Comparing Dental Implants With Other Tooth Replacment Therapies

How do dental implants compare with other forms of tooth replacement therapy?

	DENTAL IMPLANTS Implants offer an aesthetic and long-term solution to missing teeth	DENTURES (FULL & PARTIAL) Traditional dentures may be uncomfortable and difficult to secure in place	CROWN & BRIDGE Crown and bridge restorations involve modifying healthy adjacent teeth.
Treatment Complete In As Little As 2 To 3 Months?	YES If you meet certain criteria, implant restorations may be completed in as little as 2 to 3 months.	YES	YES
Natural-Looking Smile?	YES Implant restorations look and feel like natural teeth.	NO Metal clasps are often necessary to fasten the denture into the mouth.	YES However, in time, gum recession may expose tooth roots, diminishing the aesthetic results.
Long-Lasting Solution?	YES Implants can last a lifetime.	NO Occasional adjustments to the fit of the denture may be necessary.	NO The longevity of crown and bridge restorations can vary, with some cases requiring rework in as little as 7-10 years.
Prevents Bone Loss?	YES Implants help maintain bone volume.	NO Bone loss may occur due to the force of the dentures resting on the gum.	NO Bone can continue to be lost in areas where teeth are missing.
Improves Chewing Ability?	YES Implant restorations can restore and significantly improve chewing ability.	YES However, denture movement may occur during use	YES Although it may not be permanent, it does improve chewing ability.
Damages Adjacent Teeth?	NO Implant restorations normally do not require modification of healthy surrounding teeth.	YES Surrounding healthy teeth may require a crown or modification to help anchor the denture.	YES Healthy teeth are modified so the bridge can be cemented to them.