What are alternatives to implants

Aug. 13, 2024

Is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants?

When considering options for tooth replacement, you have many options. Implants are the modern standard for tooth replacement, but they do have a high upfront cost, require surgery, and have a rather long healing period. Sometimes it makes sense to look for alternatives. Regardless of your choice, it is important to replace your missing teeth to keep up with your oral health, maintain confidence and stop your natural teeth from moving. The top options for implant alternatives are:

• Dentures
• Dental Bridges

We’ll walk you through these dental options, their specific options and rough price estimate, so you can make the right decision for your oral health.

Dentures

Dentures are an excellent option because they can be made with many different materials and designs. Partial Dentures: These are an excellent option for those who need one or multiple teeth replaced. ResetSmile’s partial dentures are made of Valplast resin which matches the shade of your gums and teeth for a perfect blend. Partial dentures are removable, last for about five years and have a lower price point than other dental appliances. ResetSmile’s partial dentures cost between $500 - $800. For additional information, click here.

• Complete Dentures: Also known as full dentures, these are recommended for individuals for those who need a full arch or more replaced. Full dentures are usually made of an acrylic resin, last between five and ten years and cost anywhere between $4,000 - $15,000 depending on need and location.
• Implant Supported Dentures: permanent dentures, or implant-supported dentures, have a very literal name. They are dentures that are supported by implants. By nature, they’re more permanent (and thereby more expensive) than other denture options. They require surgery to place the implants and require a healthy jawbone to stay in place. Permanent dentures porcelain or acrylic, last ten to fifteen years and cost $2,000 to $5,000 per plant.

For a more comprehensive guide to different types of dentures, click here. Dentures are an excellent solution for individuals who want to decide between something removable or relatively permanent. Some dentures can be made relatively quickly, with ResetSmile partial dentures arriving at your door within three weeks.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are fixed dental prosthetics used to replace missing teeth. They work by using the surrounding natural teeth as support. Dental bridges come in four main options:

• Traditional: a false tooth that is held in place by dental crowns that have been cemented onto nearby teeth known as ‘abutments’. This option is popular for individuals who are missing one tooth and the natural teeth surrounding the missing tooth are healthy. Traditional bridges can be made of porcelain or alloy and cost on average $2,500.
• Cantilever: similar to a traditional bridge in execution, a cantilever only requires one natural tooth next to missing tooth to create an abutment. Cantilevers are made of ceramic or metal and cost about $2,500 on average.
• Maryland: Maryland bridges differ from traditional bridges in that they use either metal or porcelain that is bonded to the back of abutment teeth. Maryland bridges are often made of resin-bonded with metal or porcelain and cost less than the other bridge options, averaging about $1,750.
• Implant-Supported: implant-supported bridges, as the name implies, use a dental implant rather than a crown. One implant is usually placed for every missing tooth. This option is considered the most durable of all bridge options, is made of porcelain, mental or other strong materials and costs about $5,500.

Regardless of the type of dental bridge, a trip to the dentist is required. Additional differences between implant and bridges can be found in our dental bridge vs implant guide.

A few factors should be considered when determining which tooth replacement option is right for you. Price, permanence, jaw health and surgical needs, are a few to keep top of mind. Should you decide partial dentures are the best option for you, ResetSmile uses dentist grade materials without the need to go to the dentist. Ready to get started? Click here.