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A friendly dentist consulting with a patient in a modern dental office, discussing alternatives to dental implants, with a digital dental scan displayed on the computer screen.
01.24.2025

5 Alternatives to Dental Implants

ClearChoice provides five alternatives to dental implants, including bridges and dentures, for your perfect smile.

A friendly dentist consulting with a patient in a modern dental office, discussing alternatives to dental implants, with a digital dental scan displayed on the computer screen.

Dental implants are an excellent restorative dentistry procedure. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Fortunately, patients have multiple alternatives to dental implants for replacing missing teeth, each offering unique benefits and considerations. This article explores restorative procedures other than dental implants to help you find the best option for your needs. If you’d like to learn more about your options for restoring your smile, schedule a ​​consultation with ClearChoice today.  


How Dental Implants Work   

Dental implants are small screws, o​ften made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the gums and jawbone to replace natural tooth roots, ​​mimicking a natural tooth’s look and function. The implant fuses to the jawbone over several months through a process called osseointegration, offering superior stability and strength. Once the site heals and the implant fuses, the dentist places a connector piece and crown on top to replace the tooth fully.  


Dental Implant Alternatives  

Dental implants can work well for many, but may not be the right solution for everyone. Here are some alternatives to dental implants for replacing teeth:  

 
1. Classic Dental Bridge  

A classic dental bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, called pontics, using surrounding natural teeth as support anchors. The bridge has tooth caps on each end, placed over support teeth after removing some enamel from them. Between the end caps are the pontics, bridging your smile’s gaps, hence the name.  
  
Classic bridges can be an effective way to replace one more adjacent missing teeth. However, they require reshaping support teeth and place extra strain on them, potentially weakening them over time.  


2. Cantilever Bridge  

​A cantilever bridge is much like a classic bridge, but only uses a cap on one end. That cap goes over one tooth, but the rest of the bridge extends across the gap with the last pontic being the other end of the bridge.  
  
Given their structure, cantilever bridges are often used when no ideal supporting tooth exists on one end of the tooth gap. However, they aren’t as strong as classic dental bridges. Therefore, dentists may use these bridges for areas with fewer biting forces.  

 
3. Maryland Bridge  

A Maryland bridge, also called a resin-bonded bridge, attaches to support teeth by bonding small metal wings to them instead of using a crown. These wings are bonded to the back of the teeth to remain invisible.  
  
Maryland bridges are less invasive and tend to be cheaper than other bridge options but offer less strength for biting forces. Dentists may recommend them for front teeth, where aesthetic appearance is a priority over chewing.  
  

4. Full Dentures  

Full dentures are removable dental devices that replace an entire arch of teeth, meaning all teeth in your upper or lower jaw. These devices are a minimally invasive way to restore your teeth’s look and function if you have significant tooth loss or severe damage across many teeth in an arch. ​​They require no surgery, only impressions and manufacture. This also means they tend to cost less than many other restorative procedures.  
  
However, some may find full dentures less comfortable because they are not biologically attached to the jaw or placed on top of and bonded to teeth. They ​require adhesives to prevent slipping. They also need additional cleaning and maintenance to prolong their lifespan, as well as periodic adjustments to make sure they fit well.  
  

5. Partial Dentures  

Partial dentures, like full dentures, are removable dental prosthetics.​ However, they help preserve existing natural teeth while replacing missing or severely damaged or decayed teeth. The dentures are held in place by clasps or brackets.   
  
Partial dentures offer a less invasive, more cost-effective option than implants and, in many cases, bridges. That said, they share downsides with full dentures, such as requiring adjustments and extra maintenance.  


Which Tooth Replacement Solution is Right for Me?   

Consider the following factors when deciding which tooth replacement solution works best for you:  
  

  • Longevity: ​Implants offer a long-term and often permanent solution. Bridges and dentures may require maintenance, adjustment, or replacement and are often less durable.
      

  • Budget: ​​Implants can be one of the most expensive procedures. Implants and bridges tend to cost less.  

  • Procedure complexity: ​​Implants require several visits and months of waiting for the implant to fuse. Bridges and dentures require fewer visits and may take only a couple of weeks or less.
    ​​​

  • Invasiveness: Implants are more invasive, followed by bridges, with dentures being the least.  

  • Comfort and function: Implants tend to be the most comfortable since they integrate with your jawbone. Bridges can also be comfortable, while dentures may not be as comfortable due to slipping.  


What Happens If I Ignore Tooth Loss?   

Not seeking dental treatment for tooth loss can appear to offer cost savings and save time in the short term. However, ignoring tooth loss can lead to costly, complex long-term problems, such as jawbone deterioration, shifting teeth, oral health problems, and speech and eating issues. 


ClearChoice Offers Affordable Dental Implants 

ClearChoice offers various financing options to make dental implants more affordable. Patients can finance a full mouth arch for as low as $148 per month, making restoring a full smile easier than ever.  
  
If you’re considering implants to replace missing teeth or want to learn more about fixing gaps in your smile, contact your local ClearChoice Dental Implant Center. Our specialists can help you understand your options and work with you to restore a happy, healthy smile.  


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Dental Implant Alternatives FAQs  

What is the cheapest way to replace missing teeth?  

Dentures are the​​ cheapest way to replace missing teeth since they only require impressions and fitting. This makes them cost-effective if you are fine with additional maintenance and ongoing adjustments.  
  

How do dentures compare to implants?  

Dentures offer a simpler procedure, minimal invasiveness, and lower cost, particularly for replacing multiple teeth. However, implants tend to be more comfortable, functional, and aesthetically appealing since they attach to and integrate with your jawbone. Your budget and preferences for comfort and appearance can help guide your decision.  
  

How long does a dental bridge last?  

Dental bridges can last 5 to 15 years.¹ The lifespan depends on the type of bridge, materials used, your oral hygiene habits, lifestyle, diet, and visiting the dentist regularly. Regular dental checkups plus good oral hygiene can go a long way in maximizing the lifespan of your bridges.  

  
How do classic dental bridges compare to Maryland bridges?  

Classic dental bridges tend to be more durable than Maryland bridges. However, they are a bit more invasive, requiring some enamel removal, and cost more. This makes classic bridges suitable for areas with higher biting forces, such as rear teeth. Meanwhile, Maryland bridges could work better for front teeth.  


Source

¹Cleveland Clinic - Dental Bridges

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(888) 486-3443Copyright © 2024 ClearChoice Management Services, LLC

ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers are locally owned and operated by licensed dentists, and are part of a professional affiliation of implant practices operated by oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and restorative dentists across the U.S. A majority of patients (and approximately 90% of Minnesota patients) qualify for same day implants and can have their procedure in one day after initial workup, without additional bone graft surgery, and may leave the office that same day with provisional prostheses and the final prostheses to be placed later. Results may vary in individual cases. Some claims made are supported by network surveys. Both general dentists and specialists in some states. Dental implants are not a recognized specialty. Dental specialists are specialists in oral maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics. Limited services available at satellite offices.

Dental implants can last a lifetime. Studies show that dental implants are likely to last at least 25 years with proper care and maintenance in most cases.

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