons of Removable partial denture
Less durable than implants and fixed bridges
It can become unbearable when worn for an extended period. So you will need to remove it when going to bed.

Removable complete denture
Just like a fixed bridge, this replacement option also requires you to pay numerous visits to the dentist. This method is designed for people who want to replace several teeth at once. The process involved is the same as that described for removable partial denture above, and they have similar advantages and disadvantages.
Removable partial denture and removable complete denture are suitable for people who cannot afford implants or have weak gums that cannot support fixed bridges.

Pros of Removable complete denture
Usually cheaper than fixed bridges, implants, and resin-retained options
Very easy to repair when damaged
Easily removable for cleaning

Cons of Removable complete denture
Less durable than implants and fixed bridges
It can become unbearable when worn for an extended period. So, it’s usually removed when going to bed.

Overdenture Implants
An overdenture implant is an affordable option for people that have lost a large part of their jawbone. The process involves inserting the implants into the strongest part of the jawbone that can support dental implants. Overdenture implants are useful for replacing multiple teeth and are better than removable partial dentures and removable complete dentures in terms of comfort and overall dental health.

Pros of Overdenture Implants
It is more affordable than other teeth replacement options and cheaper to maintain than removable partial and complete dentures.
It can be removable or permanent.
It provides beautiful aesthetics and supports the jawbone.
It is more durable than removable partial and complete dentures.
The teeth are strong enough to let you enjoy any type of food.

Cons of Overdenture Implants
It may become uncomfortable as sore spots may appear on the gum tissue
It can remove when you’re chewing strong foods.

Dental Flipper Teeth
A dental flipper is a temporary removable partial denture used to replace one or more missing teeth for a short time before a more permanent teeth replacement procedure becomes possible. It is designed to fill up any gap to help you smile and talk well without being embarrassed for the time being.
Flipper tooth should be an option when you’re waiting for your dental implant procedure to commence as it cannot be used as a permanent tooth replacement.

Pros of Dental Flipper Teeth
Quite affordable and cheap tooth replacement option
Fabricated before tooth extraction and fixed immediately after the removal of a natural tooth.
Unlike a partial denture that requires a frequent visit to your dentist, this process doesn’t require such.
It is very light and easy to maintain.

Cons of Dental Flipper Teeth
It is very fragile and can break easily.
It often lacks aesthetic appeal as its metal clasps can become noticeable.
It is quite bulky and can make you feel uncomfortable when used for an extended period.
It can become unhygienic to the mouth if not consistently cleaned.

Choosing teeth replacement procedure is better done in consultation with your dentist. Contact us at Westerville Dental Associates, we’re always happy to help.