What’s the Best Way to Replace My Missing Teeth?
Patients in need of functionally effective, yet aesthetically pleasing restorations have many options for tooth replacement. At Dr. Victor Oelbaum & Associates, dental implants and bridges are just two of our many treatment options to restore one or more missing teeth. While both are capable of filling spaces in your smile as well as strengthening your bite, there are distinct differences between each restoration. In determining the best tooth replacement method for you, our team takes the time to listen to your goals, evaluate every possible solution, and develop a unique treatment plan tailored to achieve your ideal outcome. Rather than conform to a one-size-fits-all approach, we are committed to openly explaining the long-term benefits, risks, and limitations of each proposed technique so patients in Bronx are able to find a one-of-a-kind solution to their dental concerns.
An Introduction to Dental Implants
In general, dental implants are distinguished by their ability to remain securely attached to the jawbone, offering the most similar look and “feel” to natural teeth. They are designed to imitate the function of a real tooth root, and therefore stimulate the jawbone just as a natural tooth would. However, implants also require oral surgery and a certain amount of bone density to properly integrate with the jawbone. For these reasons, implants may not be the best treatment option for all patients.
A Brief Overview of Dental Bridges
In some cases, those with missing teeth may benefit more from dental bridges — a natural-looking set of artificial teeth that are attached to adjacent healthy teeth via dental crowns. Bridges can fill gaps in your smile without surgery and do not require messy pastes to stay fastened. That said, a fixed dental bridge cannot stimulate bone growth like an implant does, as the restoration sits on top of the gumline rather than being surgically implanted beneath it. Fortunately, this drawback can be easily remedied with implant-supported bridges, an additional treatment option that’s designed to anchor a dental bridge to the underlying bone with implants rather than dental crowns.
Personalized Solutions for Your Smile
With dental implants, bridges, implant-supported bridges, and even implant-supported dentures acting as possible treatment options to replace missing teeth, our skilled dentists are ready to assist you in attaining the most ideal restoration(s) to achieve your dream smile. Ultimately, each technique offers its own benefits and limitations, and it takes a talented dental team to assess every possibility and advise the best course of action based on your treatment goals. No matter the complexity of your full mouth restoration, our multi-specialty team will be there to walk you through every stage of treatment.
Missing teeth can cause a range of functional difficulties, but you don’t have to live with a damaged smile forever. Contact Dr. Victor Oelbaum & Associates to schedule a consultation or to learn more about the tooth replacement options available at our Bronx practice.