@mmwagner46,
hi. I'd take risedronate rather than the other bisphosphonates because it binds less firmly to the mineral (hydroxyapatite).
Bisphosphonates work by binding to the areas of bone that are weakest. Cells that breakdown bone are attracted to those same areas. When they try to attach to the bisphosphonate they experience cell death. Consequently the body's weakest bone is preserved which is only better than losing the bone without being able to replace it. The cells that breakdown bone summon the cells that build bone. So without these osteoclasts we lose much of the normal process of bone replacement.
Risedronate is less effective or is effective for a shorter period of time than alendronate or zoledronate, thereby allowing more of the natural process of bone replacement to occur.
I'll always be trying to get back to a medication that stimulates both bone loss and bone regeneration.