When Are Dentures the Best Option?

Dentures have been used to replace teeth for centuries. While dental implants and bridges have emerged as alternatives more recently, dentures remain popular for several reasons. Here are some situations in which dentures can be the best choice.

Saving Time and Money

Compared to bridges and dental implants, dentures can be made more quickly and cost far less money. Patients can often receive their dentures within days of starting the process with our dentist in Houston. Dentures with additional features, such as All-On-Four, can cost more than conventional dentures, but still far less than whole-mouth implants.

Understanding Limitations

Good candidates for dentures will understand the limitations of the appliance. For example, dentures do require a special cleaning process. Dentures also may require multiple replacements throughout life as the gums and jaws change shape beneath them. Finally, removable dentures may slip occasionally as patients eat or speak.

Both full and partial dentures are available for patients who need to replace all or some of their teeth. Different styles of artificial teeth and gums can also be used to give dentures a natural look that appeals to them. At a consultation with our dentures dentist in Houston, patients can find out if dentures fit their goals.

Are Dental Bridges the Best Option for Me?

Missing teeth can be replaced by our dentist in San Francisco in a variety of ways, including with dental bridges. While bridges are not inserted into the jaw bones, as dental implants are, they are stationary and permanent. Read on to get a better idea of whether this is the best choice for your smile.

Alternative to Implants

A bridge may be a better alternative to an implant for a few reasons. For example, you might prefer a bridge if your jaws lack the density that implants require, if you do not want to wait for implants to heal, or if money is a factor.

Alternative to Dentures

Dentures require daily cleaning and can slip or click when you speak or eat. Bridges do need some extra cleaning, but they do not need to be removed first as dentures do.

Requirements for Bridges

If you have adjacent teeth to support a bridge or are willing to get a couple of implants to serve this purpose, you are probably a candidate for this restoration.

You are more likely to qualify for a bridge than for an implant, but you can still expect stable results. You can schedule a consultation with our dental bridges dentist in San Francisco to learn more about bridges and other tooth replacements.

What Makes Dental Bridges Effective

Dental bridges are a popular way to replace missing teeth. They are used when one or a few teeth in a row have been lost. Our dentist in Huntington Beach can help you decide if a dental bridge is the best choice for restoring your smile to its natural beauty.

When a tooth is lost, you can be left with an unsightly gap in your smile. A dental bridge fills the gap and maintains the proper spacing between your teeth. It also keeps your bite balanced. When even just one tooth is lost, your remaining teeth have to work overtime, which leads to uneven wear and tear. The bridge does the work of the lost tooth and balances your bite so that your other teeth are not working harder than they need to. Finally, a bridge makes your smile look beautiful again. Losing a tooth can really affect your self-esteem, but replacing it can give you back your confidence.

Bridges are extremely effective, and they can be placed in two to three dental visits. Once your abutment teeth have been prepared, a temporary bridge will be bonded into position, and your impression will be sent to a dental lab to craft your permanent bridge. This can be cemented into place once it is complete, and your smile will be ready to share. Call our expert in dental bridges in Huntington Beach today to find out more or to schedule your appointment with our team.