Are dentures and bridges affordable alternatives to dental implants in Wichita?

It is really important for the look of your smile, oral health, and digestive wellness to have a missing tooth replaced. It is even more critical if you have lost several adjacent teeth. A gap of one, two, or more teeth allows all the others in that arch to gradually shift out of position. Misalignment creates an imbalance in the bite that causes unusual wear on opposing dentition, and can trigger TMJ disorders. As teeth become crooked, hygiene is challenging, opening the door to cavities and gum disease. The combination of malocclusion and gaps may prevent you from eating a well-rounded diet or chewing foods properly. The cost of having missing teeth replaced is naturally a concern. You may be wondering if a partial denture or dental bridge is an affordable alternative to dental implants. Wichita dentist, Dr. David Koepsel, shares these short- and long-term considerations.

Partial dentures

A partial denture is the most economical choice for tooth replacement, initially. A denture restores the appearance of your smile, and keeps other teeth from shifting, if worn all the time. A denture also reinstates some chewing function, but lacks stability. The cost of a denture varies a great deal, depending on the materials used. CostHelper.com indicates a price range of $300 up to $4,000 for a premium denture. Lower-priced dentures are made primarily of acrylic, which wears more easily than natural teeth. Expect to replace a premium partial denture every five to ten years; an economy denture more frequently.

Dental bridges

A dental bridge is fixed in place, so it is more stable than a denture. It completes the smile and lets you eat a relatively normal diet. Depending on the area of the mouth (which influences complexity of design), and number of artificial teeth in the bridge, the cost typically begins at about $1,100 and could go as high as $12,000. With good oral hygiene, a dental bridge can last well over a decade. There is, however, an indirect cost associated with a dental bridge. It is held in place by crowns on teeth on either side of the gap. Pressure from biting, chewing, and grinding places a strain on these anchor teeth, with can lead to the need for more dental work in the future.

Dental implants

The cost of a dental implant is comparable or slightly higher than a bridge, up front, but the long-term value is undeniable (especially for a younger patient). A dental implant more closely replicates the appearance, function, and feel of a natural tooth than any other option available. It requires no special care – just normal good oral hygiene – to potentially last a lifetime. Should the porcelain crown that completes the restoration become damaged, it can easily be replaced without disturbing the implant. A single missing tooth can be replaced with this method, or several teeth (even a whole arch) can be addressed with dental implants. Because each implant is a stand-alone restoration, there is no negative impact to other teeth.

For long-term value that makes dental implants affordable, call East Wichita Dentist at 316-215-7152.

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