The most common comparisons with dental prostheses

Most decisions about dental prostheses come down to a comparison between two options. Here they stand side by side.

Crown or filling

As long as healthy tooth wall carries the filling, it is the smaller measure. If the wall becomes too thin, it breaks – and then the crown would have been the cheaper way.

Bridge or implant

If the neighbouring teeth are healthy, much speaks for the implant. If they are crowned anyway, much speaks for the bridge. More under Bridge or implant.

Partial denture or telescopic denture

The clasp denture holds and is cheap, but the clasps can be seen. The telescopic denture sits more firmly and is inconspicuous, but costs considerably more and requires crowned abutments.

Full denture or implant denture

In the upper jaw the full denture usually holds well. In the lower jaw two implants are the difference between „it will do“ and „it holds“.

Full ceramic or metal-ceramic

In the visible area full ceramic is the finer result. At the back you pay for something nobody sees.

Repair or remake

As long as the framework and the bite are right, repairing is almost always correct. Only when the acrylic is brittle or the abutments no longer carry is a new piece of work worthwhile.