Dental implants aren’t the only option for tooth replacements. Two of the most common treatments outside of implants are dentures and dental bridges, and many patients may not know the difference between all three of these. Take a look below as we lay out the pros and cons of each treatment, and discover what works for you.

Dentures

Removable dentures are full or partial arch replacements that are constructed from an acrylic or plastic. They are secured in the mouth through adhesives or clips, and can easily cover areas with missing teeth.

Pros

• Dentures can be very affordable through dental insurance providers
• They can be constructed relatively quickly (within days or weeks)
• Patients regain the ability to chew, speak, and eat confidently.

Cons

• Dentures can potentially become loose, uncomfortable, or irritating to the gums
• Depending on the quality of the material, dentures can appear artificial
• Dentures do not provide direct stimulation to the jawbone

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a sequence of three or more crowns that are fused together. The middle crown is what will fill the gap in your smile, whereas the adjacent crowns will be the support system. These adjacent crowns are fixed on the teeth next to the gap.

Pros

• Bridges are less invasive, requiring no surgery
• A bridge can be replaced or repaired fairly quickly
• Bridges fill the gap in your smile without a large device (like a denture)
• More comfortable for chewing, speaking, and smiling.

Cons

• The adjacent teeth that the bridge is secured to may have to be filed down, which is irreversible
• Dental bridges may require more work to keep clean from food particles (you can’t floss between the crowns).
• Dental bridges have an average lifespan of five to ten years.

Dental Implants

As we’ve stated on other pages, dental implants are individual, artificial teeth that are crafted to look like real teeth. They are placed directly into the jawbone, and do not need to be supported by other devices.

Pros

• Implants are fully functional, artificial teeth, designed to look like natural teeth
• Cleaning dental implants is a breeze, with nothing more than floss, toothpaste, and toothbrush needed.
• Dental implants directly stimulate the jawbone to prevent deterioration.
• Due to their permanence, dental implants have a tendency to last longer than other devices.

Cons

• Dental implants require invasive surgery, and are permanently placed.
• Dental insurance providers may not always cover dental implants.
• Implants need a strong jawbone foundation. so for patients with jawbone depletion, other supplemental treatments may be required before placement.

Contact Us About Which Treatment is Best for You
Dr. Sanchez and his team are ready to help you restore your smile to its original beauty. Contact us today at our Tehachapi dental office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanchez. You’ll get the answers you need and be put on the right path of treatment for a complete smile.