dental patient calculating treatment cost

Are There Cheaper Alternatives for Dental Implants?

Most dentists today would agree that dental implants are a superior choice if you need one or more teeth replaced. While research and case studies have proven so, you may still be left wondering if there are cheaper alternatives to this more costly solution. The answer is yes, but with cheaper prices come more potential issues. Let’s see what your alternatives are and how they compare to dental implants:

A Model Of Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges were long-since considered a viable option for replacing one or more missing teeth. They’re made up of a series of dental crowns that span over the empty tooth socket and attach to adjacent teeth. Dental bridges have their disadvantages, however. They rely on healthy teeth that must be shaved down to attach to the bridge. As the bone beneath shrinks without a tooth, food and bacteria can become trapped and cause decay and infection. With these issues and only a lifespan of 5-10 years, dental bridges may not be a good solution for a missing tooth, even if the patient is older.

Partial or Full Dentures

Most patients are familiar with dentures, either as a full or partial set of teeth. They rely both on natural suction and pastes or adhesives to remain in place. Unfortunately, dentures have a reputation for being unreliable and uncomfortable, making it difficult to eat and talk. As the jawbone resorbs without teeth, it becomes weak and thin, and the denture will no longer fit snuggly over the gums. Modern dentures have come a long way in terms of function and aesthetics, but they’re no match for healthy natural teeth.

Dental Patient With A Big Chunk Of Jawbone Missing In His Jaw

Doing Nothing

Another alternative to dental implants is to simply do nothing about your missing teeth. However, in most cases, not replacing your teeth can have troubling consequences. A loss of teeth inevitably means a loss of bone in your jaw. This changing bone can cause other teeth to shift and become loose. If gum disease is present, more teeth may eventually be lost. Over time, and if enough teeth are missing, the mouth appears “sunken in” without support from bone and teeth. The longer this continues, the harder it will be to treat, making the possibility to place new teeth in the area more pricey, and in some circumstances, even impossible!

The benefits of choosing dental implants

All the above-mentioned options are considered cheaper alternatives to dental implants. But the cost of not replacing your teeth with a permanent solution is far greater. Dental implants are the only option that gives you long-term function, health, and aesthetic benefits after you’ve lost teeth. They’re secured into your jawbone, so you won’t need to worry about your teeth slipping or harming healthy adjacent teeth. You’ll also be able to eat a wider variety of foods and improve your oral and overall health. Best of all, dental implants are permanent, meaning you can receive these amazing benefits for the rest of your life!

How Do Dental Implants Work?

The implant post

Taking the shape of a screw, implant posts are embedded through the gumline into the jawbone just like the roots of natural teeth. The implant post is typically made of a biocompatible material, such as titanium or zirconia, so that it fuses with the bone.

The abutment

This component is installed after the post, connecting to the top of the implant post provides a connection to whatever dental restoration you have in mind.

The dental restoration

These are dental crowns, bridges, overdentures, and full arches of teeth to simulate the natural aesthetic and function of a mouth.

Graphic Showing The Different Parts Of A Dental Implant

What Are Your Options For Dental Implants?

Graphic Of A Partial Denture Being Mounted On Dental Implants

Implant-Supported Dentures

Do you have dentures already? Are your regular dentures loose fitting and awkward to deal with? We can turn your dentures into specialized dentures that can snap onto dental implants, providing more support than conventional dentures at an affordable price (1). However, they are looser fitting than fully affixed options and require more frequent maintenance, in addition to a lot more self cleaning and hassle on your part

Dental Implant Model

Single Implants

Singular dental implants are used to support a single dental crown. Often, these can be done in a single appointment, letting you come out of the dental appointment with a brand new, functional smile!

Model Showing An All-On-4 Dental Implant Full Arch

All on 4

Compared to before, this technique also uses four dental implants that are placed into your gums. However, a full arch of (typically) porcelain teeth are tightly fitted to your gum line. This means that they are permanently affixed to your jaw, meaning that these act more like natural teeth in function and aesthetic! (2)

Schedule your appointment!

Get started on your journey to a brand new smile today by calling Dr. Nick Brand of Dental Implants of Ocala in our office in Ocala, FL now by calling our number, (352) 306-5595, or schedule an appointment online! Let us use our expertise to help you have a better understanding of dental implants and implant solutions. Getting equipped with knowledge is essential no matter what sorts of dental interventions you need!

References

(1) – What You Need to Know About Snap-In Dentures, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/snap-in-dentures
(2) – All-on-4® treatment concept, Nobel Biocare USA, https://www.nobelbiocare.com/en-us/all-on-4-treatment-concept

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