Affordable Denture Options

Dental Implants With Single Crowns

Dental implants consist of a titanium implant that sits in the bone where the original tooth was. This prevents bone loss that would normally occur with other types of tooth replacement. Dental implants are then capped with a crown, which replicates a visible portion of a tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace one or all of your missing teeth, and work and feel just like your natural teeth.

Pros:

• Natural look that can stand the test of time.
• Easy to floss between the teeth, and is least likely to cause issues with surrounding teeth.
• If decay or damage occurs on adjacent teeth, the implant tooth isn’t affected.

 Cons:

• Takes more time to complete. Requires minor surgery and additional recovery time.
• Some insurance doesn’t cover the cost.

Remember whichever you choose, flipper, bridge or implant, you will need to maintain it just like you would your natural teeth. If you don’t maintain your restoration, they will fail and require a replacement in the future.

 

Fixed Dental Bridge

A fixed dental bridge is a non-removable prosthesis attached to remaining natural teeth. The false teeth literally bridge the gap between natural teeth. While aesthetically pleasing, bridges can present some problems, as the natural teeth on either side of the bridge must be filed down to accept the appliance. This can lead to bacterial plaque accumulations, decay, periodontal disease, and the need for future root canals.

Pros:

• Good aesthetics and functionality, it restores gaps reliably and predictably.
• Can be economical if the adjacent teeth already need fillings and dental crowns.

 Cons:

• Requires removal of significant tooth structure on adjacent teeth.
• Decay to the supporting teeth may require replacement of the entire bridge.

 

Flipper/Acrylic Partial

Flippers, or acrylic partial dentures, are made from an impression of your mouth. An acrylic plate that fits along the gum holds artificial teeth that fill in the gaps between existing teeth. This helps to prevent the remaining natural teeth from moving or loosening and enables you to smile as you normally would. The flipper is, however, intended to be a temporary solution until a bridge or implant crown is placed.

Pros:

• Least expensive, can be used temporarily and then discarded without major cost.
• Can be modified to include additional teeth as they are needed.
• Removable.

Cons:

• Often fits poorly.
• The plate is not durable. Must be removed while eating, and can break easily if dropped.
• Is meant to be temporary and can cause discomfort or shifting of teeth if worn too long.

 

To learn more about affordable denture options, contact the closest Natural Dentures & Implant Center office in Eugene, Salem, Corvallis (Newport) and Roseburg.