If you have missing teeth that you are looking to get replaced, dentures are one very common solution that have long been used because of their affordability. However, just because dentures are affordable does not mean they are the best or only affordable option available to you.
Dentures are not as long lasting as you might hope, and they are prone to breakage. Building a better understanding of the other options that are available to you aside from dentures can help you better identify which method of teeth replacement best fits your needs and situation.
Finding an alternative to dentures that is still affordable but offers improved security can seem like a daunting task, but there are options out there that may have what you need.
Learning more about what other methods of tooth replacement exist and what their procedures entail allows you to make the best choice for yourself, and it never hurts to consult your dentist, too, whenever you have questions, doubts, or concerns.
The Disadvantages of Conventional Dentures
From removable partial dentures to full dentures to overdentures, dentures are largely recognized as the oldest known tooth replacement options, and they are also widely known for their affordability. Made of acrylic, resin, metal clasps, and porcelain, dentures will push out your lips and the muscles in your cheeks to avoid a sunken appearance due to tooth loss, which is a big draw for patients who are self-conscious about their missing tooth. This is especially true if you need a full set of teeth, but dentures rarely look like natural teeth, and they won't last a lifetime.
Dentures come with several disadvantages.
For one thing, it can take a while to adjust to the feeling of having dentures, and the level of discomfort can vary from person to person. Additionally, dentures can make it a bit difficult to eat, especially if your dentures are removable. You may need to start carefully choosing which foods you eat and which foods you avoid just to make sure you do not do any damage to your dentures, and dentures can interfere with your speech, too.
Dentures also require a good deal of maintenance in order to keep them in good condition, and regardless of how well you care for your dentures, they are still prone to being broken or damaged. It is easy to accidentally drop your dentures when you are putting them into your mouth or removing them, and this could result in you needing to replace the denture entirely. Plus, dentures do not offer the same stability as other methods of tooth replacement, meaning they may not be nearly as functional as other options.
Even if you take great care of your false teeth, dentures will stop fitting correctly over time as your gums shrink naturally. It's important to take loose-fitting dentures to a dentist for adjustments or replacements, as ill-fitting dentures can cause jaw bone loss, plaque build-up, tooth decay, sores, or even oral cancer.
That being said, what are your other options, and what do they entail? Let’s take a look.
Comparing Options: Dentures Versus Dental Implants
One of your options when it comes to the best alternatives to dentures is dental implants, and though this method is far more expensive than dentures are, they may be more affordable in the long run because of their stability and durability.
Dental implants entail small titanium posts that mimic tooth roots and are surgically placed into your jaw, and as your mouth heals, your jawbone grows up and around the implants in order to support them. Dental implants are extremely long lasting and have a very realistic appearance and functionality, which may make them worth the high cost for some patients.
When it comes to pricing, dental implants can range in cost from around $1,000 to $6,000 per implant, which means the bill may add up quickly if you are getting multiple implants. Dentures, on the other hand, have a cost ranging from $800 to $1,500.
However, dental implants can last for around 10 years whereas traditional dentures have a general lifespan of about 5 years due to their susceptibility to damage and breakage. Dental implants are also considered to be more hygienic than dentures, more stable and secure, and even more comfortable as they do not cause the same gum discomfort that dentures are known to cause. Dental implants also work to stop your jawbone from deteriorating, which is yet another common problem with the long term use of dentures.
Implant-supported bridges and implant-supported dentures also exist, both of which also offer much better stability than conventional dentures but are more affordable than traditional implants. However, they are not a great long term or stable option for missing teeth.
If you have specific questions about certain forms of implants or any step during the implant process, you should consult your dentist for clarification regarding whether implants may be a good choice for your needs.
If dental implants sound like a great solution to you but you are missing several teeth and cannot afford to pay the high prices for traditional implants, Stabili-Teeth™ may be the perfect option for you.
Stabili-Teeth™ is a same day, lower cost solution that incorporates dental implants to give you the stability and amazing results you deserve.
Fixed Bridges or Removable Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are another common alternative to dentures, and they are recognized as being more affordable than implants but still slightly more secure than dentures.
A dental bridge fills the gaps in your mouth where your teeth are missing, and it has artificial teeth that replace your missing teeth. When choosing a tooth bridge, there are many different styles including a fixed bridge, a traditional bridge, and a removable bridge.
Generally, a bridge of any sort requires your surrounding teeth to be prepared, typically by having the abutment teeth grinded down or by having caps or crowns placed on them. These kinds of preparations ensure that the bridge can be adequately attached to your adjacent teeth, either by being cemented or bonded into place or by using clasps that clip onto your teeth such that the bridge can be removed.
Though this method is more affordable than traditional dental implants, dental bridges are not ideal for patients whose remaining teeth are healthy and who do not want to damage these remaining teeth. Additionally, bridges last around 5 to 7 years, which is not quite as long as dental implants last. Bridges can also be difficult to keep sufficiently clean, which can lead to issues with your oral health over time.
The Stabili-Teeth™ Solution
Stabili-Teeth™ is your lower cost solution with same day results. Stabili-Teeth™ itself is not a denture -- instead, Stabili-Teeth™ is a modern and streamlined solution that incorporates dental implants so you can enjoy the stability and functionality that you deserve.
Stabili-Teeth™ was created as an alternative to the traditional DENTURES AND FIXED DETACHABLES (as in Clear Choice or All-on-Four) because although dentures have their downfalls, they have been proven to work marginally, and while Fixed Detachables work great, the cost remains very high.
