Dental Implants Vs. Bridges and Dentures

Have you ever wondered what the difference between implants, dentures, and bridges are? This article answers your questions.

What’s the first physical feature you notice when you first meet someone? Perhaps you would guess that it’s their clothing, hairstyle, eyes, or even their physique. However, think about the last time a friend or family member got a new haircut and you didn't even notice until he or she mentioned it to you. And recall the last time you tried to locate a friend in a crowd, but you forgot what color shirt she was wearing (and whether it was long-sleeved or short-sleeved). Eyewitnesses of crimes may even fail to remember the hair color of the perpetrator, as well as body build and approximate height! Few people actually look at another person’s eyes, and many don’t know whether their best friend has brown or blue eyes.

One thing that people always notice and never forget is a person’s teeth. If you have a missing tooth, yellowing tooth, a noticeably false tooth, or a gold or silver tooth, this will stand out in a person’s mind as being your most prominent physical feature, even if the other person only saw your teeth for half a second. That’s how important the appearance of the teeth are.  And that’s why the way your teeth look can affect every aspect of your social life, from the personal to the professional.

If you are missing one or more teeth, a general dentist may recommend getting dentures or a bridge (or both). These are like snap-on teeth. You must remove them after eating or drinking anything other than water, and you’ll need to soak them in denture cleaner every day to prevent odors and bacterial buildup. They’re much cheaper than implants, but the problem is that they must be replaced every few years. This can add up and eventually be more expensive than dental implants in the long run. Another problem with dentures in Colorado Springs is that they don’t protect the surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and bone tissue in the jaw. After many years of wearing dentures, you have a higher risk of developing gum disease and losing more teeth. In addition, you are almost guaranteed osteoporosis of the jaw, which can result in a sunken-in facial appearance.

Dental implants in Colorado Springs, on the other hand, have many advantages. They are permanent, and they don’t need to be removed for cleaning. You clean them just like you clean your natural teeth. Also, they protect the surrounding teeth and gum tissue, preventing gum disease and further tooth loss. They will also make your jawbone stronger, protecting you from osteoporosis of the jawline and the facial deformities that can occur from such. Dental implants in Colorado Springs do require surgical placement in the jaw, but this is only a minor surgery which is done under conscious sedation and local anesthesia. Therefore, the risks are minimal and almost anyone is a good candidate for the procedure.