Dental Implants vs. Dentures and Bridges in Petoskey, MI

Understand Your Tooth Replacement Options

If you’re looking to replace missing teeth, there are several options available. The most popular treatments include dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges. Each of these options has its benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on the patient’s unique needs, goals, and circumstances.

Our Petoskey, MI dentist offers a variety of tooth replacement solutions. Contact Brian Klym, DDS today at (231) 347-2188 to learn more about the options we offer.

A doctor with her hand on her patients should while the patient is smiling

Alternatives to Dental Implants

Dentures

Dentures are a traditional solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a removable acrylic base that rests on the gums. Dentures are a good choice for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth, as they can replace an entire arch. They are also relatively affordable and can be made quickly.

However, dentures may be uncomfortable and may not always fit perfectly, leading to irritation or soreness. They can also move around in the mouth, making it challenging to eat and speak comfortably.

Depending on a patient’s needs, there are different types of dentures available, including:

Full dentures
Partial dentures
Implant-supported dentures

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are another option for replacing missing teeth, with the bridge anchored in place by the adjacent teeth. Usually made from porcelain or ceramic, a bridge is custom-designed to fit the patient’s mouth. Bridges are ideal for patients missing one or a few teeth and have healthy teeth on either side of the gap. They tend to be more affordable than dental implants, but placing a bridge requires altering the surrounding healthy teeth to provide support.

Is Doing Nothing an Option?

While leaving missing teeth untreated is technically an option, it is generally not advised due to several issues it can cause:

Missing teeth can lead to several complications for the remaining teeth and jawbone. The surrounding teeth can shift to fill the gap, causing misalignment and bite issues. The jawbone may also shrink and weaken if it no longer supports a tooth, which can cause the face to appear aged and sunken.
Lost teeth make chewing and speaking difficult, which can impact the ability to enjoy certain foods and affect clear communication, ultimately reducing the quality of life.
Missing teeth can also negatively impact self-esteem and social interactions. Individuals may feel self-conscious about their appearance and avoid smiling or speaking.

Because of these potential problems, it’s recommended to explore tooth replacement options like dental implants to restore proper function,and appearance, and improve overall oral health.

Discover the Best Tooth Replacement for You

While dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement, they aren’t suitable for everyone. Schedule a consultation with our Petoskey, MI dentist today to discuss which tooth replacement option will best meet your needs. Call (231) 347-2188 today.