There’s more than one way to replace missing teeth. When you look up how to restore your smile, you’re met with a lot of information. It can be difficult for patients to comb through these details and find the right solution for their smile. If you’re looking for treatment like dental implants or dental implant alternatives, Brockley Dental Center is a great place to look! We offer a wide range of treatments that focus on restoring your smile and your oral health. At our office, we’ll sit down with you, explain your options, and never pressure you into making a decision. To learn more, visit us in Butler, PA.
Our Dental Implant Alternatives in Butler
Dental implants are an effective way to restore missing teeth, but they’re not the only way. While many dentists recommend using implants for good reason, we do offer incredible alternatives for patients who aren’t eligible or who want different options.
Our two main dental implant alternatives are dentures and bridges.
Dentures
Dentures are full-arch tooth replacements that replace all of the teeth in your smile. If you’re missing all of your teeth, you know the struggle of edentulism. Edentulism means losing all of your teeth, and it affects a surprising number of people worldwide. In the United States alone, more than 1 in 7 adults 65 and older suffer from edentulism, according to the CDC. And one of the most common solutions for total tooth loss is full dentures.
Traditional dentures are exactly what you picture when you think of dentures. These prosthetics are custom-fit to your jawbone and rest perfectly on your gums to restore your smile. With dentures in place, patients are able to eat again, restoring their quality of life.
Bridges
Another option for replacing missing teeth is a dental bridge. These restorations replace 1-3 missing teeth, filling in the gaps in your smile. Dental bridges are made of pontics, or artificial teeth, that take the place of your natural teeth. On either end of these pontics are dental crowns that we place on the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile. These crowns cover your teeth entirely, using them to support the pontics in the middle.
Dental bridges are a great option for patients who have multiple missing teeth in a row. They replace 1 to 3 teeth and come in a variety of forms, depending on how healthy your adjacent teeth are. When you’re looking for dental implant alternatives, bridges are a great recommendation.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants take longer, are more invasive, and are more expensive than traditional dentures or bridges. So why would someone choose dental implants over alternative methods of tooth replacement?
The truth is, dental implants come with a variety of incredible benefits that make them worth it for many patients. These benefits include:
- Healthier jawbone: After tooth loss, your jaw tends to lose mass and volume over time. Dental bridges and dentures don’t replace the missing tooth roots responsible for bone loss, so they don’t stop this phenomenon. Only dental implants replace teeth down to the root, keeping your jawbone healthy and strong!
- Lasting function: As your jawbone deteriorates, bridges and dentures tend to lose their fit. While it is possible to refit these restorations to your jaw, the fix will not be permanent. Dental implants, however, are anchored in your jawbone and function as a permanent tooth replacement. With proper care, dental implant-supported restorations can last a lifetime.
- Better chewing: Dentures and bridges allow you to chew effectively. But they still have limitations. Tougher or harder foods may be difficult to chew, especially if your restorations are coming loose. Implants offer a stronger bite because they use your jawbone for support, like natural teeth. With implants in place, patients can generally eat all the foods they love without hesitation.
While dental implants aren’t the right choice for everyone, they may be the right choice for you. At our office, we offer minimally invasive, affordable, and fast-acting dental implant treatment that exceeds patients’ expectations. To learn more, book a consultation with Brockley Dental Center in Butler, PA.
Find the Right Solution for You in Butler, PA, With Dental Implants or Effective Alternatives!
There are many ways to replace missing teeth. Which solution works best for you depends on your needs and budget. At Brockley Dental Center, we offer both dental implants and dental implant alternatives to make sure we have a solution for every patient. To learn which restoration is right for you, visit our office or give us a call to book your consultation appointment.
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