While dental implants may come with a higher price tag than the initial cost of getting a bridge or partial denture, it’s important to compare this initial investment with the long term care required for other restorations. In addition, patients considering semi-permanent or removable restorations should also examine the overall health implications of tooth restoration alternatives.
Replacing Worn Appliances
Bridges and dentures are replacement teeth that are not completely permanent. While bridges are bonded in place, they are secured to surrounding teeth with dental cement and are prone to breakage and damage over their lifetime. Repairing a broken bridge usually involves replacing the entire unit, which incurs added cost. While bridges may last a while with proper care, they are not life-long restorations and will, at some point, require replacement.
Damaged full dentures can often be repaired by a dental lab, but broken partial dentures would need to be replaced in full in order to ensure comfort and aesthetic. Breaking or damaging part of an implant-supported prosthetic does not mean that both the replacement teeth and the implant need to be repaired, thereby limiting cost for restorative care.
Effect on Oral Health
While bridges and dentures can give patients the appearance of a full and healthy smile, they can sometimes put you at elevated risk for other oral health issues, such as furthered tooth decay, shrinking gum tissue, shifting teeth, or cracked and broken teeth.
Instead, dental implants foster improved oral health through protecting healthy bone volume and not resting on, or negatively affecting, surrounding teeth and tissue.
Longevity of Comfort and Aesthetic
Over time, and as they age, bridges may look less natural – especially if the restoration has a metal base coated in tooth-colored material. Dentures may become loose and fit poorly as gum tissue shrinks, requiring routine readjustment to ensure comfortable fit.
Because implant dentures, bridges, and single crowns are supported by replacement tooth roots, they will feel, look, and act like your own natural teeth. They do not rest on or cause irritation to soft tissue, and because many of our implant restorations are pure porcelain, they will look highly similar to your real teeth.
Dental implants should be considered an investment in your health, wellness, and the appearance of your smile. If you have questions about whether implants will work for you, please call our Campbell implant dentist for more information.
