Dentures and dental implants are two of the most common options when you’re replacing missing teeth. But it can be difficult to determine which option is the right one for you. Our dentist of Laurel Smiles Dental Care, a dentist in Laurel, MD, highlights the benefits and downsides of both options.
All About Dentures
Removable dentures have been a staple of tooth replacement for a long time. Usually, they’re used to replace a full arch of missing teeth, but partial dentures are an option as well. Dentures are made up of a metal and resin base supporting plastic or ceramic teeth. Some of the best features of dentures are that they’re cheaper upfront and they don’t have a surgical element so that you can get the final restoration faster.
However, there are many downsides to dentures as well. They may be cheaper upfront, but you’ll have to pay to replace or readjust them down the line. When you lose teeth, your jawbone starts to deteriorate. Since dentures don’t replace the tooth root, the bone will continue to deteriorate. It’ll get to the point where your denture becomes uncomfortable and doesn’t fit properly.
Dentures only give you back about 30-40% of your bite function. They require adhesive to stay in your mouth. This means that certain foods aren’t going to be able to be eaten by you. The restoration may slip or fall out when you’re eating or talking. Since they’re removable, they have to be taken out at the end of the day to ensure you clean them properly.
Dental Implants: What to Know
Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. They’re made up of three different parts. First, a titanium implant post is placed in the jawbone. Next, a piece called an abutment will connect the post to the final restoration. Commonly, a dental crown will be the final restoration. However, implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.
One of the biggest issues people have with implants is the cost. They’re definitely more upfront than dentures. But you won’t incur any more costs down the line. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement that replaces the root as well as the crown. This prevents the jawbone from deteriorating further, and can even reverse some deterioration that’s already occurred.
The surgical element also makes implants take longer until you can get your final restoration. When the posts are placed in your jaw, it takes 3-6 months for them to heal and fuse with the jawbone. But this is crucial to getting the stability you’re looking for. Dental implants give you back 100% of your bite function.
Because implants give you full bite function, you don’t have to worry about avoiding certain foods or your restoration slipping or falling out. They also feel and look the most like your natural teeth. Even with advancements in dentistry, dentures are still bulky and take a learning curve to get used to. You won’t have these problems with dental implants.
Getting Implants at Your Laurel, Maryland Dentist
Do you think dental implants are a suitable choice to replace your missing teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.