Are Dental Bridges A Good Alternative To Implants?
Posted on: 27 March 2017
Dental implants aren't the only game in town. In fact, many people lack the eligibility for dental implants. In such cases, you may have to seek alternative options. One such option is a fixed bridge.
Why You're Not Eligible for Dental Implants
Dental implants aren't for everybody. The first thing that can turn people off from them is the price. Implants can become quite expensive. However, it's not just financial reasons that can make you ineligible for them. Here's a few other reasons your dentist may tell you implants aren't for you.
- You have a periodontal disease
- You have a condition that impairs your ability to heal quickly
- You don't have the right amount of bone density
It's possible to fix certain issues in order to increase your eligibility, but that only increases the price. It also increases the time it will take before you have your smile back.
How a Fixed Bridge Can Help Instead
A fixed bridge can represent a permanent or semi-permanent solution to one or more missing teeth. It's an appliance cemented to the teeth surrounding the gaps. A fixed bridge comes with many advantages.
- Fixed bridges fill gaps with natural looking porcelain
- You do not have to remove the bridge as you would with dentures
- Less invasive than implants
While there are many benefits to a fixed bridge, they also come with their own list of caveats. Just like any other dental appliance, you will have to consider what you're most comfortable with. No matter what, you should certainly do something about your missing tooth or teeth, and not just for cosmetic purposes.
A note on missing teeth
Much like implants, a fixed bridge will help to maintain the shape of your face. The gaps from missing teeth can cause bone loss and a weakened jaw. That in turn can cause your face to sag over time.
If the missing teeth are in the front, they can cause your lips to look shrunken and sunken in. Fixed bridges fill those gaps and keep those processes at bay.
Missing teeth can also cause speech problems, as well as nutrition problems. Depending on which teeth you lack, it can become difficult to eat certain foods. This can affect your overall health.
Ask Your Dentist about All Your Options
There's options beyond fixed bridges and implants. There's even combinations of options that may work well for you. Don't assume there's only a couple of choices available to you. Speak to your dentist about what you would like and what you need. He or she may come up with a solution that you can both work with.
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