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According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), the United States is said to have about 3 million people who either have or are getting dental implants. Surprisingly, this number is expected to grow by 500,000 annually. Despite the countless benefits of dental implants, not everyone can get them. Some people can not afford it, while others are medically unfit. In this article, we will lay out less invasive alternatives to dental implants.
If you have missing teeth, there are various alternatives to tooth implants. You can choose the option that suits your affordability and health. You can discuss all the pros and cons with your dentist. These options include bridges, crowns, dentures, implant-supported bridges, etc.
The ideal and realistic-feeling alternative to natural teeth is a dental implant, but it is also the most expensive. Dentures may be more comfortable and functional than they are. A bridge is an excellent option if you have healthy teeth nearby to support the bridge and are simply missing a few teeth.
Following is a list of permanent alternatives to dental implants to help you make your best decision.
A dental bridge functions just like a conventional bridge. It bridges the missing space created between two teeth due to the loss of teeth. Ideally, a bridge should replace up to 4 missing teeth. A classic bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis that requires the adjacent teeth to be trimmed. Next up, an impression is taken and sent to the dental lab.
The bridge is manufactured and tried in your mouth. It is cemented and fixed with dental adhesives if it fits well.
Resin-bonded bridges are another cheap alternative to dental implants. They function like natural teeth. The only difference is that the false tooth will be attached to resin instead of touching adjacent teeth like in classic, conventional bridges. It gets applied behind the teeth to keep the prosthetic tooth in position. This type of bridge is comparatively less invasive and reversible if required.
Maryland bridge is a tooth implant alternative in which the structure of adjacent teeth is not reduced. The bridge has tiny ‘wings’ with it. The wings are bonded to adjacent teeth for support with an adhesive, which is then fixed with a blue light source.
Maryland bridge fitting starts with the first appointment, and you may require up to 5 days to permanently get the bridge fixed in your mouth.
According to research, the success rate of implant tooth-supported prostheses was 91.27% after 5 years. You should consider an implant-supported bridge if you are missing multiple teeth. Adjacent teeth are secured, while implants support the missing tooth or teeth.
These bridges improve your functionality, dental health, and aesthetics. For a more detailed look at how implants compare to bridges, especially when choosing between options, see our guide on dental implants vs. bridges.
Following is a list of removal alternatives to dental implants.
This alternative to dental implants is recommended for individuals who do not have many natural teeth. It consists of two stages. The remaining tooth structure is prepared for receiving crowns. Next, the dental technician will make the full-arch bridge, which will fit perfectly over the telescopic crowns, thus forming a crossing or lock to keep the full-arch bridge in place.
In this case, we can follow the all-on-4 dental implant model without surgery. A dental patient can remove this kind of clamp. However, it is still more secure than the normal denture, which will come out easily with an applied force only.
This alternative to dental implants is similar to conventional dentures, but they have some other features for a better holding technique. The crowns are installed on the adjacent teeth. The denture and the crowns contain unique locking mechanisms on the sides, which lock together, allowing the denture to be clicked in place to perform oral functions better.
A magnetic denture needs some natural teeth to be present, just like a denture with locking. Particular magnets are positioned inside the tooth or on the surface of the teeth, and they draw in the magnets on the underside of the denture to keep it in place.
Partial dentures perfectly suit people who need to substitute one or more missing teeth, either in the upper or lower jaw or both. They are prepared from strong, gum-coloured material. The base can be made from silicon or acrylic. The base holds replacement teeth, and there will be an attachment in metal clasps with your supporting teeth (remaining natural teeth in the arch).
If you have lost all your teeth or have an existing denture with decay, infection, pain or other dental issues, the dentist may recommend a complete denture. An upper denture is kept intact by the form of the seal between the bone ridges, gum (roof of the mouth) and palate, while a lower denture is kept in place by dental implants (anchors) or takes support from underlying bone.
A temporary partial denture called a flipper is fixed to the sides of the missing tooth and has a natural appearance. It stops the neighboring teeth from drifting and depends on the mouth’s palate or the roof’s suction. In addition, it is simple to wear and requires no metal clasps. Flippers are a removable and cheap alternative to dental implants.
We have multiple options to replace missing teeth. Nevertheless, the best option is still dental implants. Followed by bridges, crowns and dentures. Some options are fixed, while others are removal replacements. You can get dental implants in NJ or any other prosthesis, but make sure that it is from an expert and professional dentist.
If you have lost one or more teeth and are looking for the best missing tooth replacement options, contact our Hesed Dental team to schedule an appointment. We offer health and budget-friendly dental treatment plans if you want dental implants in NJ.
Hesed Dental 543 Gorge Road Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
201 941 8877