Fixed Teeth vs. Removable - Rapid City, SD
Consider the Options for
Restoring Your Missing Smile
Choose the Best Solution for Your Smile
If you’re among the more than 178 million Americans who is missing at least one tooth, you’ve likely experienced embarrassment and daily challenges. In the not so distant past, people who lost a tooth or multiple teeth had to settle for fixed dental bridges or conventional dentures. If you’re struggling with missing teeth or the downsides of conventional dentures, the good news is you have far more options today. Dental implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with underlying bone over the course of several months. Once they integrate with your jawbone, dental implants function like the roots of biological teeth to provide strong support for replacement crowns. Dental implants are the most versatile tooth replacement because they can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full arch lost to trauma, decay or gum disease. From single implants to removable and fixed implant supported dentures, our implant dentist Dr. Carpenter provides a wide range of dental implants in Rapid City, SD that will restore your smile, health and quality of life!
Comparing Fixed Teeth Vs. Removable
In general, the two options for replacing missing teeth are fixed and removable. Although dentures may seem like a cost-effective and quick solution to remedy tooth loss, they come with downsides. Dentures can fall out, click or slip and require messy adhesive and removal for cleaning. Gum tissue irritation and trouble eating and speaking are common issues experienced by conventional denture wearers. Because dentures sit on top of your gums, they don’t stimulate the underlying bone. Bone loss progresses unchecked and can lead to the characteristic “sunken-in” look many people associate with dentures. Implants for dentures are an upgrade that eliminate many of these issues. Removable implant supported dentures in Rapid City, SD stabilized by two or more dental implants can restore 60% of dental function. Implant supported dentures can also be designed as a fixed prosthesis that is only removable by a dental professional. If you’re looking for permanent dentures, the latter is your best option.
Full mouth dental implants in Rapid City, SD consist of a fixed prosthetic bridge of teeth permanently supported by four to eight dental implants. Unlike dentures, full mouth dental implants stimulate bone growth and prevent undesirable changes to your facial structure. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, full mouth dental implants are designed to be long lasting. They’re more comfortable and stable than conventional dentures, thereby restoring over 98% of function and enabling you to eat all the foods you love.
Traditional Dentures
Made from acrylic (plastic)
Offers minimal support
Will need relines and repairs
Often loosens or falls out
Does not halt jawbone loss
Must be removed to clean
May be bulky or ill-fitting
Low-cost treatment option
Qualifies for dental financing
Implant Supported Dentures
Made from acrylic or porcelain
Support from 2+ implants
May need relines or repairs
Won’t slip, loosen, or fall out
Greater stability for eating
Removable for easy cleaning
Improves jawbone health
May not look or feel natural
Moderate treatment cost
Qualifies for dental financing
Full Arch Fixed Teeth
Designed from block of zirconia
Fixed to 4-8 implants
Comparable to natural teeth
Restores over 98% function
Promotes healthy jawbone
Resistant to bacteria and decay
Fracture- and chip-resistant
Improves oral and overall health
Cared for like natural teeth
No additional maintenance
Highest treatment cost
Qualifies for dental financing
Get Pricing And Options For Treatment
Invest in a Long-Term Dream Smile
Although they come with a higher upfront cost, dental implants are a cost-effective treatment when you consider they can provide decades or even a lifetime of oral health and happiness, with proper care. The cost of dental implants is based on necessary preliminary treatments and your customized treatment plan. Fixed full mouth dental implants cost more than removable implant supported dentures. Although most insurance companies don’t provide coverage for dental implants, some may partially pay for the crown component. At Carpenter Dental, we want everyone to enjoy the life-changing benefits of dental implants, so we offer top-rated third-party financing to make them more affordable.
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