Whether you are considering full mouth dental implants, or just replacing some missing teeth, it is not uncommon to have some concerns. Because of this, it is important to look at the various alternatives to dental implants to ensure that you make the best decision for your oral health. In addition to the dental implants cost in Houston, some people have worries about cutting into their gums and jawbone. There are different affordable tooth replacement options that you can explore to restore your smile.
Table of Contents
What Are Dental Implants?
To better understand the alternative teeth replacement options, it is important to know exactly what dental implants are and the different options. Implants are a kind of artificial tooth that connects to a screw that orthodontists place in your jawbone. Whether you get full mouth dental implants, or only a few separate implants for missing teeth, the premise is the same.
There are different dental implants types, including:
• All on 4 dental implants
• All on 6 dental implant
• Individual implants
• Whole mouth dental implants
All on 4 Dental Implants
This type provides you with a full set of teeth, but you only need to have four implants for your upper teeth and four for your lower teeth.
All on 6 Dental Implant
This type is similar to the one above. However, instead of having four implants, you have six on the bottom and six on the type. A full set of teeth goes onto these six implants.
Individual Implants
If you only need to replace some teeth, you might opt to get individual implants in these areas. This makes it possible to replace one missing tooth at a time.
Whole Mouth Dental Implants
This type replaces all of your natural teeth with dental implants. Your orthodontist will help you decide how many implants are necessary to replace all of your teeth.
Problems Associated with All on 4 Dental Implants and Other Types
There are possible problems associated with all on 4 dental implants and the other types of implants. On average, dental implants fail five to 10 percent of the time. You may experience issues years later, or even shortly after getting dental implants.
Possible early issues associated with dental implants include:
- Infection: This can develop at the site of the implant, and the risk is higher with poor oral hygiene and smoking.
- Micro-movements of an implant: This most often happens if the tooths goes onto the implant too soon. Any movement may make the tooth fit onto the implant abnormally.
- Allergic reaction: If you have an allergy to titanium alloy, it could cause loss of taste, swelling and tingling at the site.
- Not enough bone support: If the implant does not have enough bone to support it, this could cause the implant to fail.
Some people with dental implants do not experience issues until later on. These could include:
- While it is uncommon, it is possible for your body to reject the implant. The symptoms include increased pain, fever, swelling and chills.
- An implant could push its way into the sinus cavity when you have them in your upper jaw.
- Tissue or nerve damage. The symptoms include tingling or numbness of your lips, face, tongue or gums.
If your implant fails, you can experience the following:
- Trouble chewing
- Gum recession
- The replaced tooth or implant gets loose
- Gum inflammation
- Increased swelling
- Severe discomfort or pain
Some people also find the dental implants cost in Houston to be outside of their budget. Because of this, you might want to explore the bridges or dentures cost in Houston to see if it works better with your budget.
Best Alternative for Teeth Implants
If you are looking for other alternative to tooth implant options, you do have some choices. While dentures are generally the one most people consider first, it is important to look at all options before choosing the best one for you.
What Are Implant Supported Dentures?
Implant supported dentures essentially marries dentures and dental implants. Just be aware that it tends to be more than traditional dentures cost in Houston. For this option, you have a set of dentures, but they have better support since they connect to an implant. Like with traditional implants, they screw into your jawbone. Because of this, the denture will not move, and you do not have to use denture glue.
What is a Traditional Denture?
Dentures replace missing teeth, but you can remove them for cleaning. There are two different types to consider depending on how many missing teeth you need to replace.
A complete set requires that you remove any existing natural teeth since they work to replace all of them. Once a dentist removes any remaining natural teeth, expect to wait about three to 12 weeks before you can put your new denture into place.
There is also an immediate denture that you can consider when you are getting a full set. This type of denture is ready as soon as you remove all of the remaining natural teeth that you have. This means that you do not have to go without teeth during the healing period. However, since gums and bones shrink with time, you likely will need more adjustments with an immediate denture to ensure that they always fit comfortably.
If the remaining natural teeth that you have are healthy, you might consider a partial denture that only replaces the missing teeth. With this option, you may not need to remove any natural teeth before getting your denture. This type usually rests in your mouth using metal framework to keep them in place.
If you opt for a partial denture, it helps to prevent your existing natural teeth from moving. This can help to prevent issues with misalignment in the future. Compared to certain other dental appliances, they have a natural look, and it is hard to tell that you are wearing a denture.
As long as you take care of your dentures, you can expect them to last about seven to 10 years. After this time, you might need an adjustment to ensure that they are fitting properly to ensure comfort and ease when you are talking and eating.
What Are Implant Supported Bridges?
If you are missing more than three consecutive teeth, a dental bridge could replace them, but the preparation could increase your risk of tooth decay or fracture. In these instances, you might consider an implant supported bridge as an alternative to tooth implant option.
At either end of the bridge is a dental implant. This offers protection for your neighboring teeth and ensure that the bridge has a secure basis. While this is still a type of implant, since it only uses two to anchor multiple false teeth, it can be preferable to multiple implants in terms of healing time and comfort
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a cheaper alternative to dental implants, but it is not suitable for all situations. If you are not quite ready for dentures, you can consider the following:
- Resin-bonded bridge: This type has wings on each side of a false tooth. The wings then attach to a natural tooth on each side to fill in the space where you are missing a tooth.
- Traditional bridge: This type also attaches to your existing teeth to provide adequate support for the false tooth. Crowns on your natural teeth serve as the bridge support.
- Cantilever bridge: This type is almost exactly like a traditional bridge in terms of how it works and the necessary preparation. The difference is that only one side of the false tooth gets support from the bridge.
What Are Immediate Load Implants?
If you want to have implants, but you do not want to wait a while to get the false teeth put into place, this option is one to consider. It allows you to have interim false teeth put into place while you wait for your final set of teeth that will be permanent on your implants.
How to Explore Other Options Besides Tooth Implant
The first thing is to work with a reputable orthodontist with experience, such as those at Voss Dental in Houston. Check out reviews and make sure to have a consultation so that you can meet with the orthodontist and explore the available alternatives to dental implants in person. This will make it easier to ask questions and figure out the alternative for teeth implants that will best suit you.
You can see that there are several alternatives to dental implants. Check to see which of these are affordable tooth replacement options according to your budget to narrow down the best options for you. Next, think about the alternative for teeth implants that you are the most comfortable with. This will help you choose dentures or one of the other options besides dental implants that fit your budget, preferences and lifestyle. Call Voss Dental in Houston today to learn more and schedule your consultation.