Irrespective of how you lost your teeth, finding the right alternative to replace them is crucial. According to Forbes, most individuals prefer using a dental implant when replacing their lost or damaged teeth. Teeth implants appear and work similar to your natural teeth and can slow down jaw bone loss.
However, not everybody has the same preference when it comes to ways of replacing their lost teeth. For some individuals, teeth implants may not be the best alternative due to medical or preferential reasons. If you’re such a person, below are five alternatives to dental implants you should know about.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge will be a better alternative to Dental Implants if you have one or more missing teeth. Often, it is reinforced with dental crowns on both edges of the lost or damaged tooth. Dental bridges are permanently rooted in your mouth and can’t slide or loosen, enabling you to talk and eat with ease.
Additionally, bridges appear natural and are easy to clean and maintain. Nevertheless, this alternative can only suit you if you have robust and healthy neighboring teeth to support a dental bridge.
Flippers
A flipper is the other alternative to teeth implants that you can try. It is a short-term partial denture that is affixed to either edge of the lost or damaged tooth. It depends on your mouth’s palate and stops the neighboring teeth from moving. In addition, flippers don’t need metallic clutches and are simple to put on.
Although they are cheaper than teeth implants, flippers won’t be suitable for you if you’re looking for a permanent alternative to replace missing teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are natural teeth-like, detachable, and comfy tooth restoration alternatives. You can select either full, partial, or implant-supported dentures subject to the number of teeth you want to replace.
Full Dentures
You may opt for a full denture if all your teeth are missing or they require extraction because of infection, decay, or pain. A full top denture is often affixed by creating a seal with the palate, gums, and bone ridges. Likewise, a full bottom denture is affixed using teeth implants. With your full denture fitted in, you’ll look as if you have all your teeth intact.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can be an ideal alternative if you intend to restore one or more lost teeth in the lower or upper jaw. These dentures are fabricated with gum-like supports that hold the restoration teeth in place and will affix to your supporting teeth. At times, you may require a crown to guarantee that the dentures are fitted properly.
Also, partial dentures can sometimes be less steady compared to other teeth restoration alternatives, thus needing regular repairs.
Implant-supported Dentures
Apart from the two types of dentures highlighted above, you can also opt for an implant-reinforced denture. This alternative is suitable if you’re looking for ways to enhance biting functionality and denture stability. Nevertheless, your jaw bone must be healthy and sufficient to support the implants for you to use this alternative.
Resin-Bonded Bridge
Resin-bonded bridges are more like the conventional teeth bridges as they work and appear like your natural teeth. They mainly differ in how they are affixed, where these are affixed using resin while the neighboring teeth support dental bridges. The resin is deposited at the back of the teeth to hold the tooth in place. Besides, the procedure is less invasive and can be undone if the need arises.
Implant-Supported Bridge
If several of your teeth are lost or damaged, then an implant-supported bridge will be suitable for you. With this teeth replacement alternative, the missing teeth are reinforced by neighboring teeth rooted using implants. An implant-supported bridge not only improves your oral health but also provides you with a nice-looking natural appearance.
Closing Thoughts
Before you choose which teeth replacement alternative you want, ensure you talk to your dentist to help you pick the best alternative. This is because some individuals may not be the right candidates for certain alternatives. The best alternatives to teeth implants you should know about include dental bridges, flippers, resin-bonded bridges, implant-supported bridges, and dentures. Ultimately, the alternative you select depends on your needs, preference, and recommendation from your dentist.
