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Implants vs. Bridges and Dentures Colorado Springs CO The ongoing advancements in dental prosthetics have transformed the landscape. Patients have more tooth replacement options than ever before. The most significant development is dental implants. The various dental implant supported prosthetics offer durable and secure solutions for every patient with one or more missing teeth. Whether it is a single implant supported crown, an implant supported dental bridge, or implant supported dentures, each serves its own unique purpose in restoring the functions of eating and speaking. Implants, bridges and dentures all appearance of each dental implant patient's smile. Understanding the differences between these options, as well as traditional dentures and bridges, is crucial for our patients at SmileCOS Dentistry to be able to make the best decisions about tooth replacement. Dental Implants: An Investment in Lifelong Oral HealthDental implants are the pinnacle of modern dentistry. They are artificial tooth roots made from a biocompatible material, titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. What sets implants apart from traditional crowns, bridges, and dentures is their ability to integrate with the jawbone. This provides a secure, and long lasting foundation. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. The process of getting dental implants has multiple steps. First, the implant is placed into the jawbone with a minor surgical procedure. Over a few months, the implant bonds with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once this integration is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment serves as the connection between the implant, and a custom made crown, implant supported bridge, or implant supported denture. Lastly, the appropriate prosthetic tooth replacement is attached to the abutment(s), and the smile is restored. Implants offer numerous advantages over traditional bridges and dentures. First, they are extremely durable. With proper care, dental implants often last a lifetime. They also preserve bone health by simulating natural tooth roots, and stimulating growth in the jawbone. This prevents the bone loss that occurs when teeth are lost. When tooth roots are missing from the jaw, they no longer stimulate bone growth, and the jaw loses density. This often results in a sunken, sagging appearance in the face after extensive tooth loss without dental implant supported tooth replacement. Lastly, implants look and function just like natural teeth, all the way down to the root. They provide unmatched stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures and bridges. Dental BridgesDental bridges have been a huge part of restorative dentistry for decades. They consist of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, anchored between two crowns that are placed over adjacent natural teeth. Implant supported bridges are placed on dental implants, which avoids altering the natural adjacent teeth to support a bridge. Bridges improve chewing and speaking abilities, and restore the smile's appearance. Traditional bridges do not require surgery on the jawbone. Instead, they rely on the support of neighboring teeth. This makes them a viable option for patients who are not suitable candidates for implant surgery because they lack bone height or density in the jaw. However, one drawback of bridges is that they may require the alteration of healthy adjacent teeth to accommodate crowns, which can weaken those teeth over time. DenturesDentures, also known as false teeth, have been the standard solution for extensive tooth loss for ages. Dentures can be full, where they replace a full arch of missing teeth, or partial, where the dentures replace several missing teeth, but still preserve the remaining natural teeth in that arch. Traditional dentures are typically made from acrylic and are held in place by suction on the gums, and adhesives. Implant supported dentures attach securely to dental implants. Dentures are a more affordable and non invasive option compared to implants and bridges, however, they have some drawbacks. Removable dentures are prone to slippage, and may require adjustments now and then due to changes in the jawbone over time. Some patients also struggle with speaking and eating comfortably with dentures, especially after they are first acquired. Bridge vs. ImplantThe choice between a bridge vs. implant depends on several factors, including the patient's oral health needs, jawbone density, budget, and personal preferences. Implants are often recommended to replace teeth because they offer unparalleled stability and durability. Bridges are suitable for patients with healthy adjacent teeth who want to avoid surgery, or patients who have financial constraints that prevent choosing implants. However, implants are a sound investment in long term oral health. Why not choose both? In many cases, dental implants are used to support a fixed bridge. An implant supported bridge provides the benefits of bridges as well as implants. This combined approach minimizes the need for extensive dental work on natural teeth with a minimum amount of surgery to place the dental implants. Denture AlternativesFor patients seeking denture alternatives, dental implants are the solution. Implant supported dentures combine the stability of implants with the convenience of removable dentures. When we anchor the denture to a few dental implants strategically placed in the jaw, implant supported dentures provide improved stability and comfort, and allow patients to eat and speak confidently. The evolution of dental prosthetics has brought a new age where our patients have multiple choices for replacing missing teeth. From dental implants to traditional bridges and dentures, each option offers different benefits and drawbacks. Implant dentistry continues to advance, and the future of tooth replacement is promising. Each new tooth replacement technology provides enhanced cosmetics, function, and a better quality of life for our patients. Call Your Colorado Springs Dentist Today!The advancements in implant dentistry have expanded the options available for tooth replacement, and cater to a broader range of patient needs and preferences. Whether it's implants, bridges, or dentures, please call the SmileCOS Dentistry team at (719) 394-3304 with any questions, or to schedule an appointment. Knowing all of the pros and cons for each tooth replacement option available to you is crucial to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on your own individual needs. |
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