Different Types Of Dental Implants

Dental implants, removable dentures, and bridges are all methods used to replace missing teeth, but they have distinctive differences. Considered a gold standard in the dental industry, dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular option due to their durability and effectiveness. This life-changing oral surgery consists of a titanium screw integrated with the jawbone and topped with a dental crown that looks like a real tooth.

In line with this, dental implants function independently and don’t rely on adjacent teeth. Also, they are strong, long-lasting, and mostly indistinguishable from your individual teeth. When properly installed by an experienced dentist and well-maintained, dental implants can last long because they become part of you. However, tooth replacements, like implant crowns, will likely need to be replaced after 10-15 years.

Conventional dentures, by contrast, sit on top of the gums; they require special adhesives and can easily slip out of place while eating or speaking. Although they cannot match the same longevity as implants since they only last for 7-10 years, they are still an effective and budget-friendly option for some people.

On the other hand, dental bridges are a non-invasive treatment that involves making modifications to attach prosthetic teeth between two natural teeth to fill gaps in the smile. They are also efficient since they are secured and supported by surrounding healthy teeth. Therefore, they are a great option for people who do not enjoy wearing traditional dentures. In terms of durability, dental bridges can last 5-7 years with good dental hygiene and regular dental visits with your qualified health practitioner.

Ultimately, all three options have advantages depending on your needs and budget, so it is recommended to speak with our dental team for guidance about which is right for you.

If you have multiple missing teeth, different kinds of dental implants might not be the only option.

A dental bridge can replace a single tooth, but it is often used to replace two, three, four, or more teeth. The greater the number of missing teeth, the more crowns are required to support the bridge, which makes it less stable. In addition, dentures are a popular alternative and may be a great choice when there are more than four gaps in a row, but this method can lose its fit over time due to bone deterioration.

Furthermore, the different kinds of dental implants are still highly durable treatments. By preserving the existing jawbone density, they offer greater reliability and enhance the smile’s appearance.

While many assume dental bridges would only work for someone with a more mature age, they can be used to replace the teeth of someone as young as 18, making them a great option for those who are looking to restore their smile. Dental bridges are suitable for patients with one or more missing teeth who have either lost or had them extracted. As long as the patients have two healthy, strong teeth on either side of the area where the crown will be placed, there should be no problem.

When it comes to getting dentures, there are no age restrictions. They can fit around your pre-existing teeth and give your smile a natural-looking finish that looks just like your original teeth. Contrary to popular belief, dentures aren’t only for older people—dentists recommend them for people as young as 30 who have lost their teeth due to periodontal disease or dental decay. The key is finding the right dental care provider to advise you on how dentures could help you.

The cost of alternatives to various forms of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of your case, where you live, the location of your tooth or teeth, and the materials used.

According to the national dental fee survey for 2020, the average cost of a dental bridge can start from $1800 per tooth. In addition, a two-tooth cantilever dental bridge with a crown range from $4615 to $8000.

Meanwhile, a full denture, which involves both an upper and lower part of the mouth, can range in price from $2600 to $6800. Furthermore, for those who wish to get upper dentures only, your expenses can start from $1725 to $3400.

To get a detailed price quote for your procedure, we highly recommend scheduling an initial consultation with our dental clinic. We will be happy to assess your condition and provide a personalised treatment plan based on your needs.

Dentures can last up to 7-10 years before they need to be replaced. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the benefits of your dental bridges for 5-7 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, these alternatives can be made to last significantly longer, allowing patients to retain their smiles.

Dental bridges and dentures are effective options for valuable teeth replacement, but as with any dental procedure, there are potential risks that should be considered. These include:

For dental bridges:

• Jaw bone shrinkage
  Teeth roots are essential to maintain the shape of the jaw, and without them, it will shrink. Despite the strong support that a traditional bridge offers, gum atrophy under the bridge cannot be prevented.
  
  
• Gum disease
  You will need to brush and floss regularly to reach between the bridge and the gum line when cleaning your restoration. If you fail to do it, plaque and tartar can build up around your bridge, increasing the risk for tooth decay, gum irritation, and gum disease in those surrounding teeth.
  
  
• Breakage
  If you chew something too hard or sticky, you can break your bridge – minor fractures can sometimes be repaired, but more significant damage may require a full replacement.

For dentures:

• Gum irritation
  When dentures are not fitted properly, they rub on the gum tissue and can cause inflammation, raw spots, or bleeding. There is a higher risk of infection in the gums when cut or scraped.
  
  
• Ulcerations
  It is also possible to develop blisters on the gums and other tissues inside the mouth due to the excessive rubbing caused by loose dentures. Blisters serve as the body’s way of protecting itself from scrapes.
  
  
• Difficulty Chewing
  You may have difficulty chewing if your dentures are poorly fitted. In this situation, you will probably find it challenging to maintain a balanced and healthy diet for your body.
  
  
• Bite Problems
  Uneven bites can occur when your dentures do not fit properly. A problem with your bite can increase your risk of developing an oral infection. TMJ issues can also arise from uneven pressure from ill-fitting dentures.Before beginning any dental treatment, feel free to ask our friendly team at DaVinci Smiles. We will be delighted to provide you with detailed information so you can make an informed decision for your oral health.

Dentures and dental bridges can be combined with different kinds of dental implants to provide an effective alternative to traditional restorations.

Implant-supported dentures can improve a patient’s confidence to smile and speak. Aside from that, they hold the dentures firmly in place but still permit easy removal and cleaning where adhesives are not needed. This means your dentures will no longer slip out of place in public or on special occasions.

Similarly, implant-supported bridges can replace missing teeth rather than relying on crowns or other frameworks. As a result, your adjacent teeth will no longer be filed down, and you will enjoy better support from the dental implants.

In turn, this blended approach to dentistry provides powerful alternatives for restoring one’s teeth and gums while providing a more comfortable fit and greater stability.