Stabili-Teeth™ builds off of the concepts that have been successful and improve upon the aspects of a denture that have failed in the past.
The Stabili-Teeth™ protocol allows you to leave the dentist’s office on the day of your dental implant placement with a full set of stabilized provisional teeth so that you can enjoy functional teeth at every stage during the process. Stabili-Teeth™ also comes with a 5-year warranty and free clinical exams and cleanings every 3 months for the first year after your procedure.
Even more, Stabili-Teeth™ gives you the security of implants without the high costs commonly associated with them. Stabili-Teeth™ comes at an all inclusive price of $12,500 for one full arch or $21,500 for full mouth restoration, and these prices include any necessary bone augmentation procedures, tooth extraction, and even sedation.
The final prosthetic teeth are placed once your mouth has healed from the initial procedure, and even after you receive your final prostheses, you keep the original provisional teeth as a backup option.
Stabili-Teeth™ works hard to help you bring joy back into your life by giving you the smile of your dreams.
You can get started today by filling out our free online form that asks you to describe the current condition of your teeth and oral health. This form allows our professionals to most accurately assess your needs so that we can help you get your life back.
The Bottom Line
Dentures are widely known as the oldest and longest-used method of tooth replacement, and they are also often cited for their affordability and accessibility. However, dentistry has evolved and dentures do have some downfalls. For many patients, the disadvantages of these replacement teeth outweigh the benefits. Dentures can be extremely uncomfortable for a while when you first get them fitted, and they can even interfere with your ability to speak and eat certain foods.
Even more, dentures require a lot of care to keep them clean and in good condition, and failing to clean your dentures properly can cause bacteria to build up and disrupt your oral health. Dentures are also very susceptible to breakage and damage, and generally only last around 5 years.
Dental implants and dental bridges are two alternative options for tooth replacement, with dental implants being the more expensive, but also more reliable, option of the two. Bridges, on the other hand, are somewhat affordable but only last 5 to 7 years.
If you love the idea of conventional dental implants but do not love the prices, Stabili-Teeth™ is your lower cost solution that gives you same day results and great stability.
Sources:
9 Pros and Cons of Dentures - Health Research Funding
Dentures vs Implants: What's the Best Option for Your Teeth? | Dentaly
Full Mouth Dental Implants | Perio
Dental Bridges: Who Needs Them, Types, Costs, Procedure & Care Issues | Cleveland Clinic
FAQs
What is the new alternative to dentures? ›
The most common and effective alternative to dentures is dental implants. Dental implants are titanium fixtures that are surgically inserted into your jawbone and act as anchors to hold in your replacement teeth.
What is a better option than dentures? ›Dental implants are permanent teeth replacements, and they've become a popular alternative to dentures over the past few years. While they cost more than dentures, they last longer and save you money over time. Dental implants lead to fewer visits to the dentist because they're easier to maintain compared to dentures.
What are the highest quality dentures made of? ›According to the National Institute of Health, acrylic resin, or plastic, has become the highest on-demand material for dentures. It fixes perfectly into the desired space. It is also the easiest material to adjust and is more comfortable for the patient.
What type of dentures are most natural looking? ›Custom Dentures
These dentures are made of more expensive teeth, which gives you a more natural-looking smile. One can actually see the new denture before it's completed. This denture is customized for one's smile, so it's natural looking and suits one's needs.
The Hybridge Dental System Improves the Denture Experience
Hybridge restores full dental function with the security of implant dentures, making your teeth look and feel more natural.
Dentures put pressure not only on your gums but also on the various boney ridges that are under them. This can cause reabsorption, which will result in a gradual decrease in the bone density and volume in your jaw. Bone loss and the process of reabsorption can happen quickly if dentures are worn 24/7.
Is there a difference in quality of dentures? ›Quality Denture Materials Make All The Difference
Often, higher quality means that we make dentures with choice of high grade acrylics, porcelain to simulate or match natural teeth. As a result, these dentures will last for years to come. Gum color also plays a role in how natural looking your dentures may be.
Dental crowns can give your teeth full coverage protection. These can be considered as a cheap alternative to dentures and dental implants. There are various kinds of dental crowns, such as porcelain and porcelain fused with different materials like stainless steel, metal, or gold.
Are Palateless dentures better? ›On top of that, palateless dentures are more comfortable than traditional dentures. This is because no palate touching the roof of your mouth makes it more comfortable. Besides that, this type of denture is more secure and has a more natural feeling to your natural teeth.
What do overdentures look like? ›Overdentures look like conventional dentures from the outside, but they are actually secured in your mouth by clipping or screwing onto titanium dental implants that have been placed in your jawbone. Because they clip onto a solid foundation in the form of dental implants, overdentures are more stable.
How much does it cost to get a full mouth of dental implants? ›
Full mouth dental implant procedure costs can range anywhere from roughly $7,000 to $68,000 overall. These types of implants have an average cost of around $25,000. Keep in mind that it can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $30,000 to get a top or bottom set of full mouth dental implants.
How much are snap on dentures? ›Snap-on dentures can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 in the US, depending on how many implants you get and where you go. You may be able to finance them in various ways. One of the best financing options is just to ask your dentist about payment plans, so you can spread your payments out over time.
Should I save my teeth or get dentures? ›It's usually best to save healthy natural teeth
When your natural teeth are healthy and won't compromise your oral health, it's usually best to save them. Replacing teeth with a removable appliance—a partial or full denture—has many disadvantages.