Implants vs. Traditional Restorations
When replacing missing teeth, you may wonder whether to choose a treatment with or without the inclusion of dental implants. At Frantz Dental, we provide patients with traditional dental restorations, as well as implant-supported restorations.
This guide will help you to see the short and long-term effects that these treatments can have on your smile, and help you to make a decision on the type of treatment you hope to receive.
Restoration Longevity
Whether you are looking to replace one tooth or many, the longevity of your dental restoration can necessitate additional dental appointments, and lead to higher costs over time. Traditional dental bridges can last from five to fifteen years, and traditional dentures from five to eight, depending on your individual oral hygiene and whether you receive regular dental check-ups. With proper care, these restorations can maintain their aesthetic and functional appeal, only requiring replacement due to the changing shape of your jaw, or long-term wear.
Implant restorations are generally expected to last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and care. While the cosmetic portion of the restoration may need replacement, this portion can be fabricated and placed on the existing implant post, making the replacement and repair smooth.
Effects of the Restoration
Traditional restorations generally rely on the neighboring teeth and suction to the jaw for stability. In placing bridges, the neighboring teeth are required to have crowns placed on them to support the prosthetic tooth, creating a seamless, natural look, and a balanced bite. In doing this, the teeth neighboring the gap in the smile will need to be structurally reduced. Traditional dentures, rather than relying on the support of neighboring teeth, make use of the natural suction of the mouth, and dental adhesive; however, due to its placement atop the teeth, the stimulation of chewing will actually weaken the structure of the jaw, leading to warping and jaw resorption.
Single-tooth implants are wholly independent and do not wear on the neighboring teeth outside of grinding and bruxism. While not affecting the rest of the smile, dental implants provide the jaw with the additional support of an artificial tooth root. This support stimulates the structure of the jaw, rather than its surface, ensuring the continued stability and strength of the bone, and preventing jaw resorption.
Cost of Treatment
The upfront costs of traditional restorations are low, providing many patients with an opportunity to improve their smile aesthetic. However, with a higher frequency of replacement, traditional dental restorations have a high long-term cost. Implants, while initially more costly than other restoration options, require little to no replacement of the implant itself, and fewer replacements of the restoration, making up for the initial price.
Start Restoring Your Smile
When replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile, the most important step is working with your dentist to find the treatment that best suits your individual needs. Contact Frantz Dental today, where we provide traditional and implant-supported restorations to Kingston, Pittston, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and the surrounding communities.