Alternatives to Dental Implants

For those with missing or very badly damaged teeth, cosmetic dentists often recommend dental implants. These are permanently fitted tooth replacements, which are applied by having a titanium “root” affixed to the jawbone and a beautifully natural looking porcelain “tooth” crafted to sit where your old one once was. However, while effective, hard-wearing and exceptionally realistic, implants are not for everyone. Those with brittle bone disorders such as osteoporosis may be recommended not to opt for this treatment, and, though the procedure itself is painless, others may simply dislike the idea of having something fixed to their jaw. Well, never fear! While implants may often be recommended for its longevity, there are other options that you can turn to. See below for advice from the experts at Harley Street Smile Clinic.

1. Dentures

Dentures have been around since time immemorial and have long been a popular option for replacing missing teeth. They are not fixed in place and are removable, making them easy to clean and maintain. They can also be used as a straightforward means of replacing multiple teeth quickly in one go, as they are formed of an acrylic “gum-shield” style mould of the roof of your mouth with artificial teeth attached, fitting naturally into the places where yours are missing. Partial and full dentures are available. However, as your bone structure inevitably changes and develops with age, the fit of your dentures will worsen, meaning you will likely need to acquire new ones as time goes by. Ill-fitting dentures can also rub and cause problems with speech and eating, meaning that they are not always the best alternative to implants. A more definitive resolution may be found in…

2. Dental Bridges

Dental bridges may offer a more permanent answer. Commonly made from porcelain, but also occasionally plastic (the Maryland bonded bridge, for example), a bridge uses the teeth on either side of the missing or damaged one as anchors, fastening a newly fastened tooth between them. They are fixed in place, allowing the recipient to be able to eat and talk without any difficulty. They are also much hardier, with the lifespan of a bridge lasting an average of fifteen years approximately. They are also quick to have fitted, with only two sessions with a dentist required. The downside is that they may prove slightly more difficult to clean correctly than dentures, and may require more visits to an oral hygienist as a result, but maintaining a good tooth-cleaning routine will cause many of these potential issues to diminish.

Dental implants are certainly a safe, efficient, attractive and long-lasting answer to gapped teeth, but for those who require an alternative, dental bridges can be equally effective. If you feel that your missing teeth are having a negative impact on your life, and if you would like to discuss the best way to resolve your concerns, please feel free to get in touch with the Harley Street Smile Clinic today on 020 7971 1909 for a free consultation.