The Benefits of Implants Versus A Bridges to Replace Missing Teeth
There are physical, emotional as well as cosmetic damages from the effects of losing teeth.
When a tooth is lost, the teeth around it and opposite of it begin to shift because the space holder is gone.
Our teeth and jaws want to shift and move until they hit something else, just like those bumper cars at the amazement park. And just like those bumper cars, when teeth shift, it isn’t in a controlled, straight motion.
They will lean forward, tip, and rotate. When a bottom tooth is lost, the teeth opposite of it on the top will even drop down and hang lower than the other top teeth.
Any movement at all causes uneven chewing surfaces, ‘locked in bites’ and difficulty to enjoying meals and get the proper nutrition needed to feed our bodies for life. These biting problems also put stress on not only the remaining teeth, but also the jaw joint and chewing muscles.
It is very common for people who are missing back teeth to develop jaw joint problems and pain over time. Teeth are an important part of the balance of the jaw joint. When teeth are lost and there is that instability in the mouth, it is similar to trying to control an automobile that has lost its power steering. That control and comfort are gone.
Also people with missing teeth lose the support for those facial muscles causing the face to sink in and collapse. Deep ridges and wrinkles appear on the surface of the face making you look years older than you really are.
The emotional effects are hard for many people too. They are embarrassed by their dental problems as well as frustrated trying to enjoy foods they once loved. Many suffer is silence thinking there is nothing that can be done.
So it is very important to replace missing teeth. But which treatment option is best for you?
Removable Bridges (Partial Dentures)
- Removable bridges, also called partial dentures, are made of a firm base, usually metal, with plastic teeth held on by ‘gum colored’ plastic.
- They must be taken out of the mouth several times a day for things like cleaning and are to be removed at night during sleeping.
- These partials attach to the remaining teeth with small wires called clasps. These clasps put forces on the remaining teeth and can cause damage to the tooth enamel.
- Partials also can become loose over time and the teeth supporting them can shift and move also causing further biting problems.
- Often they aren’t very cosmetically appealing and can make many partial wearers very self conscious.
- Also because partials are removable, they can come loose during talking, laughing, smiling, or eating. Many partial wearers are also forced to use sticky, bad tasting denture adhesives to hold them in place to just make it through a meal.
- Partial dentures often rub the gums causing annoying and painful ulcers.
Fixed Bridges
- Fixed bridges are not removable. They attach to the teeth on each side of the empty space.
- To make sure the bridge isn’t higher or wider than your existing bite, those natural teeth supporting the bridge have to be cut down to make room for the thickness of the new bridge. After that, the bridge is glued or cemented on.
- Your natural teeth can be weakened by the removal of all that tooth structure and some patients have pain and sensitivity after the process from all the tooth removal. Sometimes that damage is permanent and a root canal (or two) might be necessary later on to relief the pain.
Implants
- Implants are tooth shaped replacements for missing teeth.
- They have 90% of the function of natural teeth because they are designed and look like real teeth.
- Implants are not removable and you aren’t troubled by having to take them on and off several times a day.
- They also don’t attach to the other teeth and the remaining teeth don’t need to be cut down to make them fit like a fixed bridge.
- Implant patients report they feel more confident because they aren’t worried about them flying out or tipping while eating and chewing like partial dentures wearer. And they are happy that they restored the function they lost when they lost their natural teeth.
Please feel free to contact our office for a smile evaluation to find out what tooth replacement option is best for you. We would love to meet you, discuss your situation and build a custom plan just for you and your smile.