When it comes to your smile, you may have a lot of questions about what new teeth options are right for you or a loved one. As your Kalamazoo MI dentist, Dr. Bandos wants you to know what’s available so you can make the best decision.
Dental implants and dental crowns are different, just like dental bridges and dentures are different.
Here’s what you need to know about your new teeth options.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to . If you’re missing one or multiple teeth, we may recommend dental implant surgery to you.
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root that’s made of a titanium alloy. Once we place the implant in your jawbone, it will fuse to your jawbone over the next several months during a process called osseointegration.
Once the implant is stable and the jawbone has healed, we’ll place an abutment and crown over the implant. This will give you the function and appearance of a natural tooth!
Many patients prefer dental implants because they can be placed without affecting adjacent teeth. This is different from other restorations, such as bridges, that require the dentist to remove healthy tooth structure.
Dental Crowns
A porcelain dental crown is a restoration that fits over your tooth, restoring its natural strength and appearance. If you have a tooth that’s been weakened from some form of trauma or decay, the dental crown procedure might be right for you.
Crowns tend to be the popular option when one tooth is the concern, separate from the rest of the teeth in your mouth. Crowns are not a tooth replacement, though. They act as a cap that goes over your natural tooth or dental implant.
As your Kalamazoo dental office, we’ll make sure your crown fits perfectly so that you can continue chewing, smiling, and living without a tooth concern.
Dental Bridges
When missing one tooth that has healthy teeth or implants on both sides, we may suggest something like a dental bridge. A dental bridge doesn’t require an implant if you have what’s commonly called a “gap” in your smile (where you have healthy teeth on both sides of the empty socket).
A dental bridge works to fill that gap by connecting a bridge piece that uses your adjacent teeth as anchors. The procedure will require us to file down your adjacent teeth a little so that we can fit the bridge over them and still give your smile a natural look.
If you’re trying to avoid a dental implant, the dental bridge procedure might be the right option for you. Likewise, if you have a gap with three missing teeth, Dr. Bandos may recommend an implant-supported dental bridge. Not only does an implant-supported bridge replace missing teeth, but it prevents bone loss in the jaw. It’s a win-win!
Dentures
Whether you’ve seen them on TV or have a loved one with them, you’re probably familiar with dentures. Dentures work as . They’re often used when multiple teeth are lost to tooth decay, trauma, or other circumstances and you’re in need of a new smile.
Did you know that not all denture options mean you have to get an entirely new smile though? There are denture options that can be used to replace the top or bottom arch of your smile if needed. Dentures work just like teeth and you still need to brush them regularly and soak them in a special cleaner when they’re not in your mouth.
Learn More:Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures? →
Most people think of conventional dentures, which rest on the gums and are a removable appliance. However, it may also be possible to do implant-supported dentures. As the name suggests, this is a permanent fixed appliance that’s supported by four or six implants.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Bandos
Do you still have questions about your new teeth options? Our dental implant dentist in Kalamazoo, MI, would be more than happy to help restore your smile after tooth loss. To schedule an appointment, please call Kalamazoo Smiles at (269) 353-3700. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
