Even if you have the best dental hygiene habits and visit the dentist regularly, it is still possible that you chip or break a tooth or have another dental problem that necessitates tooth extraction. There are several options for replacing missing or broken teeth; dental implants have provided some of the best long-term benefits, but the choice is ultimately yours to choose between implants, crowns, dentures, or bridges.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40% of Americans over the age of 30 have at least one tooth missing, and up to 40 million have all of their natural teeth missing. Unfortunately, the situation is only anticipated to be further driven over the next few decades.

If you are ready to get those teeth (tooth) fixed and want to know which out of the four options is best for you, then keep reading.

How are Dental Implants, Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures Different?

A missing tooth can leave a space in your teeth fixture, leading to multiple complications such as infections, dental caries, and gum diseases.

You have a choice of multiple dental procedures today, thanks to the rapid advancements in dentistry. It’s your choice to make, which one can be the best procedure for you. Your dentist will confine down your options to four:

1. Dental Implants

Dental implants are your long-term solution for tooth loss; this ever-lasting treatment will help restore your smile. The procedure entails inserting screw-like fixtures into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root.

The implants are fully compatible with your jaw bone and will gradually integrate into your jaw over several months. This provides the closest solution to a natural tooth/teeth by forming a permanent framework for prosthetic teeth such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.

2. Dental Crown

Crowns are vacuous prosthetic teeth that are positioned over an existing tooth. They are typically made up of porcelain or ceramics. Dental crowns are used to secure a weak or damaged tooth, especially if it has fractured. Or could also be used aesthetically to cover discolored or oddly shaped teeth.

3. Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are false teeth placed between crowns to replace missing teeth. Bridges are typically constructed as a single piece from three or more teeth rows. Dental bridges will have one artificial tooth, which is not attached to a tooth or the jaw, unlike crowns and implants.

4. Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic teeth that are removable and can be fastened to the gum line and removed as needed. You can get either a partial denture or a complete set of dentures.

Determinants

Now that you know the primary difference between the available dental procedures, here are the factors that you must consider before making a choice:

How many missing teeth do you have?

  • When many or all of your teeth are missing, it would be unrealistic to get implants. However, if you miss one or two teeth from different parts of your jaw, a dental implant can be a permanent solution.
  • Dentures can be a viable option if many or all of your teeth are missing. 
  • A dental bridge will be the most effective solution if 3 or 4 teeth are missing in a row. Bridges can be used by people who have good bone support. 
  • Crowns are not usually preferred for missing teeth; however, they can cover discoloration or broken teeth.

How expensive is the procedure?

Getting dentures is the most cost-effective option.

  • An affordable denture would range between $300 and $500.  If you want a complete set of dentures (upper and lower), you could perhaps spend no more than $1000.
  • A dental bridge with one central pontic and two crowns would cost you between $2,000 and $5,000.
  • A single dental implant would cost somewhere around $3,000 and $4,500.

If you’re on a tight budget, dentures are an obvious option.

How comfortable will your experience be?

  • Implants are the most similar to natural teeth and provide the best experience. They have no adverse effects on natural teeth, gums, or bone.
  • Dentures can cause mouth ulcers, bone loss, receding gums, and a change in the face frame. Denture wearers frequently complain about awkward clicking sounds, slipping, and problems while eating and talking.  
  • Although bridges are better than dentures, they must be maintained regularly to avoid gum disease. Therefore, the area beneath the bridge must be cleaned daily.

Your Neighborhood North Dallas Cosmetic Dentist

Now that you know which cosmetic dental procedure is best for you, it’s crucial to pick the right dentist to bring back your beautiful smile. For the residents of North Dallas, CR dental Groups is Beautifying Dallas… One smile at a time!

With their team of highly skilled and veteran North Dallas dentists, CR Dental groups cover from restorative treatments and dental implants to oral surgery.

For a quick appointment, pick up your phone and dial 972-566-4990.

Or, visit their website cr dental group for further information.