Upper False Teeth Options
Whether it is due to injury, aging, or other circumstances, tooth loss can be a disconcerting change, particularly if it is sudden. With all the options surrounding tooth replacement today, it can also be confusing to navigate the multiple options that currently exist. From conventional dentures to a full set of implants, there are many highly customizable choices to consider. This article will outline the pros and cons of each of these options, in addition to providing approximate price points and processes.
Full and Partial Conventional Dentures
One standard means of replacing missing teeth is the conventional denture. Available in full sets, single arches, or even partials (dentures that replace a few teeth rather than all of them), conventional dentures have been used for centuries to replace human teeth. Unlike dental implants, conventional dentures are created in a dental laboratory with the use of simple dental impressions; no invasive surgical procedures are necessary.
Whether full or partial, conventional dentures are composed of an acrylic base that is designed to rest on top of the gums; the prosthetic teeth that they support can made of a variety of materials, including acrylic resin, nylon, or porcelain. They are frequently used in conjunction with dental adhesive to help keep them in place during the day and removed at night for cleaning.
Pros and Cons of Conventional Dentures
Though they are not the preferred form of prosthetic teeth for edentulous patients these days, conventional dentures do have their benefits. They boast a low price point, a relatively quick process to create, and do not require any surgical interventional to place. These advantages can make conventional dentures quite attractive, especially for those who are on a tight budget.
While conventional dentures are relatively fast and affordable, however, they can also be unreliable and even uncomfortable. Because they are not anchored in place, they have a tendency to slide out of place sometimes, which can be awkward or even embarrassing when sharing a meal or moment with friends. Some people are attracted to the price point and ease of creation but later find that they do not like the experience of living with conventional dentures.
Dental Implants
Many times, those that opt away from the conventional dentures they have been struggling with decide to invest in dental implants. Dental implants are a two or three-part system made of titanium or zirconia and, unlike conventional dentures, they replace every part of the missing tooth, from root to crown. This includes a prosthetic dental root, as well, which is surgically embedded into the jawbone during the first step of placing the implant. It is this tiny but mighty piece that will later support the connector (called an abutment) and prosthetic crown or other appliance that are visible above the gumline.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Dental implants are highly recommended by dentists and patients alike because they have so many advantages as compared to conventional dentures. From an aesthetic and comfort-based perspective, dental implants both look and feel much more natural than conventional dentures. Because they are anchored in by a prosthetic root below the gumline rather than a bulky acrylic base, they do not include any extraneous material to take up space in one’s mouth. Most importantly, perhaps, they do not slip out of place like conventional dentures do: they are as firmly rooted in your jaw as one’s natural teeth are.
While these are attractive benefits, they do come at a cost. Not only do dental implants have a significantly higher price point than conventional dentures, in part because there is a surgical component that is required to place them, they also require patients to undergo surgery and observe a long healing period following that procedure. They also require a certain amount of healthy bone tissue in the jaw to be inserted into, without which bone grafting could be required ahead of time.
Implant-Retained Dentures
For those who are interested in dental implants but need a full arch or set of prosthetic teeth, implant-retained dentures can be an excellent solution. Full arches or sets of dental implants are indeed possible, but they could cost upwards of $30,000 and require extensive surgery. However, a full arch of implant-retained dentures can be placed on as few as four dental implants, strategically placed. For this reason, implant-retained dentures are often referred to as “all on four” dentures. They are also sometimes referred to as snap-in dentures, because the dentures themselves, which are much more streamlined than conventional dentures, simply snap on to connecting pieces built into the dental implants.
Pros and Cons of Implant-Retained Dentures
The combination of a dental implants and pared down dentures that don’t slide around unbidden can be the “just right” Goldilocks solution for some patients. The price point is lower than a full set of dental implants, the dentures used are not nearly as big and bulky as conventional dentures, and they look, feel, and work much better, too.
As with all kinds of dentures, the denture piece will likely become worn and require some maintenance over time. The upside here is that these repairs can be done in a dental lab rather than in your mouth; the downside is that there is more upkeep to consider and budget for over time.
Bridges
For those missing just one or two teeth, a simple bridge might be all that is required. Unlike conventional dentures and dental implants, bridges use the structure and support of neighboring teeth to shore up prosthetic teeth. Oftentimes, bridges can be made to be fixed (permanent) or removable depending on patient preference.
Pros and Cons of Bridges
Bridges are a minimalist, simple tooth replacement option that are affordable and reasonable natural looking. They also boast a relatively low price point, given the lack of special materials that they require. In some cases, they are used as a temporary fix while plans are being made for dental implants a little further down the road; in others, they are a perfectly serviceable permanent replacement option.
Determining the Right Tooth Replacement Option for You
Of course, the best way to determine the right tooth replacement option for you is to have a candid conversation with a trusted dentist about your needs, wants, and available budget. For an individualized consultation and more information about a system that’s “just right” for you, please call our office today.