Dental Implants: Best Options & Alternatives

When we say dental implants, you probably visualize your grandmother’s artificial set of teeth floating in a glass of water. These teeth are known as dentures in dental terminology.

Periodontal disease, cavities, physical and facial injuries lead to tooth loss. Getting a professional treatment and artificial teeth may boost your confidence and elevate your facial profile.

Types of Dental Implants

There is an array of options available for people with missing teeth. Let’s look at each of their uses and discover which might work best for you.

Dentures

Dentures are synthetic substitutes for teeth that are lost naturally. They are the most affordable option on this list but the least functional.

They require consistent maintenance and have a hard to stay in place nature. Furthermore, if they are ill-fitting, there is a risk of them falling out while you are speaking or eating at a social gathering.

Dentures are created with nylon, porcelain, metal or acrylic. Depending on the number of your missing teeth, you can get partial or complete dentures.

• Partial Dentures: You can get removable or non-removable partial dentures to replace one or multiple missing teeth. Partial dentures are attached with hooks and clips to keep them in place. Depending on the location, these clips may be visible while you talk or laugh.
• Traditional Complete Dentures: This type of prosthesis is practical for people who have lost all of their precious teeth after an accident or injury. They are mounted on a plate that sits inside your mouth against the gums.
• Immediate Dentures: Usually, you have to wait for about 8-12 weeks after getting your teeth removed for complete denture placement. But immediate dentures are placed the same day you get your teeth extracted.

• Implant Retained Dentures: As the name suggests, this application is supported by an implant, unlike conventional denture models. These teeth are also considered more reliable and secure than the traditional detachable technique.

Cost of Dentures

The charges may vary depending on the techniques, private treatment/NHS treatment, the number of visits and teeth getting replaced. Different packages are available, ranging from €200 to €2000, excluding the consultation and teeth extraction fee. Typically, implant-supported dentures cost a bit more than conventional, removable dentures.

Implants

The dental implant is a permanent surgical device installed in your jawbone to replace your missing teeth. It is considered the blueprint false teeth technique in dentistry. You can get them to replace a single, multiple or all of your teeth.

Dental implants are comparatively expensive but far more durable, convenient and stable than dentures. There is no slipping-out risk attached with them. Plus, the results are closest to natural teeth.

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

As we just mentioned, implants are fixed within your jawbone, so patients must have solid oral health and adequate bone to hold the implants. Plus, the patient should be willing to quit or at least reduce smoking.

Cost of Implants

In Ireland and the UK, you can get a private dental implant service between €2000-€2500. The whole package consists of root placement, component connecting and the crown.

Veneers

The secret behind the radiant smiles of the majority of Hollywood A-list celebrities is dental veneers. This thin piece of porcelain is bonded to your tooth to revamp its shape, colour and size.

Porcelain veneers can’t replace your missing teeth, but people find them a pretty appealing option for a glorious teeth makeover.

Bridges

Dental bridges are a famous alternative to dentures. They are usually created with ceramic and provide a decent amount of stability and strength.

As the name suggests, this technique fills or bridges the gap of one or multiple lost teeth with artificial teeth. They were trendy in the past, but popularity has decreased following such positive results with implants.

Cost of Bridges

Depending on the usual factors, the cost of a dental bridge lies on average between €280-€3500.

P.S.: Check out the complete list of NHS dental charges.

Final Thoughts

False teeth and their alternative options have become much more than just cosmetic devices because they don’t only serve an aesthetic purpose. They can also boost your oral health and self-confidence. So give them a chance and flaunt your dazzling smile everywhere you go.

Dental Implants: Best Options & Alternatives ~Download in PDF