There are a number of options when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Why choose dental implants? Dental bridges and dentures have come a long way in reliability, function, and appearance. Why would anyone decide to have dental implants placed when quick and simple options like these exist? The reason is actually quite simple: dental implants are superior in every way to all other tooth replacement options.
Strength and Reliability
Unlike dentures, which are most often secured with adhesives, and dental bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone. Not simply placed into the bone, however, implants are covered in microscopic holes into which osteoblasts and connective tissue adhere to hold the post firmly in place. This process, known as osseointegration, is what allows a dental implant to replace a tooth’s missing root – and this function provides some of the most impressive dental implant benefits.
Because they replace the roots of missing teeth, dental implants serve to prevent structural changes to the face. Typically, when a tooth is missing, the body reabsorbs minerals around the hole for use elsewhere. The result of this is shrinkage in the jawbone and the eventual collapse of facial structure in the area surrounding the missing tooth. Dental bridges cannot prevent this. Dentures cannot prevent this. Dental implants alone act to continue signaling your body that bone is needed in the area surrounding a missing tooth. Dental implants alone will serve to protect your face against the structural changes brought about by tooth loss.
Secured with osteoblasts and connective tissue, dental implants will not come loose or fall out. Dental bridges, when secured to adjacent teeth or a plastic or metal framework can come loose and fall out. Dentures can slip, come loose, and fall out. Only dental implants can be relied upon for continuous function, even when biting and chewing, for years and years to come.
Appearance
Dental implants are used to anchor restorations in place. Most commonly, dental crowns are used for implant restorations. The crowns offered by Houston cosmetic dentist Dr. Ronald Konig are shaped, sized, and shaded to look and feel like your natural teeth. Once they have been secured to implants, they can perform all of the functions of natural teeth and continue to produce a bright and white appearance for serval years. However, if you are missing several teeth in a row or an entire arch of teeth, Dr. Konig may recommend a different type of implant restoration.
Additional options offered at our Houston office include:
- Implant supported dentures – if you are missing an entire arch of teeth, implant supported dentures may be best. These are full or partial sets of dentures that are supported by dental implants placed at strategic spots along the gum line. Options for removable and fixed dentures are available
- Implant supported dental bridge – also known as teeth in a day, implant-supported bridges can offer a fast and reliable fix for sections of missing teeth. This option is ideal in cases where support teeth exist on only one side of a missing tooth
During your initial consultation with Dr. Konig, all of your tooth replacement options will be covered in full. If individual dental implants are not the best option for your needs, Dr. Konig will cover alternatives, including implant support dentures and bridges.
Comparative Costs
Just like the cost of any high-quality service or item will be higher than less effective alternatives, the cost of dental implants is slightly higher than the cost of dentures and bridges. Cost, however, should not be the determining factor when looking at your tooth replacement options.
Dental implants last significantly longer than bridges or dentures. In fact, when cared for properly, dental implants may last forever. This means that the cost of dental implants is a one-time charge. Because dentures and bridges cannot prevent changes to jaw structure, you will need to be refitted as your jaw shrinks and collapses. This means that, while dental bridges and dentures may seem less expensive than dental implants, their lifetime maintenance costs can easily exceed the one-time cost associated with dental implants. In the long-run, dental implants are often the most cost-effective option.
Able to last a lifetime, dental implants are also the only tooth replacement option that will restore complete function and strength to the smile. Dentures rely on glue for support. Bridges rely on the strength of adjacent teeth. Dental implants act like tooth roots and are capable of performing all tasks associated with the teeth they replace.
Stronger and more reliable than other tooth replacement options, dental implants are also commonly covered by dental insurance or eligible for FSA or HSA reimbursement. If none of these things are options for you, we would be happy to discuss your dental implant financing options during your initial consultation at our Houston office.
Why Choose Dr. Konig?
Dr. Ronald Konig is a fellow at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVIF) and the American Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). He has also been awarded fellowship by the International Academy of Physiologic Aesthetics. Listed as a Top Dentist in Houston and a Houston Super Dentist since 2005, Dr. Konig is one of only 15 dentists in Texas to be a member of the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics and is an active member of both the Texas Dental Association and the American Dental Association.
Highly awarded and distinguished among Houston cosmetic dentists, Dr. Konig remains dedicated to the happiness of each of our patients. Caring, attentive, and personable, he strives to ensure each patient has the most rewarding experience while in our office and long after work has been completed. If you are looking for a full-service dental practice in Houston, we encourage you to get in touch with Dr. Konig to discuss your needs, our services, and how we can help you meet all of your oral health and beauty goals.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Konig, please call 713-668-2289. Located in Houston, we welcome patients from Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Katy, and surrounding Texas communities.
