You know you need to replace teeth, but choosing the right solution isn’t always easy. Bridges, dentures, and dental implants each offer different advantages when it comes to comfort, durability, cost, and convenience. Understanding those differences can help you choose replacement teeth that best fit your needs.

At our Lehi, UT office, we offer traditional bridges and dentures as well as implant-supported replacement teeth. The right choice depends on how many teeth you’re missing, your oral health, your budget, and what you want from your new smile.

Traditional Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can replace one tooth or several teeth in a row. Your replacement tooth or teeth fill the open space and are typically supported by crowns placed on neighboring teeth.

Bridges are fixed in place, so you don’t remove them for cleaning or sleeping. They also look natural and restore your ability to chew comfortably.

One downside is that healthy neighboring teeth may need to be reshaped to support the bridge. A traditional bridge also doesn’t replace tooth roots, so it won’t provide the same jawbone benefits as dental implants.

Full & Partial Dentures

Dentures are a tried-and-true way to replace teeth, especially when many or all of them are missing. A full denture replaces an entire arch, while a partial denture fills a gap when some healthy teeth remain.

Dentures are generally more affordable than dental implants and don’t require implant surgery. However, removable dentures can move or slip. Most people use adhesive to help them stay in place. They may also require periodic adjustments as the shape of your mouth changes. 

Why Consider Dental Implants?

If you’re looking for a teeth replacement solution that feels and functions more like natural teeth, dental implants offer some important advantages. An implant is placed in your jaw to take the place of a missing tooth root. It then supports your replacement teeth.

Since implants are anchored in your jaw, they provide excellent stability for biting and chewing. They also stimulate the jawbone. This helps protect against the bone loss that typically occurs after losing teeth.

Depending on your needs, we can use implants in several ways:

  • Implant crowns replace individual missing teeth. Unlike a standard bridge, the other usual option for replacing individual teeth, no healthy teeth around the gap are altered.
  • Implant bridges replace several missing teeth and are supported by implants rather than natural teeth.
  • Implant dentures use implants to provide greater stability than traditional removable dentures. You have a choice of dentures that can be removed daily for cleaning or dentures that stay fixed in place. You clean fixed dentures with simple brushing and flossing. A dentist can remove them when more maintenance is needed.

Implants typically require a larger initial investment and a longer treatment process. You’ll also need sufficient healthy bone to support them, although a bone graft or similar procedure may make implants possible if you’ve experienced bone loss. For many patients, the long-term benefits are well worth the additional time and expense.

How Do You Choose the Right Replacement Teeth?

There isn’t one solution that’s right for everyone. Consider how important stability, appearance, convenience, and longevity are to you. You’ll also want to think about your budget and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with.

Your oral health matters too. The condition of your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone can determine which treatments will work best.

That’s why it’s important to start with a consultation. Your dentist can examine your smile and discuss what you’d like to accomplish. We’ll answer your questions and explain the pros and cons of each option.

Find the Right Way to Replace Teeth

Don’t let missing teeth affect your life. Whether a traditional bridge or denture fits your needs or you prefer the stability and health benefits of dental implants, we’ll help you find the right solution.

If you’re ready to replace teeth, contact our Lehi, UT office today at 801-509-9659 to schedule a consultation.