Are there alternatives to dental implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. It uses a fixed implant in the gums to secure a prosthetic tooth, or in some cases, multiple teeth. Whilst it is a great solution for those wanting lasting results and aren’t necessarily bothered by an invasive dental procedure.
There are less-invasive alternatives available to individuals with missing teeth, which restore function and aesthetics without the need for lengthy procedures. The alternatives will fall into two types of prosthetics, fixed and removable.
Removable versus fixed appliances
Removable
Removable appliances for replacing teeth are prosthetics that can be inserted and removed from the mouth at the discretion of the wearer. This can help the wearer by returning the functionality of the mouth, without needing to have implants placed.
The alternative for those wanting a removable option is dentures. At Wimpole Street, we can create partial or full dentures to accommodate and replace as many or as few teeth as needed.
Dentures are a great solution for patients with a significant portion of gum still in place, which provides a secure foundation for the denture to adhere to. If the patient has suffered from gum recession, gum disease, or issues with the jawbone, then the treatment may not be as suitable for their dental health.
Fixed
Fixed dental prosthetics cannot be removed; they are often attached to adjoining teeth using an adhesive which bonds the false tooth with the existing natural teeth. The fixed alternatives we offer at Wimpole Street are dental bridges and Maryland Bridges.
Dental Bridges are prosthetic teeth that are attached to one or two dental crowns. The dental crown part of the prosthetic is fitted over one or both adjoining teeth to secure the artificial tooth in place.
This kind of prosthetic is ideal for patients needing to replace between one and three teeth. The bridge can be designed to replicate multiple teeth; however, there needs to be one or two healthy teeth to fix the appliance onto.
Marland Bridges differ from dental bridges in the way they’re adhered. Maryland bridges are fixed to the adjoining teeth using a single or double-winged prosthetic. The Maryland bridge is able to replace up to four teeth in the mouth, making it another suitable alternative for those with significant tooth loss.
Patients will need healthy and stable neighbouring teeth in order for the prosthetic to be fixed and stable.
Factors to consider
Both the patient and dentist work together to outline the various needs and desires, which will help them to identify the most practical solution for their missing teeth. The following factors are most important when weighing up the options:
- The placement of the missing teeth, depending on the position of the missing teeth, will require different prosthetics that will be suited to replace the teeth.
- Whether you want fixed or removable prosthetics: this is a major factor to consider. Would you prefer being able to remove your false tooth, or would it be better suited to have it fixed in place?
- The longevity of the treatment: some patients may be open to a compromise with the longevity of the prosthetic. For instance, Maryland bridges require less prep and tooth removal- but are more susceptible to failing than a dental bridge.
- The cost of treatment: the budget of the patient is important as it will also determine the most suitable form of treatment.
If you’ve got one or more missing teeth and are contemplating the different options available to you, please contact us for further information on treatment options. We can consult and find a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs.