Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacements in Willoughby Hills, OH

Which Tooth Replacement Option is Best For You?

Losing a tooth can be a frustrating experience, but fortunately, modern dentistry offers several solutions to restore your smile. Dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges are the most common options available to fill the gap. Each option comes with its pros and cons, and finding the right solution depends on your unique situation. 

At Smile Brighter, your restorative Willoughby Hills, OH dentist, Dr. Phillip Wallace is committed to helping you make the best choice for your oral health. To learn more about the difference between these options and explore their benefits, contact Dr. Wallace by calling (440) 210-0999 to help you decide which might be the best for you.

Alternatives for Dental Implants

before and afterIf you’ve lost a tooth or are facing tooth extraction, dental implants are often considered the gold standard in tooth replacement. They’re designed to look and function like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. However, implants may not be the right fit for everyone. Here are some alternatives:

  1. Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. There are two types of dentures: full and partial. Full dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They’re affordable and can be made quickly, but they can feel bulky and may require adjustment over time as your mouth changes shape.
  2. Dental Bridges: A dental bridge is a fixed solution that uses neighboring teeth to “bridge” the gap left by a missing tooth. It involves placing crowns on the adjacent teeth and attaching a false tooth (pontic) between them. Bridges are more affordable than implants and don’t require surgery, but they rely on the strength of the surrounding teeth, which may be filed down to accommodate the crowns.

While both dentures and bridges offer effective solutions, dental implants tend to provide superior comfort, stability, and longevity.

Is Doing Nothing an Option?

You might wonder if you really need to replace a missing tooth. But leaving a gap in your smile can lead to bigger problems down the road. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space, leading to misalignment. This can affect your bite and increase your risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay. Additionally, your jawbone needs the stimulation from teeth roots to stay healthy. Without that stimulation, bone loss can occur, which may lead to a sunken facial appearance over time.

So, while doing nothing might seem like an easy choice in the short term, it can create long-term issues for your oral health and appearance.

Finding the Best Solution for You

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, the right solution will depend on your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. Dental implants offer a permanent solution that feels and functions like a natural tooth, while dentures and bridges offer more affordable alternatives. Dr. Wallace is here to help you explore your options and guide you through the decision-making process. Whether you live in Willoughby Hills or the surrounding areas, including Mentor, Eastlake, or Wickliffe, we can help you restore your smile with a solution that works for you.

Choosing the Best Tooth Replacement Option

Losing a tooth doesn’t have to mean losing your smile. With dental implants, dentures, and bridges, there are plenty of ways to restore your confidence and oral health. While implants are often the most durable and natural-feeling option, dentures and bridges remain effective alternatives for many people. 

The right choice depends on your unique dental needs, and at Smile Brighter, Dr. Phillip Wallace can help you make the best decision for your smile. Schedule a consultation with your Willoughby Hills, OH dentist today by calling (440) 210-0999 to determine which restorative treatment is best for you. 

Menu