Non-Implant Cheaper Replacement Options: How do they Compare?
Have you recently lost a tooth and don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you are tired of wearing dentures and looking for better and cost-effective options or cheap implants?
Your main tooth replacement options after an extraction or tooth loss are:
- Teeth implants (last forever)
- All on 4 (uses only four implants)
- Dental bridges (lasts 5 to 7 years)
- Dentures (need to be replaced after 7-10 years)
Is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants?
Replacing missing teeth on the cheap will mean opting for more inexpensive materials that do not mimic natural teeth or function like them.
Your cheap alternative here is to choose dentures as your tooth replacement, and as many people know, dentures have many limitations.
Dentures will restrict your diet, and you will have to be careful eating certain foods as you will not have the tremendous biting force you once had.
On top of this, dentures can rub gums, come loose, and cause some embarrassing moments.
Not to mention how they do nothing to stop the deterioration of your jawbone, which has negative consequences on not only your oral health but general health too.
But, we can work with you to craft modern dentures that can be somewhat more comfortable; but the best way, if you are after cheaper treatments, is to combine them with implants. These are known as implant-retained dentures.
Combining methods with cheap implants
Alternative techniques that use implants in a more cost-efficient way include:
Immediate-loaded implants (Same-day teeth)
Teeth in a Day implants place temporary restorations on the same day as treatment; this will instantly restore bite functions.
Mini dental implants
MDIs or narrow diameter implants are smaller implants that are less than 3mm in diameter; in comparison, conventional implants are twice as large.
Mini dental implants are used to secure complete upper or lower dentures less invasive as the implants are not placed into the bone but rather on the gum.
Implant retained dentures
The only drawback of this treatment solution for tooth loss is slight movement in the dentures when eating. However, in contrast, dentures without implants will move a lot more.
Implant-supported bridges
Like a traditional dental bridge, an implant-supported bridge is not supported by natural teeth but is made more secure with dental implants.
Implant-supported bridges use fewer implants and crowns that connect to form one piece, essentially creating a bridge in the gap between neighbouring teeth.
Dental implant alternatives
- Dental bridges are false teeth held in place by dental crowns that cement onto each side of the neighbouring gap. Bridges cost around £1,200.
- Dentures cost from £750; dentures are removable false teeth made of acrylic plastic.
What happens if you do nothing?
Choosing to ignore the problem or delay treatment to replace missing teeth often comes hand-in-hand with consequences.
The most significant consequence and the main one you should be aware of is jawbone loss, which occurs due to tooth loss.
Without your tooth root, the bone is no longer stimulated by chewing and biting forces, which is essential for maintaining the bone’s mass and density.
To see how alarming this is, within just 12 months of having a missing tooth, there is typically a 25% decrease in the jawbone width.
Not only will this cause issues aesthetically, leading to problems like facial sagging and hollow cheeks, but the bone loss will affect your natural remaining teeth too.
As you lose more density, you also lose stability so that teeth might feel wobbly, and teeth have the space to drift out of position affecting your bite.
Never ignore missing teeth! Call the practice on 01992 552115 to find your ideal solution.