Top 5 Alternatives to Dental Implants: What You Need to Know

How do Dental Bridges Work?

A dental bridge uses a false tooth, called a pontic, to fill the space left by a missing tooth. It stays in place by attaching to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth. These supporting teeth are fitted with crowns to hold the bridge securely. This option doesn’t require surgery and helps restore the look and function of your smile.

Types of Dental Bridges

1. Traditional Bridge: The most common type, supported by crowns on the adjacent teeth.
2. Cantilever Bridge: Supported by a crown on only one side, used when there’s only one adjacent tooth.
3. Maryland Bridge: This less invasive option uses a metal or porcelain framework attached to the back of the nearby teeth.

Pros of Dental Bridges

• Non-surgical: Bridges don’t require surgery, and it makes them a less invasive option.
• Faster treatment: A bridge requires only a couple of dental visits, which is much quicker than the months-long process of implants.
• Effective replacement: Bridges restore chewing function and help in maintaining the shape of your face by filling the gap left by missing teeth.

Cons of Dental Bridges 

• May affect healthy teeth: To place a bridge, the surrounding healthy teeth need to be filed down to fit the crowns, which can weaken them over time.
• Longevity: Bridges don’t last as long as dental implants, and they may need to be replaced after 10–15 years.
• Maintenance: Food can get trapped under the bridge, and extra care is required with brushing and flossing.

Dentures:

Dentures are one of the oldest and most well-known options for replacing missing teeth. There are 2 types of dentures: full dentures and partial dentures.

• Full dentures are used when all of your teeth are missing, either on the top or bottom of your mouth.
• Partial dentures are used when you have some missing teeth, and they fit around your remaining natural teeth.

Thanks to advancements in denture technology, modern dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking. They’re also made from lightweight materials that make them easier to wear and more functional for everyday use.

Pros of Dentures 

• Affordable: Dentures are more budget-friendly than dental implants.
• Removable: You can take them out whenever you need, which makes cleaning and care simple.
• Easily accessible: Dentures are widely available and can be made relatively quickly.

Cons of Dentures

• Discomfort: Dentures can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially when you’re first getting used to them.
• Need for adjustments: Dentures may require adjustments or replacements over time as your gums and jawbone change.

Snap-On Dentures: 

Snap-on dentures are a great option for people who want more stability than traditional dentures but don’t want to undergo a full implant procedure. These dentures “snap” onto a few dental implants placed in your jaw and keep them securely in place while still being removable.

How Snap-On Dentures Work? 

Snap-on dentures are attached to small implants that act as anchors. This prevents them from moving around when you eat or talk, giving you a more secure fit.

Pros of Snap-On Dentures

• More stable: Snap-on dentures stay in place better than traditional dentures, providing more comfort and confidence.
• Fewer implants needed: You only need a few implants to secure the dentures, making it less invasive than full-mouth implants.

Cons of Snap-On Dentures

• Implants required: Even though fewer implants are needed, it still involves surgery.
• Cost: Snap-on dentures are more expensive than regular dentures due to the implants.

Resin-Bonded Bridges (Maryland Bridge):

Resin-bonded bridges, also known as Maryland bridges, are a good choice if you want a non-invasive solution for replacing a missing tooth. They are attached to the healthy teeth next to the gap with a special resin and metal or ceramic wings that bond to the back of the teeth.

How Resin-Bonded Bridges Are Applied to Healthy Teeth?

Resin-bonded bridges, or Maryland bridges, are attached to the healthy teeth next to the missing tooth. The dentist uses a strong gum to bond metal or ceramic wings to the back of these supporting teeth, holding the bridge in place without needing much drilling or tooth preparation.

Pros of Resin-Bonded Bridges

• Minimally invasive, meaning less damage to healthy teeth
• Ideal for replacing a single missing tooth

Cons of Resin-Bonded Bridges

• Limited durability, not as strong as other options
• Best suited for front teeth where there is less chewing pressure

Removable Partial Dentures:

Removable partial dentures are best if you’re missing a few teeth. They are customized to fit around your remaining teeth and can be easily removed for cleaning or sleeping.

How Do Removable Partial Dentures Work?

These dentures use a metal or plastic base that sits on your gums, with artificial teeth attached to fill in the gaps. Small clasps help hold them in place.

Pros of Removable Partial Dentures

• Affordable compared to other options
• Flexible and easy to remove
• Simple to maintain and clean

Cons of Removable Partial Dentures

• Not as stable as permanent options
• Requires regular maintenance and adjustments over time