Missing a tooth? Or two? Or even more?
You’re in good company. As of right now, there are 178 million Americans without at least one tooth. That’s over half of the country! The good news is that there are a variety of tooth replacement options available. But here’s the thing…
Not all of these options are created equal. Some are going to last for decades while others need to be replaced every few years. Some will feel just like your natural teeth while others will slip when you’re talking and eat.
So which is right for you?
What You Will Learn
- How dental implants stack up against other tooth replacement options
- The success rates you should expect from your chosen treatment
- How to choose the right tooth replacement for your situation
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are basically artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jawbone.
On top of the implant, a crown is placed to give you a full, natural tooth replacement.
The difference with dental implants is that they fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This creates stability for the implant that makes it feel like a natural tooth.
The All on 4 clinic in Sydney offers a popular modern treatment that allows an entire arch of teeth to be supported by just four implants, making it a quicker and more affordable process than traditional implants.
Dental Implants vs Dentures
Let’s start with the most well-known alternative to implants, dentures.
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace either a full arch of teeth or just some teeth. They are made from acrylic and are placed on your gums.
But here’s the thing:
Dentures will need to be replaced every 5-10 years. Dental implants, on the other hand, can last 20+ years or even a lifetime. In fact, 4 out of 5 implants will last 20 years or longer if properly taken care of.
Dentures also don’t stimulate the jawbone. Without the stimulation, your bone begins to recede. That’s why denture wearers often complain of their face shape changing over time.
But dental implants are anchored in the jawbone and actually help prevent this resorption by stimulating it, just like natural teeth.
What about comfort?
Dentures can slip when you talk and eat. Most denture wearers need to use adhesives to hold them in place and can’t eat certain foods. Implants feel just like natural teeth. No slipping. No adhesives. No special foods.
Nearly 70% of adults prefer implants to traditional dentures because of their permanence and low maintenance.
Dental Implants vs Bridges
Ok. How about bridges?
A traditional bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring it to the teeth on either side. Crowns are placed over the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. A false tooth (or teeth) is then attached in between.
Here’s the thing:
Traditional bridges have a 10-year success rate of only 70-90%. Compare that to dental implants which have success rates of 95-98% and you can start to see the difference.
There’s more…
Bridges require that you grind down healthy teeth to place the crowns on them. Those teeth are permanently altered and more vulnerable to damage and decay.
They also don’t stop bone loss. Without a root in the empty space, the jawbone will still deteriorate and resorb.
Dental implants allow your adjacent teeth to stay completely intact. They also preserve your natural bone structure because they’re implanted directly into the jaw.
Here Are The Stats
Ok. How about some cold, hard facts?
The global failure rate of dental implants is a paltry 3.1%. Procedures like All-on-4 have an even better record. The prosthetic has a 98.8% prosthetic survival rate over 10 years, according to one study on modern dental implant techniques.
These are not just statistics. They represent real people who are getting life-changing results that will last for decades.
Approximately 3 million Americans have dental implants at this very moment. With 500,000 implants being placed each year, it’s clear the number of people using this option is on the rise.
And for good reason…
When you look at success rates, longevity, and improvement in quality of life, dental implants come out on top compared to other tooth replacement options.
The Price Tag
I know what you’re thinking…
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Dental implants must be much more expensive than dentures or bridges.”
Yes, dental implants will typically be more expensive up front. A single tooth implant will set you back from $3,000 to $4,500 or so, depending on where you live.
But here’s what most people don’t see:
Dentures need to be replaced every 5-10 years, on average. This includes the cost of adhesives, special cleaning products, and regular adjustments. Over 20 years, these expenses can add up.
Traditional bridges also typically last 5-15 years. They also compromise your healthy adjacent teeth, which may need additional work down the road.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are a one-time investment. They can last a lifetime. When you amortize that cost over decades, they often end up being the most cost-effective choice.
Not to mention what you can’t put a price tag on. The confidence of knowing your teeth aren’t going to slip and being able to eat whatever you want.
Making The Choice
So which tooth replacement option is the best?
The honest answer is that it depends on your situation.
If you have a healthy jawbone and can afford the upfront cost, dental implants are by far the best choice. They offer the highest success rates and longest lifespan. They don’t compromise your other teeth or bone structure.
If you’re a good candidate, they’re hard to beat.
Dentures are better than no teeth, of course. They might be the right choice if you need something fast and non-surgical and you’re on a tight budget. But keep in mind, you’ll need to deal with more maintenance and replacements over the years.
Bridges can also work well for single tooth replacement if you have good teeth on either side and don’t want or can’t have surgery.
The bottom line?
Talk to a qualified dentist about your options and decide which route to go. Dental implants have the most benefits, but they’re not for everyone.
Closing Thoughts
Tooth replacement technology has never been better.
With dental implants now having success rates above 95% and a lifespan that is decades longer than alternatives, more people are choosing this permanent solution over a temporary fix.
Ultimately the choice is up to you. If you care most about longevity, natural function, and minimal maintenance, dental implants are tough to beat.
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. Talk to your dentist about your options and get started on the journey to a complete, confident smile.
