When you need multiple teeth replaced, there are a few options available to you. If you are missing a few teeth in a row or even the majority of your teeth on the upper or lower jaw, those teeth can be replaced with a dental bridge or dentures. Which option you choose will depend primarily on the number of teeth you need to replace.
Here are two of the most common and highly recommended teeth replacement options.
Fixed Dental Implant Bridge
A fixed dental implant bridge is a row of artificial teeth that is anchored into place with dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is surgically placed in the jaw bone where a tooth used to be. When a single dental implant is placed, a crown is attached to the top to look and function like a natural tooth. In the case of a dental implant supported bridge, two implants are placed on either end of the row of missing teeth and the bridge is permanently attached to them. The bridge can only be removed by a dentist.
Snap On Dentures
Snap on dentures are one type of dental implant supported dentures. When the majority of an entire arch of teeth needs to be replaced and there aren’t enough healthy teeth to act as anchors, dental implants can be used instead. Two or more dental implants are placed in the jaw that the dentures can snap onto. This type of denture can be removed for cleaning and when you sleep at night. Snap on dentures are more secure than traditional dentures that are held in place with suction and adhesives.
Comparing Dental Implant Bridges and Snap On Dentures
There are some similarities and some differences between these two options for replacement teeth.
Similarities:
- Both replace missing teeth.
- Both are artificial teeth, or prosthetics.
- Both can improve your ability to eat.
- Both can improve your speech.
- Both require dental implants to act as anchors.
- Both help support healthy bone structure in the jaw.
Differences:
- A fixed dental implant bridge is permanent and can only be removed by your dentist. Snap on dentures can be removed as you need, by yourself.
- Snap on dentures replace all of the teeth on the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. A bridge replaces multiple teeth in a row, but not a whole arch.
- Snap on dentures may last 5 years or longer. A fixed dental implant bridge may last for 10 years or longer. How long both last depends on the quality of materials and how well you care for your prosthetic.
- Snap on dentures have an acrylic portion that resembles natural gum tissue. A dental implant bridge just includes the crown portion of the tooth that sits atop your own gum tissue.
Which Option is Right For You?
When it comes to choosing a tooth replacement option, the right option depends on how many teeth you need to replace. If you have a row of teeth that are missing, damaged, or severely decayed, an implant supported dental bridge would most likely work best for you. There’s no reason to remove any healthy teeth from your mouth.
If the majority or all of your teeth on either your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both need to be replaced, snap on dentures would probably be your best option. Other options for full arch teeth replacement include traditional dentures and dental implant supported fixed dentures (sometimes referred to as all on four).
If you only need to replace a single tooth, a dental implant would be your best option, followed by a traditional bridge that attaches to the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
Carmel Dental Associates Provides a Wide Range of Tooth Replacement Options
Missing teeth should always be replaced. Leaving a gap in your mouth can cause your other teeth to shift out of place. If you have one or more missing teeth, discuss your options for tooth replacement with Carmel Dental Associates. We provide a wide range of tooth replacement options so you can choose what works best for you.
Call 845-225-2224 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping restore your smile.