According to an epidemiological study published by the American College of Prosthodontists, an estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth.
Tooth loss leads to a variety of issues, including:
- Self-esteem issues
- Feeling uncomfortable when speaking to people
- The gap can cause your natural teeth to shift
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty eating certain foods
Because these issues can significantly impact your daily life, you should have your tooth loss treated. The two most common treatment options are a partial bridge or dental implants. Although the initial charge for a partial bridge is less expensive than dental implants, the implants have many more benefits.
#1 A Natural Appearance
Dental implants look more natural than a partial bridge. Some bridges use a metal wire to anchor the bridge to your natural teeth. If you are missing a tooth in the front, the wire will be visible.
Dental implants are drilled into the jawbone, and over time, the implant fuses to the bone. A crown is attached and dyed to match the color of your natural teeth. With no visible metal wires, dental implants look more natural than a partial bridge.
#2 Implants Are Permanent
A dental bridge needs to be removed at night when you go to sleep. In addition, you will need to replace your bridge every five years.
Because dental implants are drilled into the jawbone, the false tooth remains in your mouth all the time. Also, dental implants are designed to last your lifetime and never need to be replaced.
#3 Easy To Clean
You have to be very careful when caring for your partial bridge. If you don’t soak the bridge in a cleaning solution regularly, bacteria can build up on the bridge, causing bad breath. Also, the bacteria can affect your gums and your natural teeth.
Dental implants are much easier to care for. You brush the implant the same way you do your natural teeth, and there is no additional care necessary. As long as you brush and floss regularly, your implant and the gums around it will remain healthy.
#4 You Can Eat Whatever You Want
A partial bridge will treat your tooth loss; however, you have to give up certain types of food, some that could be your favorites. According to Very Well Health, the following foods should be avoided:
- Sticky foods
- Tough cuts of meat
- Chewing gum
- Chewy foods
- Food that requires you to bite off a piece before chewing
These types of food can damage your partial bridge, and you will need to be fit for a new one.
Because dental implants are fused into the jawbone, the implant is as strong as your natural teeth, and there are no food restrictions.
#5 Implants Won’t Affect Your Speech
If you are missing a top tooth, your partial bridge will contain a plastic part that covers the roof of your mouth. If you are missing a bottom tooth, the bridge will contain a plastic part that rests just below your bottom teeth. These plastic parts can affect your speech, causing a lisp.
Dental implants don’t need plastic parts to hold them in your mouth; therefore, your speech won’t be affected.
If you are suffering from tooth loss and want the best treatment option available, dental implants are the best option. Dental implants look and feel natural, they are easy to care for and there are no restrictions. In addition, when you consider the cost of replacing your partial bridge every five years, dental implants are the more cost-effective option.