The Pros and Cons: Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Implants. If you are missing teeth and seeking a permanent solution to renew your smile, you’ve probably realized that there are really only a few options. Dentures, a bridge, or dental implants can produce similar results, but the best choice is highly dependent on the patient, their health, severity of oral health issues, and budget. Each option has its own strengths and weaknesses.
What’s the Difference Between Dentures and Dental Implants?
Dentures are a removable partial or full set of teeth that are fitted to an acrylic mouthpiece
and usually held to your gums with some form of adhesive. They come in a range of materials but are designed to match both your teeth and gum color as closely as possible. If necessary, they can be used to support the natural teeth located next to wherever your missing teeth are. They require no surgical procedure to use.
Dentures pose significant drawbacks for some patients. Some bones in your jaw will begin to recede with the loss of teeth and their roots, ultimately resulting in cosmetic changes, difficulties with chewing, and other jaw-related issues. Additionally, many denture wearers struggle with the daily annoyances that accompany wearing dentures. Ill-fitting dentures can be painful, making speech and eating difficult, and may require the regular use of inconvenient adhesives and pastes.
Denture wearers can overcome all of these issues with the mini dental implants (MDIs) offered at All Smiles. Dentures can be fitted to snap into place on MDIs, which provide much-needed jaw support and entirely eliminate the previously described struggles of denture wearers. What’s more, patients who may not be eligible for traditional implants due to inadequate bone density are likely still candidates for the smaller versions used to anchor dentures.
Traditional Dental Implants
Dental implants can replace one, several, or all of your missing teeth. In terms of
aesthetics, function, and longevity, dental implants are unparalleled. Once the crown has
been placed, dental implants are cosmetically indiscernible from the surrounding teeth.
The titanium root functions in virtually the same fashion as an actual tooth root, preventing bone loss and providing exceptional stability. Maybe best of all, dental implants can, in most ways, be cared for in the same way or very similar to your natural teeth. With proper care, dental implants should last you a lifetime, and will likely outlast your natural teeth.
How Oral Health Affects the Decision
The most important factor to consider is how either dentures or implants will affect your dental health for the foreseeable future. Dentures are known to take some getting used to. It is possible for them to shift while eating and speaking if not properly secured, and many dentists may recommend a change in diet to ensure maximum comfort. In extreme cases, dentures that are not properly fitted can allow bacteria to get under or between natural teeth, causing tooth decay and other issues. Despite these issues, they may still be the best option for patients who have preexisting gum or jaw issues.
Contact our dental family
to see if dentures or dental implants are right for you. At All Smiles
, your smile is our top priority.
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