Dental Implant Alternatives
Dental implants mimic the roots and crowns of a tooth to provide a stable and durable replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants are one of the most popular treatments for missing teeth because they are very similar to the natural teeth in form, function, and aesthetics. However, not all patients are ideal candidates for dental implants.
For some, the invasiveness or cost of dental implant treatment is not a good fit. For others, they simply don’t have the bone density to support dental implants. At our dental practice, Dr. Byron J. Nordhus offers dental implant alternatives to our Wichita, KS, patients. These alternative restorative dentistry treatments address tooth loss so that our patients can, once again, enjoy their smile.
Traditional Dental Bridge
If patients have lost a single tooth or small set of teeth from the same area of the mouth, dental bridges are probably a good option. A traditional dental bridge consists of a pontic piece (the center piece that resembles the set of missing teeth) and two dental crowns. The dental crowns are affixed to the two teeth directly adjacent to the area of tooth loss. The dental crowns bond to these teeth to hold the dental bridge in place, while the pontic piece acts as a bridge to span the gap left by missing teeth.
Dental bridge treatment is a great alternative to dental implants for those who want a less invasive and more affordable treatment, or in cases in which there is not enough bone density to support dental implants. Dental bridge treatment offers our Wichita patients several benefits:
- Dental bridge treatment can be completed in a fraction of the time as dental implant treatment
- Dental bridges do not require oral surgery
- Dental bridges are customized to match the patient’s adjacent teeth so they blend in seamlessly with the smile
- Dental bridges are fixed in place with dental crowns, so they will not slip or shift
- Dental bridges support adjacent teeth and prevent them from caving in
Full or Partial Dentures
Dentures are another alternative to dental implants that our Wichita patients may want to consider. We offer full and partial dentures, and these are viable solutions for individuals who have lost a group of teeth or those who have lost an entire arch of teeth.
Dentures are of artificial teeth and a plastic base that resembles the gums. Full dentures create suction with the gum line that allows for a secure fit, while partial dentures generally have small metal hooks that connect to the natural teeth to hold them in place.
Like a dental bridge, dentures are more affordable than dental implants, they can be placed without the need for oral surgery, and treatment is significantly shorter than dental implant treatment. Additionally, dentures offer the following benefits:
- Dentures can be customized by size, shape, and color to give patients the attractive smile they desire
- Modern dentures fit much more securely than those in the past
- Dentures restore oral functions, improving biting, eating, and speaking
Contact Our Dental Team
Whether you have lost a single tooth or a large set of adult teeth, there are several restorative dentistry treatments that can give you back an attractive and fully functional smile. To learn more about the missing teeth treatments offered by Dr. Byron J. Nordhus, send a message to our dental team or call (316) 721-6730 to schedule an appointment.