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dentist checking a woman's tooth damage, dental restorations Missing or damaged teeth can significantly impact your confidence, oral health, and quality of life. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several excellent restorative options to restore your smile. Understanding the differences between dental implants, dentures, and bridges can help you make an informed decision about your oral health.

Expert Care in Cary, NC

At Cary Family Dental, led by renowned Dr. Allan Acton, we understand that choosing the right restorative option is a personal decision. We proudly serve Cary, NC, and nearby communities, including Apex, Durham, Holly Springs, and the greater Raleigh area, providing comprehensive evaluations to help you make the best choice for your unique situation.

Dr. Acton and our experienced team take time to discuss your goals, budget, and lifestyle to recommend the most suitable treatment option. We use advanced technology and proven techniques to ensure optimal results, regardless of which restoration you choose.

Dental Implants: The Gold Standard

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to replace tooth roots. A crown is then attached to create a natural-looking tooth replacement.

Benefits:

  • Feel and function like natural teeth
  • Prevent bone loss in the jaw
  • Last 25+ years with proper care
  • Don’t affect adjacent healthy teeth
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Drawbacks:

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Require surgery and healing time
  • Not suitable for everyone (requires adequate bone density)
  • Process can take several months

Implants work best for patients with good overall health, adequate bone density, and one or more missing teeth who want the most durable solution.

Dentures: The Traditional Choice

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace multiple missing teeth. They can be partial (replacing some teeth) or complete (replacing all teeth in an arch).

Benefits:

  • Most affordable option initially
  • No surgery required
  • Can replace many teeth at once
  • Suitable for most patients
  • Quick treatment timeline

Drawbacks:

  • May slip or feel unstable
  • Require adhesives and special cleaning
  • Need replacement every 5-10 years
  • Can accelerate bone loss
  • May affect speech and eating

Dentures are ideal for patients with multiple missing teeth, those who aren’t candidates for surgery, or individuals seeking the most budget-friendly option.

Bridges: The Middle Ground

Dental bridges literally “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth. They consist of crowns placed on teeth adjacent to the gap, with artificial teeth suspended between them.

Benefits:

  • Fixed in place (not removable)
  • Restore normal chewing and speaking
  • Maintain facial structure
  • More affordable than implants
  • Faster treatment than implants

Drawbacks:

  • Require alteration of healthy adjacent teeth
  • Harder to clean underneath
  • May need replacement in 10-15 years
  • Don’t prevent bone loss
  • Risk of decay in supporting teeth

Bridges work well for patients with one to three consecutive missing teeth who have healthy adjacent teeth and want a fixed solution.

Making Your Decision

Several factors influence which option is best for you:

Number of missing teeth: Single teeth often benefit from implants, while multiple missing teeth may be better suited for bridges or dentures.

Oral health: Good oral hygiene and healthy gums are essential for all options but particularly important for implants.

Budget considerations: While implants cost more initially, they often provide better long-term value.

Lifestyle factors: Active individuals often prefer the stability of implants or bridges over removable dentures.

Timeline: Dentures and bridges can be completed faster than implants, which require healing time.

Damaged or Missing Teeth? Let Us Help You Find a Solution!

Don’t let missing or damaged teeth hold you back from living your best life. Schedule a consultation with Cary Family Dental today to explore your restorative options. We’ll conduct a thorough examination, discuss your preferences, and create a personalized treatment plan that restores both your smile and confidence.

Contact us today to take the first step toward your perfect smile restoration.

Contact Cary Family Dental:

919-371-4428

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

915 Kildaire Farm Rd
Cary, North Carolina
27511

 

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