If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be considering dental implants to replace them. But it can be hard to tell what type of restoration you will need. Here’s a handy guide to understanding the different types of dental implants, and which kind could be best for your individual situation.
Types of Dental Implants
There are three types of dental implants: single implants, implant-supported bridges, and implant dentures. Here’s a little more information about each.
Single Implants
Single implants are meant to replace one or more teeth, each on individual implant posts. These are great if you are missing one or more teeth that are not next to each other, or if you would like to replace a full mouth of teeth with separate crowns.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Dental bridges are two crowns on either side of a missing tooth gap with a prosthetic tooth in between. Implant-supported bridges are held in place by crowns that connect to dental implants, however the crown in the gap will not have an implant. The benefit to this is that it is more affordable than replacing every tooth, but the teeth that do not have implants will lose some bone density underneath them.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are ideal for people missing all the teeth on their arch. They are very similar to regular dentures; however, they attach to your mouth via implants and are not removable. The benefit of this is your dentures will be more secure and more affordable than individual implants would be. However, like implant-supported bridges, these do not protect as well against bone deterioration.
Remember, the best way to determine which type of dental implant is best for you is to speak to your dentist about your options. This will depend on how many teeth you are missing, the condition of your jaw and gums, and your budget.
About Our Practice
At Bayville Dental Arts, we work together as a team to provide the best possible oral health outcomes for our patients. If you are missing one or more teeth and looking for a solution, we are proud to offer dental implants that can help restore your chewing capabilities and your beautiful smile. To learn more about your dental implant options and begin the process of rebuilding your mouth, please visit our website or call us today at 732-269-3200.