What’s the Difference Between Implants, Bridges and Dentures?

If you’re missing a tooth, crowns, bridges, and dentures can help you fill in the gaps and replace what is gone. Whether you have a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, it’s important to make your smile whole. A missing tooth can have an impact on the way you chew and the way you talk.

You may even feel self-conscious about the way your smile looks. Knowing what to do is important. There are many types of prosthetic teeth, including implants, bridges and dentures. Yourdentist in West Salem, WI, can help you determine which kind is best for you. Here’s what you need to know.

Implants

An implant is a prosthetic tooth that is inserted into the jaw and fused with the bone, much like a real tooth. Of all the types of prosthetic teeth available, implants are the most like real teeth in their functionality and appearance. You may be a good candidate for an implant if you have a sufficient jaw bone to hold an implant, but if you do not, your dentist may use a bone graft to make this possible.

Bridges

A bridge is a prosthetic tooth that is positioned between two adjacent natural teeth. The bridge is held in place with crowns that grip onto the adjacent natural teeth. Bridges look natural enough that no one will be able to tell you have one.

Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic teeth that you wear. Dentures can be removed for cleaning and put back when you need to eat or talk. Dentures need to be properly fitted, or they can slip.

Which One is Right for You?

Deciding which type of prosthetic teeth is right for you can be a challenge. Your dentist can help you decide if you should get dentures, a bridge or animplant in West Salem, WI. At Allen Dental, we’re here to help you decide. Call today to make an appointment.