Both dentures and dental implants are common ways to deal with missing teeth. But how do you know which one is the right choice for you? Dr. Leah Butler of Butler Family Dentistry, a dentist in Strongsville, OH, describes the benefits and downsides to both.
What to Know About Dentures
Dentures are usually used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, but partial dentures are also available. They’re made of a resin and metal base that supports plastic or ceramic teeth. Some of the benefits of dentures include that they’re cheaper to obtain upfront and you also can get them quicker since they don’t have a surgical element.
However, dentures come with many drawbacks as well. When you lose teeth, your jawbone starts to deteriorate in those areas. Since dentures don’t replace the tooth root, the jawbone continues to deteriorate even with the restoration. This leads to your denture becoming ill-fitting and hard to use, meaning you’ll need it to be readjusted or replaced.
Removable dentures also only give you back about 30-40% of your bite function. Certain foods will have to be eliminated from your diet. They require adhesive to stay in your mouth, running a risk of them slipping or falling out when you’re eating or speaking. Since they’re removable, they’ll also have to be taken out at the end of the day for a thorough cleaning.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are often considered the gold standard of 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 is placed to attach the post to the final restoration. The final dental restoration is typically a dental crown, but dental implants can also support fixed bridges and dentures.
One of the biggest fears people have with dental implants is the cost. You’ll definitely pay more upfront for implants. However, you won’t incur further costs down the road. Dental implants are the only restoration that replaces the tooth root. This prevents the jawbone from further deterioration. It can also help to reverse deterioration that’s already been done.
Implants also take longer because of the surgical element. After the implant posts are placed, they’ll require 3-6 months of healing time. But this is so the post fuses with the jawbone, giving implants the stability they’re known for. They give you back 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to eliminate anything from your diet or worry about the restoration falling out.
Even with advances in dentistry, dentures are still bulky and require a learning curve to get used to. Dental implants don’t have this problem. They both look and feel the most natural when it comes to tooth replacement. They don’t have any extra maintenance required, either. Simply brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly!
Tooth Replacement at Your Strongsville, Ohio Dentist
Complete your smile and replace your missing teeth. Call us or schedule a consultation online!