Which Type of Tooth Replacement is Best?

Can dentures be as good as your own natural teeth? The answer is no, any tooth replacements can never be as good as your own teeth. Which type of denture is best? In terms of the closest thing to natural teeth, a dental implant is the best option followed by dental bridge and lastly a denture. So which type of tooth replacement is best for you?

There is currently 3 types of tooth replacement to choose from: denture, dental bridge and dental implant.

1. Dentures

Dentures are removable and not as natural looking and often have the tendency to shift around. Also dentures are fragile and aren’t as durable, replacements need to be made every 3 to 5 years.

2. Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is fixed and cannot be removed they are bonded to existing teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges can be made of porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials. Fixed bridges create a filler tooth that is supported by crowns placed over healthy teeth on either side of the gap in the mouth to keep the bridge in place. Dental bridges need to be replaced every 5 to 8 years.

3. Dental Implant

Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, once in place, a oral surgeon mounts a replacement tooth to the implant. A dental implant is very natural looking and does not require you to have your tooth enamel removed to fit a dental bridge. When properly cared for with good dental hygiene and dental implant can last 20 and possibly 30 years.

After briefly introducing the three possible tooth replacement options, the answer is that no replacement can be compared to your own natural teeth. However, if you must choose between the three options then the dental implant is the closest replacement for a natural tooth.