Dental Implants
Advantages:
-Once restored, implants look and function like natural teeth
-Implants are considered a permanent tooth replacement and can last decades
-Implants preserve the bone in your gums
-There is no need to alter your natural teeth
-Implants can be used in a variety of restorations including crowns and fixed bridges, and can be used to retain both fixed and removable dentures
Disadvantages:
-Implants tend to be one of the more expensive options
-Surgery and healing time are required
-Implants may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions
Fixed Bridges
Advantages:
-Bridges look and function like natural teeth
-Bridges can often be less expensive than dental implants
Disadvantages:
-Natural teeth must be altered
-Hygiene can be difficult
-Plaque and bacteria can become trapped beneath the bridge, causing decay
-Bone loss still occurs in the gums where teeth are missing
Removable Partial Dentures
Advantages:
-Removable partial dentures are often the least expensive option to replace teeth
-These appliances can often be designed so that teeth can be added to them over time
-Partials can help preserve natural teeth by preventing movement of natural teeth into voids created by tooth loss
Disadvantages:
-It will take time to get used to the feel of the appliance in your mouth
-Bone loss will occur in the areas of missing teeth
-The artificial teeth on the partial will wear down over time, requiring the fabrication of a new partial after several years
-Removable partial dentures will most likely require adjustments to the fit, requiring more visits to our office
-Partials may need to be relined to keep them fitting well, which adds to their expense
-If not properly maintained, these appliances can damage your natural teeth
-Removable partial dentures must be removed at night
Complete Dentures
Advantages:
-Dentures are the least expensive option for replacing missing teeth
-Improved chewing ability when compared having no teeth
-Teeth and bone structure are replaced, improving facial appearance and confidence
-The professionals at Northwest Dental will work with you to make your dentures look as natural as possible
-Immediate dentures can be provided immediately after extractions so there will never be a need for you to go without teeth
Disadvantages:
-There will be an adjustment period as you learn to function with your dentures
-Bone loss in the jaw continues over time, making dentures more difficult to wear
-Dentures, especially lower dentures, can be difficult to wear and although it is rare, some people are not able to adapt to wearing dentures
-Denture teeth wear down over time, requiring replacement sets
-Dentures will need to be relined to keep them fitting well, requiring additional expense
-Dentures must be removed at night
Fortunately, there are many options to replace your missing teeth. The providers at Northwest Dental in Bellingham, Burlington, Everett, Oak Harbor, or Arlington, can work with you to find an effective replacement that fits your specific needs and budget.
