781-894-6332
Here at Weston Dental Specialists, we are proud to offer a variety of product choices, payment options, and services to transform your smile, restore your teeth, and help improve your confidence. Read on to discover more about your tooth replacement options, the benefits, and drawbacks.
Dental Implants Compared To Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are one of the most popular forms of tooth replacement. If you choose this option, you will usually get three or more crowns (replacement teeth) that are fused together. The middle crown takes the place of the missing tooth while the other two crowns are capped over the adjacent teeth next to the missing tooth area. This requires that the adjacent teeth be ground down as anchors for the middle crown. Problems often happen when patients discover that cleaning the bridge can be tricky. Food particles could become trapped between the bridge and the gums, increasing your chances of decay or gum disease. This option is also only intended to last for a decade or so before it needs to be re-evaluated or replaced.
As an alternative, dental implants are generally considered by many providers to be better than dental bridges. One of the main reasons for this is that bridges do little to prevent jawbone deterioration or gum recession. As a result, patients can experience changes to their facial structure over time, as well as pain and sensitivity in the area where gums have receded. On the other hand, dental implants allow functional use of the jawbone so it can heal and regenerate.
Dental Implants Compared To Removable Dentures
In the past, dentures were the most popular option for tooth replacement. The reason for this is that they were relatively inexpensive, could be made quickly, and could easily be used to help patients eat, speak, and smile once more. The problem is that dentures eventually need to be replaced, can sometimes become uncomfortable, and often look less-than-natural. When wearing this tooth replacement option, patients sometimes struggle with speaking clearly and eating some foods.
Traditional dentures can replace a full arch of teeth, but are removable, and often need a messy dental adhesive to stay in place. Dentures also need to be cleaned on a daily basis, which some patients may find tedious after a while. Dentures also do not stop the jawbone deterioration that usually happens when patients do not have teeth attached anymore.
Dental implants offer a much different experience. Since they are permanently attached to the jawbone, implants stay in place, improve oral hygiene, and help you take advantage of normal tooth function once more. Patients can also eat what they want, smile confidently, and speak clearly. And unlike dentures, dental implants can last many decades and are the only option to help stop or reduce jawbone deterioration.
What Is The Best Tooth Replacement Option For Me?
The first thing to do if you have questions about what the best option is for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alwazzan. This appointment is critical because it allows us a chance to examine your mouth and talk about your health. X-rays or CAT scans may also be taken so that we can see what is going on with your jawbone, sinuses, and other delicate structures under the surface of the skin. After this appointment, you will be given options along with a written estimate for your treatment. There is no obligation to purchase services and you will have a chance to ask as many questions as you need to understand your choices completely.
What Can I Do To Prepare Myself For Dental Implants?
There are several things that patients can do to prepare for dental implants. First and foremost, patients should practice good oral hygiene habits and get any existing oral health issues under control. Good overall health, a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol can also help.
Find Out Which Treatment Is Best For You
There are many wonderful tooth replacement options for patients to choose from. If you are curious about dental implants, the placement process, or payment options, there is no better person to ask than Dr. Alwazzan. We serve patients in Concord, Weston, Lexington, Lincoln, Newton, Wellesley, Wayland, Natick, and Sudbury, MA. We are also more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have, so please feel free to check out the rest of our dental implant infosite or contact our practice today.
