Beyond Implants: Other Ways to Restore Missing Teeth
As a whole, dental implants are awesome at replacing missing teeth. They’re sturdy, long-lasting, and function as though they’ve always been a part of your smile. However, not every person is ready or willing to commit to the lengthier process. If this sounds like you, our Ann Arbor, MI, dentists understand where you’re coming from and can still address your needs.
Here are some of the we proudly provide for interested patients inside our Ann Arbor, MI, dental office.
Exploring the Ups & “Downs” of Dental Implants
There are so many for yourself. However, there are also a few drawbacks that may lead some to consider other restorative options. One aspect viewed as a disadvantage is the time it takes to fully complete the process and get to the point where the crown is placed on top.
The months in between when the implant is embedded in the jawbone and when the crown comes into play are of course dedicated to proper healing and bone growth. If this portion of the procedure is rushed, you risk implantation failure. Our dentists never want that to happen so to ensure your smile is restored in function and look, we wait until your mouth is ready.
Other factors that may deter certain patients include:
- Sufficient bone in the jaw is needed and a dental bone graft may be recommended if there isn’t.
- Cost: Dental implants are more expensive compared to other procedures.
- Oral surgery is required.
However, there are plenty of advantages associated with dental implants. Those include:
- An improved ability to eat and speak.
- Natural stimulation of the jawbone which prevents future bone loss.
- Highly durable and long-lasting materials used.
- No adhesives required as they are permanent.
Ultimately, our dentists want you to be satisfied with the appearance and health of your smile. If you’d like to learn more about dental implants, we’d be happy to help. If you’d instead like to pursue alternatives, that’s fine too!
Aside From Dental Implants, Our Dentists Offer:
1) Full or Partial Dentures
Both types of dentures differ from dental implants in a few ways. For one, they are removable whereas implants are surgically (and permanently) placed into your jaw. Because of this, dentures rest on top of the gums and do not require oral surgery aside from any tooth extractions that may be needed before placement.
It is important to remember that if you choose this option, does take some time. They can feel awkward or uncomfortable at first but with a little practice, you’ll be speaking and eating like normal. Depending on how many teeth you need replaced, a partial denture may suit you better. In general, partial dentures take less time to get used to.
Our dentists offer full, partial, and . We’ll examine your mouth to confirm your candidacy and take impressions to ensure the produced dental appliance is custom fit to you. Once your dentures return from the lab, we’ll remove any temporary version and put them in place taking the time to double-check the color, shape, and size.
2) Dental Bridge
Appropriately named, a dental bridge literally “bridges the gap” left by one or more missing teeth. It is a fixed, or permanent, solution that replaces lost teeth and gives you a beautifully natural smile.
Traditional dental bridges consist of two or more crowns with a false tooth in between. The crowns are placed over anchoring teeth on either side of the gap, also known as “abutment teeth”. It’s a natural-looking restoration that works great, especially in instances where only one or two teeth are missing.
Our dentists start by preparing the supporting teeth that will receive crowns. The teeth will be reshaped and recontoured before impressions of the teeth are taken. We’ll send these impressions to a lab where they’ll fabricate the bridge, crowns, and false tooth that will rest in between. A temporary bridge will be given in the meantime.
Once all components are ready, we’ll remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent version. Your bite and the fit of the bridge will be checked before you leave.
Start the Discussion
Our , can provide you with all the information you need in terms of tooth replacement options but it’s up to you to ultimately tell us what you’re comfortable with. Get the ball rolling today by calling Excel Dental at (734) 929-9999 to request an appointment.