Fillings treat cavities, and braces straighten teeth. But what can you do when your permanent teeth fall out or have to be extracted? While you can’t grow a new tooth, there are several procedures your dentist can do to restore your smile—including dental implants, dentures, and bridges. Each of these prosthetic solutions is designed to replace one or more of your teeth in a natural, comfortable manner. To help determine which treatment is right for you, here is a brief comparison of these popular restorative dentistry techniques.  

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth. In the first stage of treatment, a titanium post is surgically inserted into the gums where the original tooth was. Within several weeks, the post heals and fuses with the jawbone. Finally, a custom crown is placed on the tooth.

Implants are beneficial because they last indefinitely and prevent jawbone loss. However, if you are missing multiple teeth, getting implants for every tooth can be a lengthy, uncomfortable experience. Individuals with jawbone deterioration may also require bone grafting so that the implant can be set successfully. If this additional care isn’t right for you, you may be better suited for dentures or bridges.

How Do Dentures Work?

Dentures are full rows of false teeth that are designed to help individuals eat and speak with ease. Standard dentures are typically bonded to the gums using special solutions and must be removed and cleaned regularly. Depending on the fit, traditional dentures may not feel as secure as natural teeth.

Fortunately, if you’re looking for a less cumbersome approach to dentures, you can ask the dentist about hybrid solutions. Instead of being placed over the gums, fixed hybrid dentures snap onto a few implants that are strategically placed throughout the mouth. This allows individuals to gain some of the benefits of dental implants without having to schedule oral surgery for every tooth.

How Do Bridges Differ From Dentures and Implants?

If your smile is too complete for dentures, but you still have multiple teeth that need to be replaced, you may be a good fit for bridges. Sometimes referred to as partial dentures, these devices are designed to replace sections of missing teeth rather than entire rows.

Each end of the bridge features an abutment—a dental implant or crown that holds the device in place. False teeth are positioned in between these abutments to create a natural smile. 

If you’re searching for a superior way to makeover your smile, turn to the specialists at Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Serving Keller, TX, this oral surgeon offers state-of-the-art solutions to replace missing teeth—including dental implants and hybrid dentures. Whatever procedure is right for you, these caring professionals will guide you through the process, so you feel comfortable and confident. Visit this practice online to learn more about their oral surgery capabilities, or call (817) 741-2200 to schedule a convenient consultation.