Implants? Dentures? Bridges? Here's What You Need To Know About The Varieties Of Dental Implants
Dental implants are undoubtedly one of the best tooth replacement methods that money can buy. They work with your body's natural mechanisms to support the replacement tooth and to help keep your jaw strong. However, even once you choose dental implants, you still have a lot of choices. If you're confused about the difference between dental implants, implant-mounted dentures, and implant bridges, here's the difference between each.
Standard Implants
Standard dental implants are pretty straight forward. Like all dental implants, they use a strong titanium peg that fits where your tooth root used to be. Then, an artificial tooth is mounted on top.
When it comes to standard dental implants, that's it! If you need more than one tooth replaced, each tooth receives its own individual implant and crown.
Denture Implants
Denture implants are basically what they sound like: dentures mounted on top of dental implants.
Like standard dental implants, the same type of implant titanium peg is used. However, only a few of them are placed in various places of your mouth. These combined pegs have the dentures mounted on top of them.
Unlike standard dentures, the implants do a great job of keeping those dentures in place. This eliminates the need for adhesive, and helps to keep dentures from becoming dislodged or popping out of the mouth at random times.
Bridge Implants
Lastly, if you have multiple missing teeth but not a full set, bridge implants are often an option.
Bridge implants also use titanium implants, just like standard and denture implants. They have a lot in common with denture implants, too: rather than an implant for every single tooth, only a few are used to mount the bridge on.
Unlike denture implants, bridges mounted on implants are not designed to be removed from your mouth to clean. They also have the added advantage over standard bridges that they won't cause stress or damage to surrounding teeth, because they won't be using those teeth as a support. That's what the implants are for, after all.
Dental implants are a great way to have your teeth replaced, regardless of which one of these types you choose. For most people, the kind that you choose depends upon your personal dental needs. If you only have a few missing teeth, standard implants are usually best. Multiple missing teeth often call for a bridge, while a full mouth of missing teeth can easily suit dentures. For more information, reach out to dental clinics like Centre Family Dentistry to find out which option is best for you.